Purdue Civic Literacy Practice Test

A filibuster is a Senate tactic where a senator or group of senators uses extended debate or other delaying procedures to stall or block a vote on a bill or nomination, especially over a controversial issue. The aim is to prevent action unless concessions are made or the minority gains enough support to end the delay. In practice, stopping a filibuster usually requires cloture, a vote to end debate, which in the Senate typically needs a supermajority (sixty votes). This mechanism gives minority interests a practical way to influence legislation, but it can also lead to gridlock. The other options describe different Senate processes: appointing federal judges refers to the nomination and confirmation process, not the specific delaying tactic; a vote to approve a treaty is about ratification, a distinct procedure; and budgeting during wartime is a separate fiscal process.