Why Bills Die in the U.S. Senate

The video explores the history and impact of the filibuster in the US Senate, starting with Aaron Burr's removal of the previous question motion in 1805. It traces the evolution of the filibuster, the introduction of cloture in 1917, and subsequent changes to Senate rules. The video highlights how the filibuster has made it increasingly difficult to pass significant legislation, with the Affordable Care Act being one of the last major laws passed. The filibuster's role in promoting debate and protecting minority interests is discussed, alongside its unintended consequences.

What was the main reason Aaron Burr influenced the removal of the previous question motion in the Senate?

• He wanted to prevent debates from being cut off.

• He aimed to reduce the number of bills passed.

• He believed it would make Senate proceedings smoother.

• He wanted to increase the power of the minority party.

What was the original meaning of the term 'filibuster'?

• A method to expedite Senate debates.

• A term for pirates in the 1700s.

• A rule to ensure majority rule in the Senate.

• A legislative tactic to delay votes.

What significant change did the Senate make to the cloture rule in 1975?

• They eliminated the cloture rule entirely.

• They reduced the supermajority requirement to 3/5.

• They increased the supermajority requirement to 3/4.

• They allowed cloture to be invoked by a simple majority.

Which historical figure set the record for the longest solo filibuster in the Senate?

• Jefferson Smith

• Strom Thurmond

• Aaron Burr

• Huey Long

What is the 'nuclear option' in the context of the U.S. Senate?

• A tactic to delay votes indefinitely.

• A simple majority vote to override a filibuster.

• A method to end filibusters using military force.

• A rule requiring unanimous consent to pass a bill.

Why has it become increasingly difficult for the Senate to pass significant laws since the 1970s?

• The Senate has been less active in recent years.

• The majority party has lost interest in passing laws.

• The filibuster has become more powerful and frequent.

• There are fewer Senators willing to debate.

What is a 'silent filibuster' in the Senate?

• A filibuster that occurs without any debate.

• A filibuster that requires Senators to remain silent.

• A tactic where Senators can delay a bill without being present.

• A method to pass bills without opposition.

What was the last major law passed by the Senate that required overcoming a filibuster?

• The Treaty of Versailles

• The Affordable Care Act (Obamacare)

• The Civil Rights Act of 1964

• The National Bank Charter

What was the original purpose of the filibuster according to its defenders?

• To ensure one-party rule in the Senate.

• To promote compromise and protect minority interests.

• To prevent any new laws from being passed.

• To expedite the legislative process.

What did the Founding Fathers warn about regarding supermajorities?

• They believed supermajorities would lead to efficient governance.

• They warned it could prevent bills from being passed.

• They thought it would strengthen the executive branch.

• They advocated for supermajorities in all legislative decisions.