Which Senate practice allows a minority to block action on a bill by delaying its passage?

Which Senate practice allows a minority to block action on a bill by delaying its passage?

• A. Veto
• B. Filibuster
• C. Pocket veto
• D. Conference committee

Answer: (B)

Filibuster is the Senate tactic that allows a minority to block action on a bill by delaying its passage. In the Senate, debate can be extended, so a small group or a single member can stall a vote and prevent the bill from advancing. To stop the delay, the chamber can invoke cloture, requiring a supermajority—currently sixty votes—to end debate and proceed to a vote. This mechanism is distinctive to the Senate and is what enables minority leverage over legislation. The other options don’t describe delaying debate: a veto is the executive rejection of a bill; a pocket veto occurs when the president doesn’t sign and Congress has adjourned; a conference committee is a temporary panel to reconcile differences between House and Senate versions.

Filibuster is the Senate tactic that allows a minority to block action on a bill by delaying its passage. In the Senate, debate can be extended, so a small group or a single member can stall a vote and prevent the bill from advancing. To stop the delay, the chamber can invoke cloture, requiring a supermajority—currently sixty votes—to end debate and proceed to a vote. This mechanism is distinctive to the Senate and is what enables minority leverage over legislation. The other options don’t describe delaying debate: a veto is the executive rejection of a bill; a pocket veto occurs when the president doesn’t sign and Congress has adjourned; a conference committee is a temporary panel to reconcile differences between House and Senate versions.