What is filibustering?

Filibustering is a political procedure used primarily in legislative bodies, such as the United States Senate, to delay or block a vote on a proposed piece of legislation. It involves one or more members speaking for an extended period of time or using other tactics to prevent the legislative process from moving forward. The goal of a filibuster is often to force the majority to negotiate, amend the bill, or abandon it altogether. Traditionally, a filibuster consists of a senator giving a prolonged speech, sometimes lasting hours, to hold the floor and prevent a vote. However, modern filibusters can also be maintained simply by the threat of extended debate, since many legislatures have rules requiring a supermajority (for example, 60 out of 100 senators in the U.S. Senate) to end debate and proceed to a vote. This means a minority group can effectively block legislation unless they can be persuaded to relent. Filibustering is controversial because defenders argue it protects minority rights and encourages thorough debate, while critics say it can be abused to obstruct legislative progress and contribute to gridlock. Different countries and legislative bodies have various rules governing filibusters and debate limits.