- published: 16 Jun 2016
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A filibuster is a type of parliamentary procedure where an individual extends debate, allowing a lone member to delay or entirely prevent a vote on a given proposal. It is commonly referred to as talking out a bill, and characterized as a form of obstruction in a legislature or other decision-making body.
The term "filibuster" had been in use for centuries to refer to independent military operators. The term was commonly used in the 1840s for American adventurers who sought to seize power in Central America. The term in its legislative sense was first used in 1854 when opponents tried to delay the Kansas-Nebraska Act in the U.S. Congress.
One of the first known practitioners of the filibuster was the Roman senator Cato the Younger. In debates over legislation he especially opposed, Cato would often obstruct the measure by speaking continuously until nightfall. As the Roman Senate had a rule requiring all business to conclude by dusk, Cato's purposefully long-winded speeches were an effective device to forestall a vote.
Actors: Mike Post (composer), Daniel J. Travanti (actor), Anne Carr (miscellaneous crew), Anne Carr (miscellaneous crew), Anne Carr (miscellaneous crew), Alan Landsburg (producer), JoBeth Williams (actress), Bob Gunton (actor), Richard Masur (actor), Sam McMurray (actor), Martha Scott (actress), Blaine G. Houserman (miscellaneous crew), James N. Harrell (actor), Randall Oliver (actor), Darryl Cox (actor),
Genres: Drama,