Filibuster

Definition

A filibuster is a legislative tactic used to delay or prevent a vote on a bill by extending debate or using other procedural maneuvers. This technique is often associated with the U.S. Senate, where it can be used to block civil rights legislation, reflecting the political and social resistance that arose during the civil rights movement. Filibusters can significantly impact the legislative process, making it a powerful tool for those opposing reforms.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The use of filibusters was prominent during the debates over civil rights legislation in the 1960s, as some senators sought to block reforms aimed at ending racial discrimination.
2. In 1964, Senator Strom Thurmond famously conducted a 24-hour filibuster against the Civil Rights Act, which highlighted the lengths some lawmakers would go to resist social change.
3. Filibusters require a minimum of 60 votes to invoke cloture and end the debate, which can make it extremely challenging for majoritarian reforms to pass.
4. The practice of filibustering has evolved over time, with modern interpretations allowing for less active forms of delay that don't involve continuous speaking.
5. The debate around filibusters remains relevant today as discussions about their reform or elimination arise in the context of current legislative battles over civil rights and other significant issues.

Review Questions

• How did filibusters serve as a tool for political resistance during the civil rights movement?
  • Filibusters were used by some senators to delay or block civil rights legislation during the 1960s. By extending debate or engaging in lengthy speeches, opponents of civil rights reforms aimed to prevent important changes that addressed racial discrimination. This tactic highlighted the political resistance against the progress being sought by civil rights advocates and demonstrated how legislative procedures could be manipulated to uphold systemic racism.
• What impact did the famous filibuster by Senator Strom Thurmond have on public perception and legislative action regarding civil rights?
  • Senator Strom Thurmond's record-setting filibuster against the Civil Rights Act of 1964 brought significant public attention to the lengths some politicians would go to resist civil rights reforms. It exposed the deep-seated opposition within parts of Congress toward ending racial segregation and discrimination. This high-profile act not only galvanized support for civil rights but also underscored the contentious nature of legislative battles during this pivotal period in American history.
• Evaluate the ongoing relevance of filibusters in contemporary legislative practices regarding civil rights and social justice issues.
  • Filibusters continue to play a crucial role in contemporary legislative practices, particularly concerning civil rights and social justice. As political polarization increases, some lawmakers use filibusters to obstruct progress on vital legislation aimed at addressing systemic inequalities. The ongoing debates about reforming or eliminating the filibuster reflect broader discussions about how democracy functions and whether procedural tactics should hinder necessary social change. This raises important questions about the balance between minority rights and majority rule in shaping policies that promote equality.

Related terms

Cloture: 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 Act: A landmark piece of legislation passed in 1964 that aimed to eliminate discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.

Jim Crow Laws: State and local laws that enforced racial segregation and disenfranchised African Americans in the southern United States from the late 19th century until the mid-20th century.