Filibuster & Cloture in the Senate

What is a filibuster in the United States Senate?

• A parliamentary motion to end debate

• A legislative tactic to delay or prevent a vote on a bill

• A procedural rule to expedite cloture

• A method to fast-track budget bills

How many senators are required to invoke cloture and end a filibuster?

• A simple majority (51 out of 100 senators)

• Two-thirds of the Senators voting

• Three-fifths of the Senators duly chosen and sworn (usually 60 out of 100 senators)

• A unanimous vote of all senators

In 1917, what event led to the adoption of a rule allowing cloture of debate in the Democratic Senate?

• The passage of the Civil Rights Act

• The urging of President Woodrow Wilson

• The filibuster against the Tidelands Oil legislation

• The 75-hour filibuster in the 1960s

Who set a filibuster record in 1953 by speaking for 22 hours and 26 minutes protesting the Tidelands Oil legislation?

• Senator Huey Long

• Senator Robert Byrd

• Senator Wayne Morse

• Senator Strom Thurmond

How did Senator Huey Long entertain spectators during his filibuster in the 1930s?

• Reciting Shakespeare

• Reading recipes for 'pot-likkers'

• Performing magic tricks

• Playing musical instruments

In 1975, what change did the Democratic-controlled Senate make to the cloture rule?

• Increased the required majority to two-thirds

• Reduced the necessary supermajority to three-fifths

• Eliminated the cloture rule entirely

• Allowed cloture only for Senate Rule changes

What is the purpose of a quorum call in the Senate?

• To establish the presence of a constitutional quorum

• To end debate on a bill

• To force a vote on cloture

• To filibuster the motion to proceed to a bill

What is the minimum number of senators required to sign a petition for cloture?

• Twelve

• Sixteen

• Twenty

• Thirty

How long is the cloture petition ignored after it is filed?

• One legislative day

• Two calendar days

• Three business days

• One full week

Which Congress broke the record for cloture votes, reaching 112 at the end of 2008?

• 105th Congress

• 110th Congress

• 115th Congress

• 120th Congress