Many argue that the Senate filibuster is undemocratic or even unconstitutional. Recent legislative disputes have brought criticism of Senate rules into sharp relief, and demands for abolition or reform of the filibuster have increased. 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, protecting the rights of the minority in American politics, assuring stability and deliberation in government, and helping 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, describe related procedures and tactics, and argue passionately for measured reforms.

Thoroughly updated to reflect recent events, this edition includes a new chapter recounting the events of 2012-13 that led to the first use of the "nuclear option" to restrict the use of the filibuster for presidential nominations, as well as a new foreword by former US Senator Olympia Snowe. The authors offer a stimulating assessment of the likelihood of further changes in Senate procedure and make their own proposals for reform.

Winner, 2012 ForeWord Reviews Book of the Year, Gold Medal in Political Science

About the Author

Richard A. Arenberg served in senior congressional staff positions for 34 years as aide to Senate Majority Leader George Mitchell and Senators Paul Tsongas and Carl Levin. He is Adjunct Lecturer in Political Science and Public Policy at Brown University.

Robert B. Dove is Parliamentarian Emeritus of the US Senate, having served as the Senate's Parliamentarian and Assistant Parliamentarian from 1966 to 2001. He is Adjunct Professor at the Georgetown University Law Center, George Washington University, and George Mason University.

Reviews

Rich in historical anecdotes about instances when the strange antics to delay Senate decisions actually led to better policy making, this book will become the 'go to' authority on the filibuster. This volume should be valuable to general readers, students, and research faculty. . . . Highly recommended.

* Choice *

An impassioned and cogent defense of the Senate's most controversial practice.

* Kirkus Reviews *

Arenberg and Dove successfully explain why, despite its flaws, the filibuster is worth preserving or reforming rather than eliminating. (Reviewing a previous edition)

* ForeWord Reviews *

Regardless of whether you agree with [the authors'] conclusions, the book will be a must read for anyone who wants to be a part of the debate about how to improve the function of the Senate. (Reviewing a previous edition)

* Roll Call *

Legislative battles over healthcare and the federal budget have spurred demands to reform or abolish the filibuster in the US Senate. The authors argue that the filibuster is fundamental to the very character of the Senate, and that it protects the rights of the minority in American politics.

* Survival *

Clearly written and amply supported, Defending the Filibuster is a must-read for all Americans, especially during these highly contentious times.

* joannalouisejohnson.com *



Book Information
ISBN 9780253016270
Author Richard A. Arenberg
Format Paperback
Page Count 306
Imprint Indiana University Press
Publisher Indiana University Press
Weight(grams) 454g