Which statement best describes how the president requests action by general consent?

• A. Shall we (state action desired) by general consent?
• B. Let us take this by general consent.
• C. Shall we act by general consent now?
• D. We will proceed by general consent.

Answer: (A)

In parliamentary procedure, asking for action by general consent is done by turning the desired action into a question that invites approval from the group without a formal vote. The best fit is “Shall we (state action desired) by general consent?” because it plainly proposes the specific action and directly asks the body to approve it by general consent. This form keeps the process open to objections—if anyone objects, the chair can handle it with a separate motion.

Other phrasings don’t fit as cleanly as a request for general consent. One option sounds more like a suggestion than a formal request. Another option asserts the action or uses “now,” which can misstate the nature of asking for consent rather than inviting it. The wording that states “we will proceed” makes it a decision rather than a question seeking approval.