Quote:
Originally Posted by mapuc
What is this "nuclear option" ?
Markus
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The Senate has the authority to establish the rules for how the Senate operates. Currently, there is a requirement for 60 votes (2/3rd majority) to pass the budget. Congress can, if they wish, vote to change the Senate rules to allow a 51 vote (simple majority). This has been dubbed the nuclear option as it is a very drastic act to take.
Two large problems with evoking the Nuclear option
1. When your party loses the majority in the Senate, the opposing party can take advantage of the 51 vote rule and do stuff you don't want.
2. There is a very real fear of what is called "Tyranny of the majority"where very important decisions can be made by a simple majority at the expense or disadvantage of the minority. This can be significant in a society, like the US, where not only are there only two major political parties, but the nation is pretty much split evenly.
There were very good reasons why the Senate required 60 votes for important stuff. It ensured that it would take more than a simple majority and would, for practical purposes, require compromise within the parties in the Senate.
It is a short sighted solution and can have long lasting consequences.
It has been said that Democracy is two wolves and one lamb voting on what to have for dinner.
Good if you are a wolf, not so good if you are a lamb.