amendments," or "I move [or demand] the previous question on all pending questions." The question is stated thus: "The previous question is moved [or demanded] on the resolution [or on all pending questions]. As many as are in favor of ordering the previous question [or, of now putting the question] on [repeat the motion] will rise," etc. As this motion requires a two-thirds vote for its adoption it is generally best to take a rising vote.
The previous question cannot be debated or amended. It is exhausted at the close of the session, or when all the questions upon which it was ordered have been voted on, or the effect of those that have been voted on has been to commit the main motion, or to postpone it definitely or indefinitely. If any of the questions are reconsidered, or come back to the assembly in any other way than by being taken from the table, they are divested of the previous question and are open to debate and amendment. Before the exhaustion of the previous question, all pending questions that have not been voted on may be laid on the table. If those questions are taken from the table during the same session they are still under the previous question and cannot be debated or amended or have any other subsidiary motion applied to them. If they are not taken from the table until the next session they are open to debate, amendment, etc. [See R. O. R., pages 112-116.]
