Are motions such as 'I call for the question' or 'I move we vote now' proper forms for making the Previous Question when one debatable motion is pending?

• A. Yes
• B. No
• C. Only with the chair's permission
• D. Only if no other motion is pending

Answer: (A)

The key idea is using the Previous Question to end debate on the current motion and move to a vote. Saying “I call for the question” or “I move we vote now” clearly communicates that intent: you want to stop further discussion on the pending motion and proceed to a decision.

Those forms are acceptable because they are recognizable ways to move the Previous Question. After you state one of them, the motion must be seconded, be recognized by the chair, and then be decided by the assembly. The exact wording isn’t as important as the clear intent to close debate and take a vote. It doesn’t require special chair permission beyond proper recognition, and it applies when there is a single debatable motion on the floor.

So, when one debatable motion is pending, either form properly signals the move to end debate and proceed to a vote.