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In parliamentary language, the term 'closure' is used to signify when the government wants to force the debate on a particular bill to end by a certain date and time. It is usually enforced when the opposition parties strongly object to one or more measures in the bill, and raise their objections at every available opportunity. It is not used simply to end a filibuster. Filibusters are rare in the parliamentary system. They tend to run out of steam quickly and on their own. 'Closure' is usually met with a hue and cry by the opposition parties, who accuse the government of muzzling parliament, stifling debate, and generally acting in an undemocratic manner. The term 'guillotine' is invariably used by the opposition, in reference to the government. There is a well developed vituperative vocabulary readily available to hurl at the government upon the slightest indication of closure. Journalists, of course, have a field day. Closure often gives new life to the issue at hand, brings the topic to the public's attention, and makes the government look bad. Therefore, it is seldom used. It also tends to heighten any hostilities between the government and opposition, and as such results in a spillover effect, where the opposition parties debate other bills more strenuously. When closure is invoked, it generally results in a 'lose-lose' situation for the government. Governments tend to prefer extending the time for debate, by scheduling morning and evening sittings of parliament, rather than invoking closure. The most memorable abuse of closure occurred in the Canadian House of Commons in 1956 over the debate on the proposed Trans-Canada Pipeline, and is thought to have been the primary reason the government was defeated at the polls the following year.
What else can I help you with?
What may end debate on a bill on the floor of the house?
motion to end debate
What is a procedure that may be used to limit or end floor debate in a legislative body?
Cloture
Limit on the debate of a bill in the senate?
If the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court is part of the majority, he or she gets to write the _______.
How does the senate conduct business?
The Senate conducts business through a series of structured procedures, including the introduction of bills, debate, and voting. Senators can propose legislation, which is then assigned to committees for review and discussion. Debate on the Senate floor may be limited by unanimous consent agreements or cloture motions, which require a supermajority to end prolonged debate. Ultimately, decisions are made through a majority vote, with certain actions requiring a higher threshold, such as a two-thirds vote for overriding a presidential veto.
What limits debates in the Senate?
Debates in the Senate are limited primarily by the use of cloture, which requires a supermajority of 60 votes to end a filibuster and bring a debate to a close. Additionally, the Senate's rules and procedures dictate the structure and time allotted for debate on specific issues, which can also impose limits. Furthermore, the leadership can influence debate limits through scheduling and setting priorities for which bills are brought to the floor. These mechanisms collectively help manage the often lengthy and complex discussions among senators.
How do you end debate on a bill in the Senate before everyone is ready to do so?
AnswerThe President of the Senate decides when debate ends.AnswerUnder most circumstances, debate is forced to end by cloture, meaning the Senate votes whether to end the debate. Cloture requires 60 votes (three-fifths of the Senate) to be successful, and is followed by an up or down vote on the issue being debated.If the other party is engaged in a filibuster (rather than simple debate), a two-thirds majority vote is required to end the filibuster.The President of the Senate (who is also the Vice-President of the United States) or, in his (or her) absence, the president pro tempore, may conclude the debate ifthose wishing to end discussion exercise the nuclear option-- and special circumstances apply. Under Senate Rule 22, if a Senator calls for a "point of order" that can be upheld on constitutional grounds, the presiding officer of the Senate decides whether the Constitution supports the Senator's reasoning calling for a vote. Otherwise, the presiding officer can uphold a point of order on procedural grounds, but the Senate can vote to override his (or her) decision.So, technically, the President of the Senate can only "end" the vote on constitutional grounds, but one of the Senators has to initiate the process and justify its use.[But don't worry; the latter scenario is uncommon.]
What is the meaning of the word cloture?
Cloture is a parliamentary procedure used in the U.S. Senate to end a debate and proceed to a vote on a bill. It requires a three-fifths majority (60 votes) to invoke cloture and limit further debate.
How many votes does it take to invoke cloture in the senate?
60% of those voting are needed to stop debate on ordinary legislation. (2/3 are needed to end debate on senate rules and only 51% are needed to close debate on presidential appointments, other than for supreme court justices.)
Is the cloture rule rarely used in the senate?
No, the cloture rule is not rarely used in the Senate; it has become a more common tool in recent years to limit debate on legislation and confirm nominations. Cloture allows the Senate to end a filibuster and proceed to a vote, requiring at least 60 votes to invoke. While historically it was used infrequently, its usage has increased as partisan divisions have hardened, making it a significant aspect of Senate procedure today.
What is the cloture rule?
It is is a motion or process aimed at bringing debate to a quick end, and is used to prevent a fillibust.
How long does a filibuster have to be to force a super-majority in the Senate?
A filibuster does not have a specific duration; rather, it is a tactic used to prolong debate and delay or block a vote on legislation. In the Senate, a filibuster can effectively require a supermajority of 60 votes to end debate and proceed to a vote, regardless of how long the debate continues. Typically, senators may engage in extended speech or procedural maneuvers to maintain the filibuster until a sufficient number of votes can be secured to overcome it.
What is the term for a means to limit debate?
The term for a means to limit debate is "cloture." In legislative contexts, particularly in the U.S. Senate, cloture is a procedure used to bring a debate to a quick end and proceed to a vote, requiring a certain number of votes to pass. This mechanism helps prevent filibustering and allows legislative bodies to manage their time effectively.
