Which term describes obtaining agreement of everyone without a formal vote?

• A. Show of hands vote
• B. Silent assent
• C. Secret ballot
• D. Session

Answer: (B)

General consent, also called unanimous consent, is the process of approving a motion without a formal vote when there is no objection. In this approach, the chair asks, “Is there any objection to adopting this by general consent?” If no one objects, the motion is considered adopted without a counted vote. If anyone objects, a regular vote is taken. This speeds up routine business where opposition is not expected. It differs from a show of hands vote or a secret ballot, which involve counting votes, and from a session, which is simply the meeting itself. The term described here is silent assent, a way of expressing agreement without formal voting.