In this week's SYSK Select episode, although lots of people incorrectly believe the filibuster was an intentional rule created by the founders of the U.S., this ancient method of stalling legislation was actually brought about in America by accident. Learn the ins and outs of this contentious quirk of parliamentary rules that allows a single senator to hijack the proceedings of the entire legislative body in this episode.
# Stuff You Should Know Episode Summary
Get ready to dive into the quirky world of filibusters, that delightfully absurd parliamentary tactic that lets a single senator hold up the entire Senate just by talking. Chuck and Josh break down how this accidental loophole in Senate rules went from rarely used to a major obstruction tool, complete with wild stories like senator Strom Thurmond's record-breaking 24-hour talk-a-thon and Texas state senator Wendy Davis's famous 11-hour heels-wearing stand against abortion restrictions. They'll explain why both parties love to threaten filibusters even when they claim to hate them, and explore whether our government is actually broken or just playing a very elaborate, exhausting game of obstruction.
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