The Filibuster

Abstract

In this research paper the focus will be on the growing issue of Filibuster, which is quite observed in the American Government. The literal meaning of the term is the extension of the period taken for a bill to become a law. This research paper will also discuss the origin and the history of its application, while also taking in consideration the arguments made for keeping it or modifying it. There will also be a discussion on whether the U.S Senate should no longer allow filibuster and if they decide to eliminate its use what will be the consequences.

The FiliBuster

Introduction

Almost every day in the United Stated new laws are brought forward on the table and await approval, as there are high probabilities of the law being disapproved. The reason why the waiting period is so long is because of the rigorous and strict procedure followed. This procedure analyzes every aspect of the bill and if the bill is approved, it is considered to be a huge achievement, as it takes a lot for everyone to give their positive consent. Filibuster has become a unique issue in the in the American Senate, since its massive use to derail bills. On the other hand minority parties use it as their special tool to safeguard their views and demands from being rejected but on the other side it is considered as the greatest challenge by the majority parties. The filibuster has come a long way since its origin.

Discussion

The origin of this word comes from a Spanish word filibustero. In the mid are of the nineteenth century numerous groups developed in America acclaiming to be revolutionist and travelled to West Indies and Central America and initiated revolution. These groups then later on were called filibusters in English. One of the first practitioners of this tactic was Cato the Younger, the Roman senator who would speak continuously until night to obstruct the measure. In 1789, the U.S senate formed certain rules e.g. 'to move the previous question' to reach to a conclusion at the earliest moving towards the procedure of voting. In 1806 it was concluded that the rules and regulations laid earlier were redundant and needed to be changed. Because there were no alternative methods provided to terminate a debate, this led to a potential for a filibuster, then widely used for the blocking and delay of votes. The first occurrence of this tactic in the senate was in 1837 between Senator Henry Clay who tried to finish the debate with the use of majority votes, but William R.King triggered a filibuster asking for a delay and hence got an approval for his proposal.

Later in 1917 the democratic Senate adopted a rule which allowed cloture of debate thus ending the filibuster (Party Division in the Senate, 1789). However in 1930 the regulation was over ruled as filibuster was repeatedly used by Senator Huey Long. A very popular use of filibuster was in 1946, where Southern Senators didn't accept any arguments or debate ...