Debate in parliamentary procedure refers to discussion on the merits of a pending question; that is, whether it should or should not be agreed to.
Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised (RONR) says, "Debate, rightly understood, is an essential element in the making of rational decisions of consequence by intelligent people.
[8] Using Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised, a speaker cannot transfer the time to another member.
[22] Except in committees and small boards, the chairman (or whatever title the presiding officer is called) should not speak in debate to maintain the impartiality required of this position.
[24] In addition, Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised states that "under legitimate parliamentary procedure, there is no such thing as 'gaveling through' a measure.
"[3] In other words, the chairman cannot move so quickly through the proceedings so as to disregard the rights of members to speak on it.
[26] The motion to limit or extend limits of debate can decrease or increase the allowed number of speeches or length of speeches or it can decrease or increase the total amount of time for debate.
The Standard Code of Parliamentary Procedure implements this concept as the motion to extend or limit debate.
The assembly of an ordinary society could decide to adopt such a motion by a two-thirds vote or by unanimous consent.