Advantages And Disadvantages Of Filibuster

Before I begin, I believe it is important to explain what a filibuster is prior to explaining the advantages and disadvantages. In 1789 both the House and the Senate had identical rule books which included a rule known as the “previous question” motion. This motion allowed a simple majority to stop debate. Today the House of Representative still utilizes this rule however the Senate does not have this rule on their books any longer. Thus, the filibuster is only utilized in the Senate. When one of more United State Senators debates with the intention to slow down the progress on a specific bill or nomination, this is called a filibuster.
Over the years, there have been several proposals by both parties to reform the filibuster rule. For example, in 2011, Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Tom Herkin (D-IA), and Tom Udall (D-NM) proposed changes, and if accepted would have given the Senate Majority Leader unprecedented power and at the same time lessen the individual power of senators. Another major disadvantage of other unwise attempts to chip away at the filibuster rule would end debate and or block the amendment process, to include diminish transparency and give way to and encourage corruption.
Although the filibuster rules allow all Senators representing all 50 states the opportunity to participate in every piece of
With hastily debated bills and nominations moving quickly through the Senate, the average citizen would have less or no time to read and understand the ramifications of the legislation. Limit their ability to communicate their views on contentious bills or nominees to their elected representatives. Simply put the filibuster rule provides another layer of protection for the rights of the American people, ensuring they have the opportunity to have a voice in the laws that govern them, this is clearly an