- ホーム
- > 洋書
- > 英文書
- > Politics / International Relations
Full Description
Recent legislative battles over healthcare reform, the federal budget, and other prominent issues have given rise to widespread demands for the abolition or reform of the filibuster in the US Senate. Critics argue that members' traditional rights of unlimited debate and amendment have led to paralyzing requirements for supermajorities and destructive parliamentary tactics such as "secret holds." In Defending the Filibuster, a veteran Senate aide and a former Senate Parliamentarian maintain that the filibuster is fundamental to the character of the Senate. They contend that the filibuster protects the rights of the minority in American politics, assures stability and deliberation in government, and helps to preserve constitutional principles of checks and balances and separation of powers. Richard A. Arenberg and Robert B. Dove provide an instructive historical overview of the development of Senate rules, define and describe related procedures and tactics, examine cases related to specific pieces of legislation, and consider current proposals to end the filibuster or enact other reforms. Arguing passionately in favor of retaining the filibuster, they offer a stimulating assessment of the issues surrounding current debates on this contentious issue.
Contents
Foreword
Preface
Chapter One Soul of the Senate
Chapter Two Filibuster, Cloture, and Unfettered Amendment
Chapter Three History of the Filibuster
Chapter Four Polarized Politics and the Use and Abuse of the Filibuster
Chapter Five Criticisms of the Filibuster
Chapter Six The Dangers of Overzealous Reform
Chapter Seven Related Tactics: Holds
Chapter Eight Related Tactics: Filling the Amendment Tree
Chapter Nine Circumventing the Filibuster: Reconciliation
Chapter Ten Reforming the Filibuster: The Constitutional Option
Chapter Eleven Reforming the Filibuster: The Nuclear Option
Chapter Twelve Bring In the Cots
Chapter Thirteen Defending the Filibuster
Epilogue
Appendix
Bibliography
