move that the question “lie on the table.” This motion allowing of neither debate nor amendment, the Chairman immediately puts the question; if carried, the whole matter is laid aside till the assembly vote to “take it from the table” (which latter motion is undebatable and possesses no privilege). Sometimes this motion is used to suppress a measure, as shown in § 59 (c).
58. To Suppress Debate.[1] (a) Previous Question. While, as a general rule, free debate is allowed upon every motion,[2] which, if adopted, has the effect of adopting the original question or removing it from before the assembly for the session, yet, to prevent a minority from making an improper use of this privilege, it is necessary to have methods by which debate can be closed and final action can at once be taken upon a question.
- ↑ These motions are strictly for closing or limiting debate, and may be used by either the friends or enemies of a measure. The enemies of a measure may also close debate by suppressing the question itself, as shown in § 59 (a, c).
- ↑ Except an ‘‘objection to the consideration of the question” [§ 59 (a)]. See note to § 35 for a full discussion of this subject of debate.
the table. A bare majority should not have the power, in ordinary societies, to adopt or reject a question, or prevent its consideration, without debate. [See note at end of § 35, on the principles involved in making questions undebatable.]
