Step 5 in processing a motion involves the presiding officer placing the motion before the members for a vote. What is this step commonly called?

• A. Debating the Motion
• B. Seconding the Motion
• C. Putting the Question
• D. Refer to Committee

Answer: (C)

Putting the Question is the formal act of the presiding officer bringing a motion to a vote. After debate and any amendments, the chair announces that the question is on the motion and proceeds to call for a vote, signaling that the assembly will decide at this moment. This step is distinct from debating the motion, which happens before the vote, from seconding the motion, which is an early step to show support, and from referring the motion to a committee, which sends it away for study rather than voting on it now. The essence of this moment is that the motion is now before the members for their decision.