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The Writings of Thomas Jefferson, Vol. 9 (of 9) / Being His Autobiography, Correspondence, Reports, Messages, Addresses, and Other Writings, Official and Private cover

The Writings of Thomas Jefferson, Vol. 9 (of 9) / Being His Autobiography, Correspondence, Reports, Messages, Addresses, and Other Writings, Official and Private

Chapter 54: SECTION L. ADJOURNMENT.
By Thomas Jefferson
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About This Book

This collected volume assembles the author’s autobiography, extensive private and official correspondence, legislative reports, public messages and addresses, and a variety of shorter writings and miscellaneous papers. It features a thorough manual of parliamentary practice that synthesizes constitutional provisions, senatorial rules, and parliamentary precedents for legislative procedure, alongside sections of anas and ephemera. Editorial organization and explanatory notes guide readers through practical guidance on governance, procedural form, and the political and personal concerns reflected across the documents.

SECTION L.
ADJOURNMENT.

The two Houses of Parliament have the sole, separate, and independent power of adjourning, each their respective Houses. The King has no authority to adjourn them; he can only signify his desire, and it is in the wisdom and prudence of either House to comply with his requisition, or not, as they see fitting.—2 Hats. 332; 1 Blackstone, 186; 5 Grey, 122.

By the Constitution of the United States, a smaller number than a majority may adjourn from day to day.—I. 5. But neither House, during the session of Congress, shall, without the consent of the other, adjourn for more than three days, nor to any other place than that in which the two Houses shall be sitting.—I. 5. The President may, on extraordinary occasions, convene both Houses, or either of them, and in case of disagreement between them, with respect to the time of adjournment, he may adjourn them to such time as he shall think proper.—Const. II. 3.

A motion to adjourn simply, cannot be amended as by adding, "To a particular day." But must be put simply, "That this House do now adjourn?" and if carried in the affirmative, it is adjourned to the next sitting day, unless it has come to a previous resolution, "That at its rising, it will adjourn to a particular day;" and then the House is adjourned to that day.—2 Hats. 82.

Where it is convenient that the business of the House be suspended for a short time, as for a conference presently to be held, &c., it adjourns during pleasure.—2 Hats. 305. Or for a quarter of an hour.—5 Grey, 331.

If a question be put for adjournment, it is no adjournment till the Speaker pronounces it.—5 Grey, 137. And from courtesy and respect, no member leaves his place till the Speaker has passed on.