Which description best defines "putting the question"?

• A. Repeating a motion to the assembly after it has been made
• B. Taking a vote on a motion
• C. Debating the merits of the motion
• D. Calling for adjournment

Answer: (B)

Putting the question means calling for a vote on the motion, moving from discussion to a decision. In parliamentary procedure, after debate has taken place, the chair asks the assembly to decide by voting, which is exactly what “putting the question” accomplishes. This signals that no further debate is needed on that motion and the outcome will be determined by the voting rules in effect. The other actions described correspond to different parts of proceedings: repeating a motion would bring it up again, debating its merits is the discussion phase that happens before a vote, and calling for adjournment ends the meeting. So the act of putting the question is the formal step that places the motion before the group for a vote.