Question

How does the filibuster affect the workings of Congress, positively and negatively?

Answer 1

Filibuster is a tactic used in the U.S. Senate to prevent a measure from being put through obstruction to a vote. The most popular method happens when one or more senators attempt to postpone or block a bill vote by extending the measure's debate. The rules of the Senate allow a senator, or a group of senators, to talk for as long as they wish, and on whatever subject they choose, until "three-fifths of the duly elected and sworn Senators" (usually 60 out of 100) vote to bring the discussion to a close by invoking a clot under Senate Rule XXII.

Some consider the filibuster a good thing, a tactic that preserves minority rights and ensures that issues are carefully considered. It can certainly foster hospitality. The majority party may seek to shape a bill so that it is not blocked by a filibuster by a substantial minority of Senators.

But others denounce the filibuster as being intrinsically undemocratic. They feel that it lets the minority dictate to the majority. An actual, extended debate is wasting time on other matters. And the compromises made by senators to avoid a filibuster may be bad ones to placate a single senator.