The Filibuster: A Featured Controversy from Issues & Controversies

The Filibuster: A Featured Controversy from Issues & Controversies

Featured in Issues & Controversies:
THE FILIBUSTER: Should the U.S. Senate Abolish the Filibuster?

Should the U.S. Senate eliminate the filibuster? Be sure to check out Issues & Controversies’ complete and unbiased coverage of this divisive issue. Here is a sample of the pro/con arguments on both sides of the issue.

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SUPPORTERS ARGUE
Unprincipled filibustering has spawned gridlock at a time when the country needs Congress to take bold action. Republicans have shamelessly and routinely used the tactic to obstruct bills that enjoy the support of most Americans, frustrating the will of the people and preventing vital legislation from passing. The filibuster must go.

OPPONENTS ARGUE
Abolishing the filibuster will increase partisanship and discourage the cooperation and compromise that is necessary for democracy to function. The founders envisioned the Senate as a deliberative and collaborative body, not one in which the majority would routinely steamroll the concerns of the minority. The filibuster must stay.

The pro/con article links to rich related resources that enhance the debate. Students and researchers can explore the “By the Numbers” data, primary sources that provide context, debate videos, NPR podcasts, editorials, a Reuters® newsfeed, a chronology, and a bibliography and further resources. Plus, discussion questions are provided to inspire critical thinking and analysis.

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