Filibuster Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

Historical Origins

• The term comes from a Spanish word 'filibustero', which originally referred to pirates or freebooters in the 19th century.
• The practice became popular in the United States Senate in the 19th century, with the first notable use attributed to Senator John C. Calhoun in the 1850s.
• Rules around the filibuster have evolved, with significant changes occurring during the 20th century, particularly in the 1970s.

Political Science

• In the U.S., a senator can speak indefinitely unless 60 of the 100 senators vote to end the filibuster, demonstrating the importance of majority consent.
• Filibustering has been used for various reasons, from civil rights to budget issues, reflecting deep political divides among lawmakers.
• Some argue that filibustering protects minority rights, while others believe it leads to gridlock and prevents important legislation from passing.

Pop Culture

• Filibusters have been depicted in various movies and TV shows, often showcasing lengthy speeches as a form of dramatic tension.
• One famous example is Senator Strom Thurmond’s filibuster against the Civil Rights Act of 1957, which lasted over 24 hours, making it a notable historical moment.
• During a particularly memorable episode of 'Parks and Recreation', a character attempts to filibuster a city council meeting, highlighting the concept in a humorous way.

Legal Studies

• The filibuster is not mentioned in the U.S. Constitution; instead, it has developed through Senate rules and traditions.
• Different legislative bodies around the world have varying rules regarding filibusters, with some banning it entirely while others allow it under specific conditions.
• Legal experts often debate the ethical implications of filibustering, weighing the need for debate against the potential to stall important decisions.

Communication

• Effective filibustering often requires strong rhetorical skills, as the speaker aims to engage or even entertain the audience to maintain attention.
• Not all filibusters are purely about delaying; sometimes, they're strategic moves to draw public attention to a specific issue or viewpoint.
• Filibuster tactics often include repeating phrases, citing quotes, or veering off-topic in order to extend the speaking time.

The term 'filibuster' has its roots in the Spanish word 'filibustero', which originally referred to a pirate or freebooter in the 17th century, particularly in the Caribbean. The word was later associated with those who engaged in unauthorized military adventures in the Americas. Over time, its meaning shifted to denote a legislative strategy in which a member of a legislature prolongs debate to delay or prevent a vote. This transition occurred in the 19th century, particularly in the context of the United States Senate, where the filibuster became a tool for minority groups to exert influence. The use of the filibuster has been a subject of intense political debate, particularly regarding its impact on the legislative process and governance.

At rank #26,908, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

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• 26908 filibuster
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