What is a filibuster?

• A. Executive branch power to veto legislation.
• B. Senate's power to 'talk a bill to death' to stall the vote.
• C. Judicial branch power to strike down laws.
• D. Process by which bills are fast-tracked.

Answer: (B)

Filibuster is a Senate tactic used to delay or block a vote on a bill by extending debate. The idea is to stall legislation, often through lengthy speeches or procedural maneuvers, until supporters back down or a rule like cloture is invoked to end the debate. In practice, ending a filibuster usually requires a cloture vote that typically needs a supermajority (about 60 votes) to proceed to final passage. This mechanism is specific to the Senate and does not involve the President’s power to veto, the judiciary’s power to strike down laws, or a fast-tracking process for bills.