Robert’s Rules of Order – Core Motions, Procedures & Points

These flashcards cover key motions, points of order, debate procedures, and rule classifications from Robert’s Rules cheat-sheet, enabling quick practice for meeting proficiency.

What phrase is used to introduce a motion to end the meeting immediately?

“I move that we adjourn.”

Which motion allows a short break and is introduced with the words, “I move that we recess until …” ?

The motion to Recess.

What privileged motion allows a member to complain about room conditions and may interrupt the speaker?

Point of privilege.

Which motion suspends further consideration of a topic and is commonly phrased, “I move that we table it”?

Lay on the Table.

What motion is used to end debate immediately and requires a 2/3 vote?

Previous Question (move the previous question).

How do you postpone discussion of a matter to a specific time in the future?

Move to Postpone Definitely (e.g., “I move we postpone this matter until …”).

Which motion modifies the wording of another motion and is both debatable and amendable?

Motion to Amend.

What majority vote is normally required to adopt a primary or main motion?

A simple majority.

When any motion in the precedence list is pending, can you introduce another motion that is listed below it?

No; only motions above it in precedence may be introduced.

What is the proper phrase to object to a breach of parliamentary procedure or a personal affront?

“Point of order.”

If you need factual clarification during debate, what do you say?

“Point of information.”

How do you demand a counted vote after a voice vote?

Call for a division of the house.

What motion prevents debate on an ‘undiplomatic’ matter before it begins and requires a 2/3 vote?

Object to consideration of the question.

How can a body revive discussion on an item that was previously tabled?

Move to take from the table.

Which motion allows the assembly to revisit an action already taken, provided the original motion was debatable?

Motion to Reconsider.

What is required to consider an item out of its scheduled order on the agenda?

Suspend the rules (requires a second and a 2/3 vote).

If a member disagrees with the chair’s ruling and wants the assembly to decide, what do they say?

“I appeal the chair’s decision.”

What are the first two steps in bringing a main motion before the assembly?

1) A member is recognized and makes the motion; 2) Another member seconds the motion.

Who has the first right to speak in debate on a motion?

The maker of the motion, if they claim the floor promptly.

What vote ends debate aside from the previous question motion?

A 2/3 vote of the assembly ordering debate to close when the chair asks “Are you ready for the question?”

List two etiquette rules for debating motions.

Listen to the other side and focus on issues, not personalities (others include avoiding motives and being polite).

Which motion sends a matter to a small group for further study?

Refer to a committee.

What motion allows you to limit each speaker to a specified time, e.g., two minutes?

Limit Debate.

How do you permanently kill a motion without a direct vote on its substance?

Postpone Indefinitely.

What procedural phrase is used to take a brief pause during a meeting?

“I move to recess for … (time).”

If you regret making a motion and wish to remove it, what do you request?

Permission to withdraw the motion.

When the chair is not following the adopted agenda, how can a member correct this without recognition?

Call for orders of the day.

What motion is made to change the order of business already adopted in the agenda by moving an item earlier?

Suspend the rules and reposition the item (requires 2/3 vote).

Which point addresses a situation where outside noise makes it hard to hear during the meeting?

Point of personal privilege.

What device lets a deliberative body meet informally, often excluding visitors and press, to discuss a controversial topic?

Motion to go into Committee of the Whole.

What point is raised when parliamentary rules themselves are unclear to a member?

Point of parliamentary inquiry.

Which class of rules cannot be suspended under any circumstance according to Robert’s Rules?

Charter provisions (and often bylaws unless a specific clause allows).

How may Standing Rules be suspended during a meeting?

By a majority vote for the duration of that session.

What two conditions can adopt Special Rules of Order?

Previous notice plus a 2/3 vote, or a majority of the entire membership.

What vote is normally needed to suspend the rules (other than standing rules) for a specific purpose?

A two-thirds (2/3) vote.

Which three privileged motions have top priority and block introduction of other motions from the second chart?

Adjourn, Recess, and Point of Privilege.