Previous Question Flashcards
What is the purpose of the Previous Question?
To immediately close debate and the making of subsidiary motions except the motion to Lay on the Table.
May a member move to close debate by calling out “Question”?
No.
Can the Previous Question be used to bring the assembly to an immediate vote on more than one pending question?
Yes.
Is the Previous Question allowed in committees?
No.
Is the Previous Question out of order when another member has the floor?
Yes.
Must the Previous Question be seconded before it can be considered?
Yes.
Is the Previous Question debatable?
No.
May a member conclude his/her debate on a Main Motion by moving the Previous Question?
Yes.
Explain why a member MAY conclude his/her debate on a Main Motion by moving the Previous Question.
A member can speak in debate and conclude by offering a secondary motion such as the Previous Question.
Is the Previous Question amendable?
No.
What vote is required to adopt the Previous Question?
Two-thirds
What is the latest that a member can change his/her vote on a motion?
Up to the time the result is announced.
Can a vote adopting the Previous Question be reconsidered?
Yes.
What class of motions does the Previous Question belong to?
Subsidiary
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?
Twenty
Name three subsidiary motions that the Previous Question takes precedence over.
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
Name three privileged motions that take precedence over the Previous Question.
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
Name two privileged motions that the motion Previous Question can be applied to.
Fix the Time to Which to Adjourn and Recess
Can the motion Previous Question be applied to a Main Motion?
Yes.
Name three subsidiary motions that the Previous Question can be applied to.
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
Name three debatable subsidiary motions that the Previous Question takes precedence over.
1) Postpone to a Certain Time (or Postpone Definitely)
2) Commit (or Refer)
3) Amend
4) Postpone Indefinitely
Name three undebatable privileged motions that the Previous Question can be applied to.
1) Fix the Time to Which to Adjourn
2) Recess
3) Limit or Extend Limits of Debate
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.
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.
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?
“I move the previous question on all pending questions.”
OR
“I move (or call) the previous question on the motions to …(specify motions).”
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?
Yes.
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.
1) Is out of order when another member has the floor.
2) Not debatable.
3) Not amendable.
