Assignment problem: Respond to both prompts
Should the filibuster be abolished?
The filibuster is a procedure used in the U.S. Senate that enables senators to continue the discussion of a bill without putting it to a vote with the goal of keeping the majority from voting. There have been many calls to stop the practice because of concerns of it being used only to cause blockage. Eliminating the filibuster in the Senate will make it easier to enact legislation on divisive topics, but also risks allowing the Senate majority to have too much power.
How have the changing rules about same-sex marriage in different states over the past 20 years affected how people think and understand marriage equality?
The rules about same-sex marriage have changed a lot in the past 20 years. Some states passed laws or made changes to their constitutions to either allow or ban gay marriage. It was confusing for many people to keep track of what the rules were in each state. But in 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court made a ruling that said all state bans on same-sex marriage were not allowed. This meant that gay and lesbian couples could get married in every state. About 55 percent of Americans supported this ruling. This change in the rules has helped more people understand and accept marriage equality for everyone.