Previous Question
Short Definition
Non-debatable motion, available in the House and its legislative committees, which, when agreed to, cuts off further.
Long Explanation
Why it matters: the phrase gives visitors a clue about which institution, power, deadline, document, or public process they are dealing with. Understanding Previous Question helps a reader move from a headline or form label to the branch, office, rule, or record that actually controls the issue.
How to use it: when this term appears, identify who has authority, what action is being taken, and where the public record can be checked. Good starting points usually include Congress.gov, committee pages, chamber rules, bill text, or official vote records.
In practice, Previous Question is useful because it helps a visitor connect a word or phrase to law making, committee work, oversight, votes, or congressional records. When you see the term in an official source, ask which office has authority, what decision is being made, which deadline or rule matters, and where the public record can be checked.
Examples
Common Misconception
A common mistake is treating Previous Question as a complete explanation of what Congress did. The term is usually a starting point. To know what happened, check the bill text, committee action, chamber record, and vote information where available.
Related Terms
CongressCongress CommitteesHouseLegislationLegislative BranchLegislative Process
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