Before a bill becomes law, Congress debates the bill. In the House of Representatives, debate times are set by a rules committee:because the House has so many members (435), it allocates a certain amount of debate to both proponents and opponents of the bill.The Senate, however, allows for a complete discussion.And sometimes senators use the rule of the whole debate to block an account, or a presidential appointment, from proceeding to a vote.This is called the Filibuster.To stop a filibuster, 60 votes are needed in the Senate.This is called Cloture: to bring a matter to a vote.

During the last year of President Obama's term, President Obama nominated Merrick Garland to fill an opening in the Supreme Court.The Republicans, however, controlled the Senate and refused to allow a vote on Garland.Under President Trump, the Republicans still control the Senate, and President Trump nominated Neil Gorsuch to fill the vacancy.The Democrats, however, vowed to filibuster the appointment.Because the Republicans would not obtain the 60 votes necessary to end the filibuster, they changed the Senate rules (via a majority vote). Only a majority vote is required to confirm a justice.Accordingly, Justice Gorsuch now sits on the Supreme Court.

Please review the links in this week's classroom for more information and background and consider the following questions.

1. Do you believe that the Filibuster is appropriate for regular Bills and Laws?Explain why, using your knowledge of the law and the Constitution.
2. Do you believe that the Filibuster is appropriate for Presidential appointments?Please explain why or why not, using your understanding of the law and the Constitution.