Debate may be cut short by a vote to take the _previous question._ This means that the original, or main, question under discussion be immediately voted on, regardless of amendments and secondary questions and without further debate. Usually a _two-thirds_ vote is necessary to order the previous question.
1. If the motion for the previous question be _carried,_ then the main question must be immediately taken, without further debate.
2. If the motion for the previous question be _lost,_ the debate proceeds, as though no such motion had been made.
3. If the motion for the previous question be _lost,_ it cannot be renewed with reference to the same question, during the same session.
Immediate and decisive action on any question under discussion may be deferred, by a vote to _lay on the table_ the resolution pending. This disposes of the whole subject for the present, and ordinarily is in effect a final dismissal of it. But any member has the right subsequently to call it up; and the body will decide by vote whether, or not, it shall be taken from the table.
1. Sometimes, however, a resolution is laid on the table for the present, or until a specified time, to give place to other business.
2. A motion to lay on the table must apply to a resolution, or other papers. An abstract subject cannot be disposed of in this way.
A simple _postponement_ is for a specified time or purpose, the business to be resumed when the time or purpose is reached. But a question _indefinitely postponed_ is considered as finally dismissed.
Certain motions, by established usage, are _not debatable,_ but when once before the body, must be taken without discussion.
These are: The _previous question,_ for _indefinite postponement,_ to _commit,_ to _lay on the table,_ to _adjourn._
But when these motions are modified by some condition of _time, place,_ or _purpose,_ they become debatable, and subject to the rules of other motions; but debatable only in respect to the time, place, or purpose which brings them within the province of debate.
A body is, however, competent, by a vote, to allow debate on all motions.
A motion to _reconsider_ a motion previously passed must be made by one who voted _for_ the motion when it passed.