Government Glossary

Filibuster

Short Definition

A filibuster is a Senate tactic that uses extended debate or procedural delay to slow or block action.

Long Explanation

The filibuster matters because it can require supporters of a measure to gather enough votes to invoke cloture before the Senate can move forward. It is a Senate rule and practice, not a constitutional requirement.

When you see this term, ask which public body is acting, what legal authority it is using, and where the official record can be verified.

In practice, Filibuster is useful because it helps a visitor connect a word or phrase to law making, committee work, oversight, votes, or congressional records. When you see the term in an official source, ask which office has authority, what decision is being made, which deadline or rule matters, and where the public record can be checked.

Examples

Simple exampleA visitor sees “Filibuster” while reading about a bill and uses Congress.gov or a committee page to find the official record.

Civic exampleA citizen trying to follow lawmaking checks the bill text, committee action, vote record, and chamber rules before relying on a summary.

Common Misconception

A common mistake is treating Filibuster as a complete explanation of what Congress did. The term is usually a starting point. To know what happened, check the bill text, committee action, chamber record, and vote information where available.

Related Terms

CongressLegislationLegislative BranchLegislative ProcessSenate

Quick Link Guide

One-click access to other sections of the government education guide.