Filibuster! F.A.Q.

What is a filibuster and why is it important?

A filibuster is a tactic used in the legislative process to delay or block a vote on a proposed law. It involves a senator or a group of senators speaking for an extended period of time to prevent the passage of a bill. Filibusters can be used as a way to obstruct or delay legislation, but they can also be seen as a way to protect minority interests and ensure thorough debate on important issues.

Why do people use filibusters?

People use filibusters for a variety of reasons. Some may use filibusters to draw attention to an issue or to rally support for their cause. Others may use filibusters as a way to prevent a bill from passing, either because they disagree with its content or because they want to negotiate changes to the bill. Filibusters can also be a political maneuver used to delay or block the legislative agenda of the majority party.

What are the drawbacks of filibusters?

While filibusters can be an effective tool for individual senators to have their voices heard and to shape legislation, they can also be detrimental to the functioning of the legislative process. Filibusters can lead to gridlock and prevent important bills from being passed. They can also contribute to a lack of transparency and accountability in the legislative process, as senators can use filibusters to avoid taking a public position on a bill. Additionally, the use of filibusters can create a sense of frustration among the public, as it may appear that senators are not getting their work done.

What can be done to address the drawbacks of filibusters?

There are various proposals to address the drawbacks of filibusters. Some suggest implementing stricter time limits or other procedural rules to limit the duration of filibusters. Others propose requiring filibustering senators to actively hold the floor and speak continuously, rather than simply signaling their intent to filibuster. Additionally, there are calls to reform the overall legislative process to encourage more bipartisanship and compromise, which could potentially reduce the frequency and impact of filibusters.

Are filibusters allowed in all legislative bodies?

Filibusters are most commonly associated with the United States Senate, where they have a long history and can have a significant impact on the legislative process. However, not all legislative bodies allow filibusters. Different countries and jurisdictions have different rules and procedures for filibustering or delaying votes on legislation.

Can filibusters be used in state legislatures?

Yes, filibusters can also be used in state legislatures. Some state legislatures have rules that allow for filibusters similar to those used in the United States Senate. However, not all state legislatures have the same rules regarding filibusters, so the procedures and effectiveness of filibusters can vary from state to state.

Is there a way to end a filibuster?

Yes, there are ways to end a filibuster. In the United States Senate, senators can invoke a procedure called cloture, which requires a three-fifths majority vote to end a filibuster and proceed to a vote on the bill. However, invoking cloture can be a lengthy process and may not always be successful in ending a filibuster.

Can filibusters be used for any type of legislation?

Filibusters can be used for any type of legislation, as long as the rules of the legislative body allow for filibustering. There are no restrictions on the types of bills that can be filibustered, although filibusters are most commonly used for controversial or high-profile bills.

Q: Can I pass cards to the Senate Minority Leader that increase the Filibuster Track?

A: No, you can’t pass cards that increase the Filibuster Track to the Senate Minority Leader. Only the Leader can do that.

Q: Can I save my Action cards for later as the Senate Minority Leader?

A: No, you can’t save your Action cards for later. If you have an Action card that can increase the Filibuster Track, you must play it as the Senate Minority Leader.

Q: We are winning the round! Can we end the Filibuster now?

A: Yes, the Senate Minority Leader can call a vote to end a Filibuster voluntarily. However, keep in mind that the Leader is only allowed to call a vote twice per round, and players can successfully vote to end a Filibuster twice per game.

If you can’t use this option, you have to keep playing until either the players reach 24 hours on the Filibuster Track or a card that ends the Filibuster is drawn from the Time Deck.

Q: I bid a lot of influence but lost the bidding phase. Why do I still have to pay my losing bid to the Treasury?

A: Think of your influence bid as spending influence to gather votes from other Senators in your party.

You still get all those votes, but if someone spent even more influence to gather more votes, they would win. That’s politics for you.

Q: Can I tell other players what’s in my hand?

Me: Let’s talk about how we can strategize and negotiate during the game, but there’s one rule we need to remember – we can’t reveal the specific cards we have in our hands to others.

We can still give hints, ask questions, and make general statements about our cards or other players’ cards. It’s all part of the fun!

Q: How can we discuss things before making a decision?

Me: Before we vote, we have the opportunity to make trades or promises with other players. It’s like a game of politics!

We can be as cooperative or as sneaky as we want. We can freely declare or trade whatever we like, but in the end, it’s up to us to decide how we want to vote.

Before a vote is finalized, it’s possible for me or any other Senator to play or trade cards that could influence the outcome, even if it doesn’t turn out as expected. It’s a clever move that can be used for personal gain or to disrupt a strong opponent.

However, it’s important to remember that using such tactics may harm my ability to work with other Senators in the future and could even jeopardize our chances of winning the game entirely!