What is a filibuster and where is it used?

• A. A method used by the House to block a bill.
• B. A tactic used in the Senate to end debate and force a vote.
• C. A prolonged speech or delay tactic used in the U.S. Senate to prevent or delay a vote on legislation.
• D. A presidential order delaying a policy decision.

Answer: (C)

A filibuster is a prolonged speech or delay tactic used in the United States Senate to prevent or delay a vote on legislation. It takes advantage of the Senate’s rules, which allow debate to continue unless a motion to end it—cloture—is adopted. To stop a filibuster and move to a vote, the Senate typically requires a supermajority, often 60 votes, to invoke cloture. This tool is specific to the Senate and isn’t used by the House, where procedures are different and bills can generally be moved to a vote more quickly. It’s not a presidential order delaying a policy decision.