Robert's Rules in Plain English 2e: A Readable, Authoritative, Easy-to-Use Guide to Running Meetings

“I move the previous question.”

The reader will be happy to learn that the substitute motion may only be further amended by adding at the end. It must still be voted on by the group. They have only voted to substitute and not to adopt.

A member can vote against his own motion, but cannot speak against it.

“The previous question has been moved. This is a motion to stop debate and vote immediately.

This motion requires a two-thirds vote.

“Our parliamentary authority, Robert’s Rules of Order, states that when a motion is made to amend by substitution, we first go back to the original motion and allow the friends of it to further amend it. Next we take the substitute and open it up for discussion and amendment. The last step is the vote on whether you wish to substitute or not.”

It is rude to call out “Question!” and the presiding officer should ignore such calls. Previous question can be ruled out of order if the motion is debatable and has not received debate. The presiding officer should explain the effect of the motion to the members and clarify whether the motion is to apply to all the motions on the floor.

An amendment may also be amended. The first amendment is called a primary amendment and the amendment to the amendment is called a secondary amendment. Only two amendments may be pending at any one time. In other words, an amendment to an amendment to an amendment is not in order; otherwise, the group would become hopelessly confused.

Previous question can be applied to any pending question. It is out of order when a member has the floor. It cannot be debated. It requires a two-thirds vote because the right of members to debate is being curtailed. Because it requires a two-thirds vote, the vote must be taken by a show of hands in a small group or a rising vote in a large group.