Previous Question

Question 2

What is the purpose of the Previous Question?

Answer 2

To immediately close debate and the making of subsidiary motions except the motion to Lay on the Table.

Question 3

May a member move to close debate by calling out “Question”?

Answer 3

No.

Question 4

Can the Previous Question be used to bring the assembly to an immediate vote on more than one pending question?

Answer 4

Yes.

Question 5

Is the Previous Question allowed in committees?

Answer 5

No.

Question 6

Is the Previous Question out of order when another member has the floor?

Answer 6

Yes.

Question 7

Must the Previous Question be seconded before it can be considered?

Answer 7

Yes.

Question 8

Is the Previous Question debatable?

Answer 8

No.

Question 9

May a member conclude his/her debate on a Main Motion by moving the Previous Question?

Answer 9

Yes.

Question 10

Explain why a member MAY conclude his/her debate on a Main Motion by moving the Previous Question.

Answer 10

A member can speak in debate and conclude by offering a secondary motion such as the Previous Question.

Question 11

Is the Previous Question amendable?

Answer 11

No.

Question 12

What vote is required to adopt the Previous Question?

Answer 12

Two-thirds

Question 13

What is the latest that a member can change his/her vote on a motion?

Answer 13

Up to the time the result is announced.

Question 14

Can a vote adopting the Previous Question be reconsidered?

Answer 14

Yes.

Question 15

What class of motions does the Previous Question belong to?

Answer 15

Subsidiary

Question 16

If thirty members at a meeting cast a vote on the Previous Question, what would be the minimum number that would have to vote in the affirmative to adopt it?

Answer 16

Twenty

Question 17

Name three subsidiary motions that the Previous Question takes precedence over.

Answer 17

1) Limit or Extend Limits of Debate
2) Postpone to a Certain Time (or Postpone Definitely)
3) Commit (or Refer)
4) Amend
5) Postpone Indefinitely

Question 18

Name three privileged motions that take precedence over the Previous Question.

Answer 18

1) Fix the Time to Which to Adjourn
2) Adjourn
3) Recess
4) Raise a Question of Privilege
5) Call for the Orders of the Day

Question 19

Name two privileged motions that the motion Previous Question can be applied to.

Answer 19

Fix the Time to Which to Adjourn and Recess

Question 20

Can the motion Previous Question be applied to a Main Motion?

Answer 20

Yes.

Question 21

Name three subsidiary motions that the Previous Question can be applied to.

Answer 21

1) Limit or Extend Limits of Debate
2) Postpone to a Certain Time (or Postpone Definitely)
3) Commit (or Refer)
4) Amend
5) Postpone Indefinitely

Question 22

Name three debatable subsidiary motions that the Previous Question takes precedence over.

Answer 22

1) Postpone to a Certain Time (or Postpone Definitely)
2) Commit (or Refer)
3) Amend
4) Postpone Indefinitely

Question 23

Name three undebatable privileged motions that the Previous Question can be applied to.

Answer 23

1) Fix the Time to Which to Adjourn
2) Recess
3) Limit or Extend Limits of Debate

Question 24

Assume you are the chairman at the meeting and the Previous Question is ordered on a Main Motion, Postpone Indefinitely, and an Amendment. What order are the three motions voted on.

Answer 24

They are voted on in order of rank beginning with the Amendment, then Postpone Indefinitely, and then the Main Motion. They are voted on in reverse of the order they were made.

Question 25

Assume three motions are pending and you want to stop debate on all of them. What form would you use to move the Previous Question if you wanted to stop debate on all three pending motions?

Answer 25

“I move the previous question on all pending questions.”

OR

“I move (or call) the previous question on the motions to …(specify motions).”

Question 26

Are motions such as “I call for the question.” or “I move we vote now.” proper forms for making the Previous Question when on debatable motion is pending?

Answer 26

Yes.

Question 27

Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised lists eight standard descriptive characteristics or rules for every motion. Explain the rules for the subsidiary motions Previous Question that relate to:

1) Proposing when another member has the floor.
2) Debating .
3) Amending.

Answer 27

1) Is out of order when another member has the floor.
2) Not debatable.
3) Not amendable.