37. Closing Debate. Debate upon a question is not closed by the
Chairman rising to put the question, as, until both the affirmative

=== Page 73 ============================================================

and negative are put, a member can claim the floor, and re-open debate
[see § 38]. Debate can be closed by the following motions, which are
undebatable [§ 35], and, except to Lie on the Table, shall require a
two-thirds* [In Congress, where each speaker can occupy the floor one
hour, any of these motions to cut off debate can be adopted by a mere
majority. In ordinary societies harmony is so essential, that a
two-thirds vote should be required to force the assembly to a final vote
without allowing free debate.] vote for their adoption [§ 39]:

(a) An objection to the consideration of a question [only allowable
when the question is first introduced, § 15], which, if sustained, not only
stops debate, but also throws the subject out of the assembly for that
session [§ 42]; which latter effect is the one for which it was
designed.

(b) To lie on the table [§ 19], which, if adopted, carries the
question to the table, from which it cannot be taken without a majority
favors such action.

(c) The previous question [§ 20], which has the effect of requiring
all the questions before the assembly [excepting as limited in § 20] to
be put to vote at once without further debate. It may be applied merely
to an amendment or to an amendment of an amendment.

=== Page 74 ============================================================