Understanding the Filibuster in the U.S. Senate

What is the primary purpose of a filibuster in the U.S. Senate?

• To increase the number of bills passed

• To expedite the voting process

• To delay or prevent a bill from being passed

• To ensure unanimous consent

What was the 'previous question' rule that existed before 1806?

• A method to bypass the filibuster

• A requirement for a two-thirds majority to pass a bill

• A process to end debate and vote by simple majority

• A rule to allow unlimited debate

Why did President Woodrow Wilson urge the Senate to create a cloture rule during World War I?

• To prevent the passage of anti-war legislation

• To allow for more debate on bills

• To end a filibuster blocking important legislation

• To increase the number of Senators required for a vote

What change did the Senate make to the filibuster rules in 1975?

• They eliminated the filibuster entirely

• They required a simple majority for cloture

• They changed the cloture requirement to three-fifths of Senators

• They introduced the silent filibuster

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

• A way to eliminate the filibuster for certain matters with a simple majority

• A requirement for a unanimous vote to pass a bill

• A tactic to delay a bill indefinitely

• A method to expedite the voting process