1. What is the filibuster and why is it considered an obstacle to legislation? A filibuster procedure that allows a senator to speak against a bill for as long as he can stand and speak. It can become a formidable obstacle or threat against controversial bills toward the end of a legislative session. (Gibson, Robinson pg.243) Some of the reasons why the filibuster is considered a barrier to legislation begin with the two-thirds rule which essentially requires the approval of at least two-thirds of senators before a bill can be debated in the Senate Plan. This type of rule allows a minority of senators to block controversial legislation. This rule also gives senators the ability to vote on both sides of an issue. (Gibson, Robinson pg. 243 para 2) A filibuster can become a powerful and ever-present threat to controversial legislation near the end of a session. An example of this is when a lieutenant governor may refuse to recognize the sponsor of a controversial bill due to fears that a filibuster will delay the process of legislative proposals. Something really interesting about the filibuster that happened in the past was when state Senator Bill Meir of Euless was able to speak for forty-three hours in 1977 against a bill that publicly reported workplace injuries. In this way he managed to conquer the world record for the longest filibuster, which he held for years. (Gibson, Robinson, p. 243, paragraph 5.) From my perspective on the filibuster, I think its abusive power is a threat to legislation because it can become even more deadly when senators decide to use a tag team approach in turn against an invoice. (Gibson, Robinson, page 243, paragraph 5) Another great example was the Texas state senator recently... middle of paper... we think obstructionists can be effective if you have a great plan in place organized. As for Wendy Davis's filibuster, I believe she accomplished a lot because she not only managed to get national attention, but she also managed to get the support of Democrats in the United States Senate, 31 of whom had signed a letter in which he thanked her for her courage and determination to defeat a bill that would limit women's rights in Texas. (Walker par. 6) Every time an abortion issue arises, and if it happens again, the women and people of Texas who cared about this bill will remember the effort of Wendy Davis in her 13-hour filibuster to stop a bill that would have restrictions on abortion and the independent choices these women could have. Davis herself said that even if the bill ultimately passed, her filibuster would still raise awareness about the issue. (Welsh par 5)