The U.S. Senate is a unique legislative body in that it often requires a supermajority of sixty votes in favour of a legislation for a bill to pass. This is due to an historic institution called the filibuster. But the filibuster is not exactly like we think. Instead, it has evolved into a means to ensure the minority party can easily block legislation from passing with a majority. What is the history of the filibuster? What is its function? What does its future look like? Doug Becker speaks with Jeremi Suri.
Jeremi Suri is a Professor of Public Affairs and History at the University of Texas, Austin. He is an expert in American politics and is the author of The Impossible Presidency: The Rise and Fall of America’s Highest Office.
Podcast:
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Disclaimer: The ideas expressed in this discussion reflect the views of the guest and not necessarily the views of The Big Q.Â
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