Some students have been asked to prepare written work regarding whether polarization in Congress has weakened our capacity for self governance. One avenue you might want to take in answering the question is to look at procedural rules that allow for a polarized Congress to become ineffective. One of those procedures is the filibuster - or at least the way it has evolved recently. According to one story, "between 1840 and 1900, there were 16 filibusters. Between 2009 and 2010, there were more than 130." And according to another, "in 1960s, threatened or actual filibusters affected only 8% of major
legislation. By the 1980s, threatened or actual filibusters affected 27%
of legislation. Since 2006, that number has reached 70%. This means
that the vast majority of major legislation‐‐ and many nominations as
well‐‐require 60 votes for cloture."
Reform measures have been offered, and they may or may not pass, but if you're interesting in pursuing this angle, go for it:
- Who will bust the filibuster?
- Olympia Snowe on filibuster reform.
- The Real State of Senate Rules Reform
