Filibuster

Definition

A filibuster is a legislative tactic used in the United States Senate to delay or block a vote on a proposed piece of legislation by extending debate on the measure. This maneuver often involves senators making long speeches or introducing numerous amendments to prolong discussion, effectively preventing the bill from being brought to a vote. The filibuster has been notably used in the context of civil rights legislation, particularly during the struggles surrounding the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. During the debates over the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Southern senators employed filibusters to oppose the legislation aimed at ending segregation and discrimination.
2. The longest recorded filibuster was conducted by Senator Strom Thurmond in 1957, lasting over 24 hours as he attempted to block civil rights legislation.
3. Filibusters have been a contentious issue in American politics, with ongoing debates about their necessity and the implications for democratic governance.
4. In 1975, the Senate reduced the number of votes required for cloture from 67 to 60, making it easier to overcome filibusters but also leading to more frequent use of this tactic.
5. The use of filibusters has significantly impacted key civil rights legislation, demonstrating how minority party members can use this tactic to delay or derail crucial reforms.

Review Questions

• How did the use of filibusters influence the passage of civil rights legislation in the 1960s?
  • Filibusters played a crucial role in influencing the passage of civil rights legislation during the 1960s by allowing opposition senators, particularly from Southern states, to delay or obstruct bills like the Civil Rights Act of 1964. These extended debates not only stalled legislative progress but also brought national attention to the contentious issues surrounding civil rights. Ultimately, overcoming these filibusters required strategic political maneuvering and coalition-building among supporters of civil rights.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of the cloture procedure in relation to filibusters and its impact on legislative outcomes during the civil rights era.
  • The cloture procedure was implemented as a response to frequent filibusters and allowed for a more efficient legislative process by enabling the Senate to end prolonged debates with a supermajority vote. During the civil rights era, this mechanism became essential for overcoming filibusters that threatened critical legislation aimed at promoting equality. While cloture effectively curtailed some filibuster attempts, it also highlighted ongoing tensions between majority rule and minority rights within legislative processes.
• Analyze how the historical use of filibusters has shaped contemporary debates about their role in American democracy.
  • The historical use of filibusters, especially during pivotal moments like the fight for civil rights, has significantly shaped contemporary debates about their role in American democracy. Critics argue that filibusters can undermine democratic principles by allowing a minority to thwart majority-supported legislation, while proponents contend that they protect minority interests and encourage consensus-building. This ongoing discourse reflects broader tensions in American politics about representation, governance, and how best to balance competing interests within a diverse society.

Related terms

Cloture: Cloture is a procedure used in the Senate to end a filibuster and bring a bill to a vote, requiring a supermajority of 60 votes.

Civil Rights Movement: The Civil Rights Movement was a social movement aimed at ending racial discrimination and promoting equal rights for African Americans during the 1950s and 1960s.

Legislation: Legislation refers to laws that are proposed and enacted by legislative bodies, such as Congress, to govern various aspects of society.