In cases where there seems to be no opposition in routine business…time can often be saved by the procedure of unanimous consent…Action in this manner is in accord with the principle that rules are designed for the protection of the minority and generally need not be strictly enforced when there is no minority present to protect. Under these conditions, the method of unanimous consent can be used either to adopt a motion without the steps of stating the question and putting the motion to a formal vote, or it can be used to take action without even the formality of a motion.
No member should hesitate to object if he feels it is desirable to do so, but he should not object merely for dilatory purposes. In cases where unanimous consent is already apparent, the chair may sometimes assume it. (RROO: Newly Revised, 10th edition, pp. 51-3.)
(October 2005)