If the Senate’s governing principle can be reduced to this, “Saying no is easier than saying yes,” then it makes sense that leading the caucus so often focused on stopping stuff is much less demanding than being in charge of the group that’s always held responsible for getting things done.

Six men have personified this lesson during the past 40 years, former senators who had both responsibilities while they were floor leaders. For Democrats Robert C. Byrd, Tom Daschle and Harry Reid, as well as for Republicans Howard H. Baker Jr., Trent Lott and Bob Dole, solid arguments can be made that their stewardships were much more successful as minority leaders than as majority leaders.

The same is on course to come true for Mitch McConnell — although, to be fair, he’s not done being majority leader yet, so his record in that job has a theoretical shot at equaling or exceeding the solid performance he turned in during eight years shepherding a Republican minority.

All of which leads to the breakout senatorial star of the season.

Charles E. Schumer, who spent his first eight months as Democratic leader operating successfully from the “just say no” manual, has transformed this fall’s congressional dynamic with an altogether different maneuver.