The Filibuster

The filibuster is a very important and unique issue in American government. The filibuster is used by the Senate to slow up or derail bills. It is also used to block judicial nominees, threatened most recently to be used against Judge Alito. It is a very strong tool especially to the minority party. The minority can use it to make a point or to try and get their way.

Filibusters can be a very strong tool for the minority in the Senate. A Senator or his or her minority party can block the full Senate consideration of a bill or a nomination by unlimited debate of the proposal. This is especially important to the Senate if there is only 50-59 Senators that are in favor of passing a bill. This is because of the rule of cloture. A filibuster can be ended in the Senate by a cloture vote which is 60 of the 100 Senators voting to end the filibuster and take the bill or nomination to a final vote. The use of the filibuster by the minority party in the Senate ensures the minority party representation in the Senate. No limitations should be set on its use because it would threaten debate and free speech in the senate.

The filibuster is a very intriguing part of the U.S. legislative process. It is one of the most interesting parts of government. It has a very deep and continuing tradition. The importance of this rule will always show its affects. This rule can only be of a help to the American government and its people. The use and the threat of a filibuster keeps the two party system in check. Without it we would live every four years in an America radically shaped to the views of the majority party in Congress. The filibuster is a cornerstone in the power of the minority party.