Final answer:
A filibuster in the U.S. Senate allows senators to extend debate to prevent a vote on legislation, requiring a cloture motion with 60 votes to end. Over time, the actual speaking part became less common, with the focus shifting to support for the cloture. Only the Senate can initiate a filibuster, effectively raising the majority vote threshold to a supermajority.
Step-by-step explanation:
Rules and Procedures of Senate Filibuster
During a filibuster, senators must adhere to certain rules and procedures. A filibuster is a legislative strategy in the United States Senate where senators extend debate to delay or block voting on a bill. To end a filibuster, a cloture motion, requiring 60 votes, must be passed. No senator has to actually speak on the floor; the threat alone can prevent a bill from coming to a vote unless it has substantial support.
The historical development of the filibuster shows its use in the Senate as a means to give voice to the minority. It saw increased usage post-Civil War and significant changes with the introduction of Rule 22 in 1917, which created the cloture vote. In modern times, actual prolonged speaking is rare, and the focus is mainly on whether there is enough support to meet the cloture threshold.