Gridlock
Legislative gridlock is difficulty advancing legislation when the lawmaking process encounters collective-action problems. A Senate filibuster can also delay or block legislative action.
Legislative gridlock is difficulty advancing legislation when the lawmaking process encounters collective-action problems. A Senate filibuster can also delay or block legislative action.
Example: In 1964, a 60-day Senate filibuster against the Civil Rights Act delayed legislative action until cloture was invoked.
Common misconception: Gridlock does not require a filibuster: Congress’s organization can also make it more prone to gridlock through collective-action problems.
Sources: Prepared Testimony of Joseph Postell before the House Executive Overreach Task Force; U.S. Senate: Filibuster and Cloture