Does anybody know what Filibuster REALLY means?

Question

I keep hearing it used in Democratic speeches, and Republican speeches, but I still have yet to figure it out. Anyone know?

Answer 1

In the US it usually means talking for as long as it takes to delay a vote... talking about anything. You can read the phone book for 3 weeks straight if you have the desire (and stamina). It's used in the US Senate but I believe is against the rules of the House. In Japan, I've heard, there are laws against the filibuster but not against how long it takes to get up to the podium to speak, just so long as you're moving towards it so people will take all day going the hundred feet from their seat to the microphone.

Answer 2

Basically, it is a legal maneuver to delay a vote by an individual (a senator) who "has the floor." He have the floor and cannot be "over ruled" as long as he remains standing and keeps talking (even for days!!!) keeping the legislature in session.

This article refers to the political act of filibuster. For other uses see Filibuster (disambiguation).
In a legislature or other decision making body, a filibuster is an attempt to extend debate upon a proposal in order to delay or completely prevent a vote on its passage. The term first came into use in the United States Senate, where Senate rules permit a senator, or a series of senators, to speak for as long as they wish and on any topic they choose. The term comes from the early 17th century, where buccaneers were known in England as filibusters. This term had evolved from the Spanish filibustero which had come from the French word flibustier, which itself evolved from the Dutch vrijbuiter (freebooter). In the United Kingdom Parliament, a bill defeated by this maneuver is said to have been talked out.

Answer 3

SHORT VERSION-"In a legislature or other decision making body, a filibuster is an attempt to extend debate upon a proposal in order to delay or completely prevent a vote on its passage"

Answer 4

A filibuster is a tactic, most often prolonged speaking, that is used to for the purpose of delaying legislative action.

Answer 5

Watch the film "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" and you will understand what a filibuser is. (good movie too)