Note 13 — PART I.

In Congress the introduction of a question may be prevented temporarily by a majority vote under H. R. Rule 16, §3, which is as follows: “3. When any motion or proposition is made, the question, Will the House now consider it? shall not be put unless demanded by a member.” If the House refuses to consider a bill the vote cannot be reconsidered. But this refusal does not prevent the question’s being again introduced the same session. In assemblies having brief sessions lasting usually only a few hours, or at most not over a week, it is necessary that the assembly have the power by a two-thirds vote to decide that a question shall not be introduced during that session. As the refusal to consider the question prevents its renewal during the session, the vote may be reconsidered.