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Yeas And Nays

Defined in 3 dictionaries — Bouvier (1914), Black's (1910), Bouvier (1839)

Bouvier's Law Dictionary and Concise Encyclopedia

John Bouvier; revised by Francis Rawle · 1914

The list of members of a legislative body voting in the affirmative and negative of a proposition. The constitution of the United States, arL 1, s. 5, directs that “the yeas and nays of the members of either house, on any question, shall, at the desire of one-fifth of those present, be entered on the journal.” See 2 Story, Const 301. journal on the final passage of every bilL See Ryan v. Lynch, 68 111. 160; Steckert v. East Saginaw, 22 Mich. 104. These directions are clearly imperative; Cooley, Const Lim. 171. The power of calling the yeas and nays is given by all the constitutions of the several states; and it is not, in general, restricted to the request of one-fifth of the members present, but may be demanded by a less number; and, in some, one member alone has the right to require the call of the yeas and nays.

Black's Law Dictionary

Henry Campbell Black, M.A. · 1910

The affirmative and negative votes on a bill or measure before a legislative assembly. "Calling the yeas and nays" is calling for the individual and oral vote of each member, usually upon a call of the roll.

A Law Dictionary, Adapted to the Constitution and Laws of the United States

John Bouvier · 1839

The list’ of members of a legislative body voting in the affirmative and negative of'a proposition is so called. The constitution of the United States, Art. 1, s. 5, directs that “the yeas and nays of the members of either house, on any question, shall, at the desire of one-fifth of those present, be entered on the journal.” Vide 2 Story, Const. 301. The power of calling the yeas and nays is given by all the constitutions of the several states, and it is not in general restricted to the request of one-fifth of the members present, but may be demanded by a less number, and in some one member alone has the right to require the call of the yeas and nays.