Filibuster in the United States Senate

High school (ages 12+)
Geography

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Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/filibuster-in-the-united-states-senate

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the primary procedural function?A tactic to delay or block legislative action through extended debate
2. What is the cloture threshold (legislation)?Requires 60 out of 100 senators to end debate

Filibuster: A tactic in the U.S. Senate where a senator prolongs debate to prevent a vote on a bill or nomination.
Cloture: A Senate procedure to end debate on a measure, requiring a supermajority vote of 60 senators for most issues.
Supermajority: A vote requirement exceeding a simple majority, such as three-fifths (60 votes) or two-thirds.
Nuclear Option: A parliamentary maneuver to change Senate rules, such as the cloture threshold, with a simple majority vote.