Legal Definitions - state the question

State the question is a parliamentary procedure term that means to formally present a motion for consideration by a group or assembly. It is also known as "calling the question." This is done when a member of the group or assembly believes that the discussion on a particular motion has gone on long enough and it is time to vote on it.

• After much debate, a member of the city council stood up and said, "I move to state the question on the proposed ordinance."
• During a meeting of the school board, a member said, "I think it's time to state the question on the budget proposal so we can move forward."

In both examples, a member of the group or assembly is using the term "state the question" to formally present a motion for consideration. This is done when they believe that enough discussion has taken place and it is time to vote on the motion.