History
How Filibusters and Cloture Motions Shape Legislation
Quick fact
In the U.S. Senate, there is no time limit on debate unless 60 senators vote to end it via a cloture motion. This means a determined minority can block nearly any legislation they find highly objectionable.
Why this is interesting
You’ve seen a single senator talk for hours on the floor of Congress. Why would one person’s speech be able to stop a bill that most of the chamber wants to pass?