House Democrats are finally playing hardball in their role as a minority party, putting the onus on Republicans to find the votes within their own conference to pass legislation.

Their newfound edge forced the GOP’s hand in the fiscal cliff showdown, helping bring down Speaker John A. Boehner’s “plan B” legislation as well as Tuesday’s failed GOP effort to amend the Senate-passed fiscal cliff deal.

The 112th Congress was full of instances where Democrats helped Republicans pass big-ticket items. On the debt ceiling deal, payroll tax holiday extension and other bills, dozens of Republicans defected, but the legislation still passed.

If House Democrats stay united in future battles, the dynamic could keep the focus on whether Boehner has control of his conference, which will shrink with the 113th Congress.

“No doubt, this is hardball. It’s an effort to take our votes and use them wisely, either to withhold or to give,” said Democratic Rep. Elijah E. Cummings of Maryland, the ranking member on the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee.