2. how does the recent use of the filibuster compare to how it was used in the past? how might it be used in the future?

Over the past years, the use of the filibuster was greatly increased. Republicans have executed 40% more filibusters since 1992, or nearly double the Democrat rate, in an effort to make the Obama administration and Democrats in Congress take the blame for not getting things done. But today the political fallout from over-use of the filibuster has been drastic. In the future, obstructionism may take effect. This obstructionism has caused a lack of oversight, efficiency, and intellectual resources required for a functioning government to manage America's complex institutions.