Robert’s Rules of Order Revised > Subject Index > Page 27

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Henry M. Robert (1837–1923). Robert’s Rules of Order Revised. 1915.

Page 27

saves much time, but the chair must see that this privilege is not abused and allowed to run into debate. When the mover modifies his motion the one who seconded it has a right to withdraw his second.

3. Obtaining the Floor.

Before a member can make a motion, or address the assembly in debate, it is necessary that he should obtain the floor — that is, he must rise after the floor has been yielded, and address the presiding officer by his official title, thus, “Mr. Chairman,” or “Mr. President,” or “Mr. Moderator;” 4 or, if a woman (married or single), “Madam Chairman,” or “Madam President.” If the assembly is large so that the member’s name may be unknown to the chairman, the member should give his name as soon as he catches the eye of the chairman after addressing him. If the member is entitled to the floor, as shown hereafter, the chairman “recognizes” him, or assigns him the floor, by announcing his name. If the assembly is small and the members are known to each other, it is not necessary for the member to give his name after addressing the chair, as the presiding officer is termed, nor is it necessary for the chair to do more than bow in recognition of his having the floor. If a member rises before the floor has been yielded, or is standing at the time, he cannot obtain the floor provided

Note 4. In Congress the introduction of a question may be prevented temporarily by a majority vote under H. R. Rule 16, §3, which is as follows: “3. When any motion or proposition is made, the question, Will the House now consider it? shall not be put unless demanded by a member.” If the House refuses to consider a bill the vote cannot be reconsidered. But this refusal does not prevent the question’s being again introduced the same session. In assemblies having brief sessions lasting usually only a few hours, or at most not over a week, it is necessary that the assembly have the power by a two-thirds vote to decide that a question shall not be introduced during that session. As the refusal to consider the question prevents its renewal during the session, the vote may be reconsidered. [back]

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