Study Guide on Parliamentary Procedure: Motion Overview
Parliamentary Procedure: Overview of Motions
Introduction
Presenter: Joel Ramstead
Topic: Parliamentary Procedure - Part Two: Motions
Focus Areas:
Significance of motions
Life cycle of motions
Main classes of motions
Significance of Motions
Members use motions to transact or conduct business during meetings.
Procedure for Making Motions:
Members must rise and gain recognition from the chair.
Initiate the motion with the phrase "I move".
Importance of Seconding a Motion:
A motion must be seconded to indicate interest from other members in discussing the topic.
Seconding does not imply agreement; it allows for further discussion.
Life Cycle of a Motion
Steps in the Life Cycle of a Motion:
Making the Motion:
Example: "I move that we sell oranges."
Seconding the Motion:
A member calls out “second” to show interest in the discussion.
Restating the Motion:
The chair confirms: "It has been moved and seconded that we sell oranges. Is there any discussion?"
Discussion:
Members can discuss the motion (usually twice per meeting).
Voting:
Majority vote (51%) for motions requiring a majority, typically conducted via voice vote (say "Aye" or "Nay").
Two-thirds vote requires a rising count for accurate results.
Outcome:
A motion either passes or fails.
Types of Motions
Four Main Categories of Motions (in order of precedence):
Privileged Motions
Subsidiary Motions
Incidental Motions
Motions that Bring a Question Back Before the Assembly
1. Privileged Motions
Purpose: Grant special rights or privileges to a member or group.
Examples Include:
Fix the Time to Adjourn: Sets the time for a future meeting.
Adjourn: Ends the current meeting.
Recess: Takes a short break (usually 5-10 minutes).
Raise a Question of Privilege: Allow personal needs (e.g., request to use the restroom).
Call for Orders of the Day: Reinstates the meeting agenda if derailed.
2. Subsidiary Motions
Purpose: Address or modify main motion processes.
Examples Include:
Lay on the Table: Postpones discussion on an issue.
Previous Question: Forcing a vote on the current motion to limit debate.
Limit or Extend the Limits of Debate: Adjusting time allowed for discussion.
Postpone Definitely: Moves the discussion to a specific future date.
Commit or Refer: Assigns the motion to a committee for further consideration.
Amend: Alters the original motion wording or content.
Postpone Indefinitely: Halts further consideration of a motion.
3. Incidental Motions
Purpose: Address procedural questions or issues.
Examples Include:
Appeal: Challenges a ruling by the chair.
Division of the Assembly: Calls for a counted vote if a voice vote is unclear.
Objection to the Consideration of a Question: Stops a controversial motion from being discussed if it passes a two-thirds vote.
Parliamentary Inquiry: Asks for clarification on parliamentary procedure.
Point of Order: Calls attention to a procedural error.
Suspend the Rules: Temporarily set aside rules for a specific reason.
Withdraw: Removes a previously stated motion.
4. Motions that Bring a Question Back Before the Assembly
Purpose: Re-evaluate or reconsider previous decisions.
Examples Include:
Reconsider: Allows re-evaluation of a motion based on prior votes (must have voted on the prevailing side).
Rescind: Changes a previously adopted motion.
Take from the Table: Brings a motion that has been laid aside back for discussion.
Review Questions
What is a motion?
Can you outline the life cycle of a motion?
True or False: All motions require a second.
True or False: All motions require a vote from the assembly.
True or False: All motions are debatable in their original form.
Can you identify the major classes of motions with examples?
What additional motions can change wording in a main motion?
Conclusion
Always feel free to ask questions or seek clarification about parliamentary procedure and the discussed motions.