When the president leaves the chair to debate a motion, the gavel is handed over after:

• A. The president asks the presiding officer to come to the chair
• B. The vote is taken
• C. The motion is seconded
• D. The minutes are approved

Answer: (A)

The key idea is transferring authority to the next presiding officer. When the president needs to leave the chair to debate, the official transition begins by asking the presiding officer to come to the chair. Once that request is made and the incoming officer takes the chair, the gavel is handed over as the symbol that they now preside. This ensures the meeting continues under proper authority.

The other actions listed—voting, seconding a motion, or approving the minutes—are routine steps within debate or business and don’t initiate the transfer of chairmanship.