Suspension of the rules

Definition

Suspension of the rules refers to a procedural action in legislative bodies that allows members to set aside certain established rules for a specific period, usually to expedite the passage of legislation or to consider a matter that may not conform to the standard procedures. This practice is essential for facilitating quick decision-making and is often used in both the House and Senate to overcome obstacles posed by formal rules, enabling lawmakers to advance their priorities more efficiently.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In the House of Representatives, suspension of the rules can be invoked by any member and requires a two-thirds vote for approval.
2. This procedure is often used to expedite non-controversial bills that are expected to have broad support, allowing them to bypass some lengthy debate processes.
3. Suspension of the rules typically limits debate on the measure to 40 minutes and prohibits amendments from being offered during that time.
4. In the Senate, while there is no formal 'suspension of the rules' process, similar effects can be achieved through unanimous consent agreements.
5. This procedural tool helps prevent gridlock in legislative processes, ensuring that important measures can be passed swiftly when consensus exists.

Review Questions

• How does the suspension of the rules facilitate legislative efficiency in both houses?
  • The suspension of the rules streamlines the legislative process by allowing members to bypass standard procedures that might slow down discussions and votes. In the House, it allows for quick consideration of bills with widespread support, limiting debate time and barring amendments. In the Senate, similar outcomes can be reached through unanimous consent agreements, ensuring that important measures can move forward without unnecessary delays.
• Compare and contrast the suspension of the rules in the House of Representatives with similar practices in the Senate.
  • In the House of Representatives, suspension of the rules requires a two-thirds majority vote and limits debate on a bill to 40 minutes without allowing amendments. In contrast, while the Senate does not have a formal procedure called 'suspension of the rules,' it often uses unanimous consent agreements to expedite processes similarly. Both methods aim to enhance legislative efficiency but differ in their specific procedures and voting thresholds.
• Evaluate the implications of frequently using suspension of the rules for legislative governance and public policy.
  • Frequent use of suspension of the rules can have significant implications for legislative governance and public policy by prioritizing expediency over thorough deliberation. While it can facilitate swift action on important issues, it may also lead to less scrutiny and debate on significant legislation. This reliance on expedited processes could result in controversial measures being passed without adequate public discussion, affecting overall transparency and accountability within legislative bodies.

Related terms

Quorum: The minimum number of members required to be present for the legislative body to conduct its business.

Motion: A formal proposal made by a member during a meeting or debate, which requires discussion and a vote.

Unanimous Consent: An agreement among all members present in a legislative body to pass a measure without objection.