What should a member do if they wish to take a vote after a lengthy discussion on a motion?

What should a member do if they wish to take a vote after a lengthy discussion on a motion?

• A. More discussion
• B. Call for a division
• C. Move the previous question
• D. Table the discussion

Answer: (C)

When a member wishes to take a vote after a lengthy discussion on a motion, moving the previous question is the appropriate action. This procedural move effectively calls for an immediate vote on the motion being discussed, allowing members to conclude the deliberation and proceed to make a decision without further debate. This option serves to streamline the meeting process by ensuring that discussions do not go on indefinitely and that members have the opportunity to vote on the matter at hand. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining order and efficiency in group discussions, particularly after substantial debate has taken place. The other options do not facilitate a vote. Simply calling for more discussion prolongs the debate and delays decision-making. Calling for a division refers to confirming or counting votes when a voice vote is unclear, which does not directly address the desire to vote after discussion. Tabling the discussion would mean postponing it until a later time, completely deferring the decision-making process instead of moving forward to a vote.

When a member wishes to take a vote after a lengthy discussion on a motion, moving the previous question is the appropriate action. This procedural move effectively calls for an immediate vote on the motion being discussed, allowing members to conclude the deliberation and proceed to make a decision without further debate.

This option serves to streamline the meeting process by ensuring that discussions do not go on indefinitely and that members have the opportunity to vote on the matter at hand. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining order and efficiency in group discussions, particularly after substantial debate has taken place.

The other options do not facilitate a vote. Simply calling for more discussion prolongs the debate and delays decision-making. Calling for a division refers to confirming or counting votes when a voice vote is unclear, which does not directly address the desire to vote after discussion. Tabling the discussion would mean postponing it until a later time, completely deferring the decision-making process instead of moving forward to a vote.