previous question

Definition

A motion to end debate and force an immediate vote in the House, essentially parliamentary impatience codified into procedure. It requires a simple majority and kills any remaining discussion.

Example Usage

The majority moved the previous question after three hours of debate, silencing the minority's prepared speeches and prompting theatrical outrage.

Origin

British parliamentary procedure adopted in colonial American legislatures; name is confusingly indirect

Fun Fact

Despite its name suggesting 'what was the previous question,' moving the previous question actually means 'shut up and vote now'—parliamentary terminology's greatest misnomer.

Source: House procedure manuals and parliamentary terminology guides

Related Terms

Beginner

repeal

The legislative equivalent of "Never mind!" where politicians undo a law they previously swore was absolutely essential. It's the process of officially canceling legislation, often after discovering that laws sometimes have consequences nobody bothered to think through. Repealing is much harder than passing laws, which explains why terrible regulations live forever while good ideas die in committee.

🏛️ Government / Politics

Intermediate

whips

Party enforcers in legislative bodies who ensure members vote the party line, using tactics ranging from gentle persuasion to career-ending threats. Named after the person who keeps hunting dogs in line, which tells you everything about how politicians view their colleagues. The whip's job is to count votes, twist arms, and make sure nobody gets any funny ideas about independent thinking.

🏛️ Government / Politics

Intermediate

scorched earth

A political strategy of total destruction—burning every bridge, leaking every secret, and destroying all goodwill on your way down. It's the nuclear option of political warfare, leaving nothing but ashes and awkward future encounters.

🏛️ Government / Politics

Beginner

smoke and mirrors

Political misdirection and obfuscation designed to confuse or deceive voters, borrowed from stage magic. When politicians don't want you looking at the actual policy, they put on a show.

🏛️ Government / Politics

Beginner

congressman

A male member of the U.S. House of Representatives who represents approximately 750,000 constituents while spending most of his time fundraising for the next election. Elected to serve the people but often serving the highest bidder, he navigates the treacherous waters of partisan politics while maintaining a convincing 'man of the people' facade. Term limit? Never heard of her.

🏛️ Government / Politics

Intermediate

sunshine law

Legislation requiring government meetings and records to be open to public scrutiny, because apparently politicians need to be legally forced to do their jobs in daylight. A radical concept that government should actually be visible to the governed.

🏛️ Government / Politics

Translate This Term

See “previous question” in Corporate Speak, Gen-Z Slang, Pirate Speak, and more.

Try the Translator

Share This Term

Post on X Share on Facebook Share on LinkedIn

Discover a Term

Beginner

aufm

are you f**king mental...