Cloture

Definition

Cloture is a parliamentary procedure used to end a filibuster or bring a debate to a close, allowing the legislative body to proceed to a vote. It is significant in both federal and state legislative processes, as it provides a mechanism to manage extended discussions and ensures that legislation can be passed efficiently. Cloture requires a specific number of votes, which varies between federal and state levels, highlighting its role in the balance of power within legislative bodies.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In the U.S. Senate, invoking cloture requires 60 votes to limit further debate on most topics, making it a key tool for overcoming filibusters.
2. Different state legislatures may have their own rules regarding cloture, with varying thresholds for how many votes are needed to end debate.
3. Cloture can only be invoked after at least 30 hours of debate have occurred on the matter at hand in the Senate.
4. The cloture motion allows the Senate to maintain its tradition of extended debate while also preventing indefinite delays on critical legislation.
5. The use of cloture has increased over the years, reflecting the growing partisanship and the frequency of filibusters in modern legislative practice.

Review Questions

• How does cloture function as a mechanism within legislative bodies to manage debate?
  • Cloture serves as an essential mechanism that allows legislative bodies to manage debate effectively by providing a method to limit discussion time on contentious issues. When invoked, it brings an end to extended debate, like a filibuster, ensuring that lawmakers can proceed to vote on critical legislation. This balance between allowing ample discussion and ensuring legislative efficiency is crucial for maintaining order within both federal and state legislatures.
• Compare and contrast the requirements for invoking cloture in the U.S. Senate versus various state legislatures.
  • In the U.S. Senate, invoking cloture requires a supermajority of 60 votes out of 100 to limit further debate on most issues. In contrast, state legislatures may have different thresholds or procedures for cloture, with some requiring a simple majority or varying supermajorities depending on the state rules. This difference highlights how legislative rules can impact the dynamics of debate and decision-making across different levels of government.
• Evaluate the implications of increased reliance on cloture in contemporary legislative practices and its effects on bipartisan cooperation.
  • The growing reliance on cloture reflects a significant shift in contemporary legislative practices characterized by heightened partisanship and frequent filibusters. As legislators increasingly resort to cloture to overcome delays, this trend can lead to less open debate and diminished opportunities for bipartisan cooperation. The implications are profound; while cloture allows for quicker resolution of issues, it may also contribute to polarization by limiting dialogue and consensus-building among lawmakers.

Related terms

Filibuster: A tactic used in legislative bodies to delay or prevent a vote on a bill by extending debate, often requiring extensive speaking or procedural maneuvers.

Supermajority: A voting requirement that exceeds a simple majority, often necessary for invoking cloture in the Senate, typically requiring 60 out of 100 votes.

Legislative Procedure: The established rules and processes that govern how laws are proposed, debated, and enacted within a legislative body.