What does "en bloc" mean in parliamentary procedure?

In parliamentary procedure, "en bloc" refers to the practice of addressing a group of items as a single unit rather than considering each item individually. This approach is used to streamline discussions and voting processes, allowing a body to save time and effort when multiple motions or items are related or non-controversial.

When items are considered en bloc, they are typically voted on together, which can be efficient in large meetings or assemblies where many similar motions might otherwise need to be debated and voted on one by one. This collective approach helps reduce redundant discussions and allows a group to focus on broader issues without getting mired in the details of each separate item.

The other options describe different procedures that do not apply to the concept of "en bloc." For instance, considering items individually refers to taking up each motion or item one at a time, which is the opposite of the en bloc method. Discussing motions sequentially implies addressing them in a set order, which still maintains individual consideration rather than treating them as a collective unit. Postponing motions indefinitely indicates a procedural action to delay consideration altogether, which again diverges from the concept of grouping items together for simultaneous consideration.