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CHAPTER VIII.: OF THE DIFFERENT ACTS WHICH ENTER INTO THE FORMATION OF A DECREE. - Jeremy Bentham, The Works of Jeremy Bentham, vol. 2 [1843]

Edition used:

The Works of Jeremy Bentham, published under the Superintendence of his Executor, John Bowring (Edinburgh: William Tait, 1838-1843). 11 vols. Vol. 2.

Part of: The Works of Jeremy Bentham, 11 vols.

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CHAPTER VIII.

OF THE DIFFERENT ACTS WHICH ENTER INTO THE FORMATION OF A DECREE.

Those who pay only a superficial regard to a political assembly, may think that there is nothing more simple than a motion, a debate, a decree. What is there here which is the object of science or art? The ordinary affairs of life call us all to propose, to deliberate, to decide. There are scarcely any notions more familiar than these.

It is true, it is easy to form a conception of these operations, but it is difficult to describe them. In this respect, it is the same with the actions of the mind as with those of the body. To move the arms, requires but a moment: to explain this movement—to describe the muscles which perform it, requires great anatomical knowledge.

Let us trace the formation of a decree.—The work which serves as its foundation, is a simple project proposed by an individual; when he presents this project to the assembly according to the prescribed forms, he makes what is called a motion.

The original motion having been made, every posterior motion with regard to it can only have one of two objects—either to amend or to suppress it. There are, therefore, two kinds of secondary motions:—

  • Emendatory motions.
  • Suppressive motions.

The first include all those which modify the original motion; since all these modifications may be considered as amendments—that is to say, ameliorations or corrections.

The second class will include all those which directly or indirectly tend to cause the original motion to be rejected; as by demanding priority in favour of some other motion, or by proposing an adjournment of the question for an indefinite time, &c.

In order to produce a decree, only three acts are absolutely necessary:—1. To make a motion; 2. To vote; 3. To declare the result of the votes.

But before arriving at the conclusion, there are, in the ordinary course of things, many steps or intermediate acts proper to be taken.

We shall here set them down in chronological order:—

1. Previous promulgation of motions, projects of laws, and amendments.

2. Making the motion which exhibits the project.

3. Occasionally ordering it to be printed and published.

4. Seconding the motion.

5. Deliberating upon it.

6. Putting the question.

7. Voting summarily.

8. Declaring the result of the summary voting.

9. Dividing the assembly—that is, demanding distinct voting.

10. Collecting the votes regularly.

11. Declaring the result.

12. Registering all the proceedings.