Robert's Rules of Parliamentary Procedure

Answers to most questions about votes or motions made in the Senate or House are found in the chart below.  

The other confusing vote we frequently see is "Motion to Reconsider".  Here is an explanation of "Motion to Reconsider" from the House Rules archives:  Under Rule XVIII, the motion to reconsider is available to any Member who votes on the prevailing side of a question and who wishes to move reconsideration on the same or succeeding legislative day. This normally only occurs when Members (usually Minority party Members) determine there is a need to slow down the legislative process. It is the common practice in the House for the Speaker to follow final passage of most bills or resolutions with the statement: "Without objection, the motion to reconsider is laid upon the table." If no objection is raised, this has the parliamentary effect of ending any possibility that another vote on the bill can take place.