Which motion is used to set aside a pending question temporarily?

• A. Lay on the Table
• B. Postpone
• C. Adjourn
• D. Recess

Answer: (A)

The motion to lay on the table is used to set aside a pending question temporarily, so the assembly can deal with something else right now and come back to the original issue later. It doesn’t fix a time to revisit—it's a quick pause that keeps the matter handy for later discussion.

This differs from postponing, which moves the question to a specific later time or meeting, showing a clearer plan to revisit it. Adjourn ends the meeting entirely, ending all business for that session. Recess is simply a short break during the meeting and doesn't formally place a pending question on hold for later consideration.

When the need to revisit arises, the tabled item can be resumed by a motion to take from the table.