the Orders of the Day.
To Lie on the Table.
For the Previous Question.
To Postpone to a Certain Time.
To Commit.
To Amend.
To Postpone Indefinitely.
The motion to Reconsider can be made when any other question is before
the assembly, but cannot be acted upon until the business then before
the assembly is disposed of [see note 5 above], when, if called up, it
takes precedence of all other motions except to adjourn and to fix the
time to which to adjourn. Questions incidental to those before the
assembly, take precedence of them and must be acted upon first.
Two-thirds Vote.
In Congress the only motions requiring a two-thirds vote, are to suspend
or amend the Rules, to take up business out of its proper order, and to
make a special order. In ordinary societies harmony is so essential,
that a two-thirds vote should be required to force the assembly to a
final vote upon a resolution without allowing free debate. The Table
conforms to the Rules of Order, which are based upon this principle. If
an assembly has adopted no Rules of Order, then a majority vote is
sufficient for the adoption of any motion, except to "suspend the
rules," which would require a unanimous vote.
Forms of Putting Certain Questions.
If a motion is made to Strike out certain words, the question is put in
this form: "Shall these words stand as a part of the resolution?" so
that on a tie vote they are struck out.
If the Previous Question is demanded, it is put thus: "Shall the main
question now be put?"
If an Appeal is made from the decision of the Chair, the question is put
thus: "Shall the decision of the Chair stand as the judgement of the
assembly?" [convention, society, etc.].
If the Orders of the Day are called for, the question is put thus:
"Will the assembly now proceed to the Orders of the Day?"
When, upon the introduction of a question, some one objects to its
consideration, the chairman immediately puts the question thus: "Will
the assembly consider it?" or "Shall the question be considered?" [or
discussed.]
If the vote has been ordered to be taken by yeas and nays, the question
is put in a form similar to the following: "As many as are in favor of
the adoption of these resolutions, will, when their names are called,
answer yes [or aye]--those opposed will answer no."
Various Forms of Amendments.
An Amendment may be either (1) by "adding" or (2) by "striking out"
words or paragraphs; or (3) by "striking
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