Week 6

Question 1

Filibuster in constitution

Answer 1

No mention of a super majority requirement to limit debate or pass legislation and approve nominees

• article 1 section 5 states “each house may determine the rules of its proceedings..”

Question 2

Senates tradition of unlimited debate

Answer 2

• no rule that let the majority end debate and force vote = tradition of unlimited debate developed
• unlimited by time and substance

Question 3

Woodrow Wilson

Answer 3

The filibuster often rendered the government “helpless and contemptible”

Question 4

At Woodrow Wilson’s Irving the cloture rule was adopted in 1917

Answer 4

Empowering a 2/3rds super majority to limit debate and force a vote

Question 5

How does the filibuster work?

Answer 5

Without unanimous consent agreement, 1 or more senators may conduct filibuster by extending debate and preventing final vote

Question 6

The mere threat of a filibuster can

Answer 6

Be effective to block action and/or increase negotiating leverage

• requires 60 votes to invoke cloture and limit debate (except nominations)
• some statutes limit debate and therefore prevent filibusters

Question 7

Filibuster

Answer 7

A unique senatorial procedure that allows senators to engage in extended discussion in attempt to delay, modify or defeat legislation in the floor

Question 8

Longest filibuster

Answer 8

Storm Thurmond 24 hours 1957

Question 9

Most measures can be subject to at least two primary filibusters

Answer 9

1. One in the motion to take up the legislation

2. The second on the consideration of the bill itself

Question 10

Filibustering happening how often these days?

Answer 10

Nearly weekly