Fillabuster

Capitol Deal Card Fillabuster
  • Type: Reaction card
  • Value: $4M
  • Card count: 2

Fillabuster in the game

  • This card only stops a move, not an action. The player it is played against has to return the card moved into their hand or another spot. They can make the same move for their next move.

  • Can be used at any time against any player.

  • Using this card has no effect on whose turn it is next

  • Another 'Reaction Card' can be used to cancel its effect.

Fillabuster in US Politics

A filibuster is a delaying tactic used in the US Senate to prevent a bill from being passed. A senator can engage in a filibuster by speaking for an extended period of time on the floor of the Senate, thereby delaying a vote on the bill in question. This allows a minority of senators to block legislation even if a majority of senators support it. The use of a filibuster can give politicians or a political party more power than they would normally have because they can prevent legislation from being passed without having the majority support.

...more about Fillabuster

The impact of the filibuster on the common citizen is that it can slow down the legislative process and prevent important legislation from being passed. This can result in a lack of progress on important issues and can frustrate citizens who want to see their elected officials take action.

Reform to restrict the use of a filibuster or the damage from it being used could include reducing the amount of time required for a filibuster, requiring a higher threshold of senators to support a filibuster, or eliminating the filibuster altogether. These reforms would make it easier for the Senate to pass legislation and could result in a more efficient and effective legislative process.

There are many resources that provide a deep understanding of filibuster in US politics, including its history, rules, impact on legislation, and potential for reform. They are a great starting point for anyone interested in learning more about this topic. Here are some suggestions for books, publications, and documentaries:

  • "The U.S. Senate and the Uses of Legislative History" by Robert C. Byrd: This book provides a detailed history of the filibuster in the US Senate, including its origins, evolution, and impact on legislative processes.

  • "Filibustering: A Political History of Obstruction in the House and Senate" by Gregory Koger: This book provides an in-depth analysis of the history and use of the filibuster in both the US House of Representatives and the US Senate.

  • "The Filibuster: The Soul of the Senate" by Richard A. Arenberg and Robert B. Dove: This book provides a detailed history of the filibuster in the US Senate, as well as an analysis of its impact on the legislative process and American politics.

  • "The Senate Filibuster: What It Is and What It Means for the Senate" by Sarah A. Binder: This publication by the Brookings Institution provides a detailed explanation of the filibuster in the US Senate, including its procedural rules, historical context, and impact on legislation.

  • "The Death of the Filibuster" documentary by The New York Times: This documentary explores the history and impact of the filibuster in US politics, as well as the debates surrounding its use and potential reform.

  • "How to Filibuster: The Most Powerful Tool in Politics" podcast by NPR: This podcast provides a comprehensive look at the history and use of the filibuster in US politics, as well as a discussion of the arguments for and against its use.

If you are inclined to limit the influence and usage of the filibuster in US Congress, here are some actions you can take and organizations they can support:

  • Contact your elected officials: Individuals can contact their senators and representatives to express their support for filibuster reform. This can be done through letters, phone calls, or emails. Organizations such as the Indivisible Project and MoveOn provide scripts and tools for contacting elected officials.

  • Join advocacy organizations: There are several advocacy organizations that work to limit the influence and usage of the filibuster. These organizations include Fix Our Senate, a coalition of advocacy groups, and Common Cause, a nonpartisan organization that advocates for democracy reforms.

  • Support politicians who advocate for filibuster reform: Individuals can support politicians who advocate for filibuster reform by donating to their campaigns, volunteering, and voting for them. Some politicians who have called for filibuster reform include Senators Elizabeth Warren, Bernie Sanders, and Cory Booker.

  • Educate others: Individuals can educate others on the impact of the filibuster and the need for reform. This can be done through social media, community events, and discussions with friends and family.

  • Participate in protests and demonstrations: Individuals can participate in protests and demonstrations organized by advocacy groups to call attention to the need for filibuster reform.

By taking these actions and supporting these organizations, individuals can help limit the influence and usage of the filibuster in US Congress.

Creator Notes

The filibuster is an outdated method that has lost its usefulness. It can be likened to a toddler throwing a tantrum to gain attention from their parents and stop anything else from happening that they do not like. The practice is causing more harm than good by preventing important legislation from being passed. It is a controversial tool that should either be limited or completely eliminated. However, it does provide some leverage for the minority party, which is why both parties are hesitant to get rid of it. Even though the filibuster is not mentioned in the Constitution and can be removed, both parties want to keep this tool for when they are the minority party, even though they know it will be used against them in the future. The root problem is the two-party political system that is resistant to change, and we cannot expect politicians to vote against their own and their party's interests. For further reading on this issue, please refer to additional resources.

We decided to the fillabuster would make a good Reaction Card for avoiding certain actions, even despite the fact that most Action Cards do not involve the passage of legislation. When brainstorming the card's artwork, we considered various options such as a podium stand, a record on repeat, or a pirate (as the word's Dutch origin means "pirate"). Ultimately, we opted for a playful and straightforward design featuring tweeting birds.

We hold the belief that filibustering within US politics presents a significant issue that requires reform or complete removal. If removal is not an option, a viable reform would be to require that the discussion remains on-topic, which could potentially encourage politicians to gain knowledge in the process. Additionally, a significant issue is the unwillingness of politicians to act against their own or their party's interests. We do not anticipate this changing without a revolution or the introduction of a constitutional amendment that permits country-wide referendums on issues that politicians cannot be trusted to make decisions on. Until then, the Fillabuster will have its role in US Politics.