Final answer:
The phrases "I call for the question" or "I move we vote now" are formal requests to end debate and proceed to a vote on the pending motion, known as the Previous Question motion. It is used to manage debate efficiently and requires a majority vote to pass. The process may vary based on the organization's rules.
Step-by-step explanation:
Proper Forms for Making the Previous Question in Debate
When one debatable motion is pending, phrases like "I call for the question" or "I move we vote now" are often used to request that the assembly proceed to an immediate vote on the matter at hand. This request is formally known as the Previous Question motion, which if adopted, effectively closes debate on the current motion and requires the body to vote. The exact process for implementing the Previous Question motion can vary depending on the governing rules of the organization, such as Robert's Rules of Order, or the specific procedural rules of a legislative body.
The request to move immediately to a vote is crucial in managing the time and efficiency of a debate, ensuring that discussions remain focused and decisions are made within a reasonable time frame. However, such motions typically require a second and often a two-thirds majority to pass, since they have the significant effect of cutting off debate and potentially limiting the minority's right to speak on the matter.
In practice, such a motion can be invaluable when it appears that further debate would not be productive or when the matter has been thoroughly discussed. Moreover, it becomes especially relevant in contentious situations, such as when a vote is split 50-50 or when there are not enough votes to make the required supermajority. In these cases, the Previous Question motion allows for a definitive conclusion, otherwise, the status quo prevails.