The book explores the historical role of parliamentary obstruction, or the "filibuster," in the U.S. Senate, particularly during the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Wawro and Schickler analyze how the Senate effectively navigated its lawmaking responsibilities despite the absence of formal rules governing debate, shedding light on the evolution of legislative processes and the dynamics of Senate operations during this pivotal period.
The book explores innovative methodologies that merge qualitative and quantitative analysis in historical research. Authors Gregory Wawro and Ira Katznelson advocate for enhancing traditional quantitative methods with new approaches to better capture the complexities of historical data. They respond to critiques from historians and social scientists about the limitations of conventional statistical techniques, providing practical guidance on employing these advanced tools for a more nuanced understanding of the past.