Chapter 3 - Robert's Rules of Order, In Brief

A proper way for the chair to state the question on a main motion is to say

• “It has been moved and seconded that [or ‘to’]...[repeating the motion].

• “The question is on the motion [or ‘to’]...[repeating the motion].

• “It is moved and seconded that [or ‘to’]...[repeating the motion].

The main motion is one that

• brings business before the assembly.

• can be made while another motion is pending.

• has the highest rank.

A proper way to present a simple main motion is to say

• “I make a motion....”

• “I motion to.....”

• “I move that....”

The basic form of motion by which business is introduced is

• a subsidiary motion.

• an incidental motion.

• an original main motion.

• an incidental main motion

A member is said to be “recognized” when:

• He/she stands and addresses the chair

• They speak from their seat and shout out debate

• The chair designates them as the next speaker

A person who is not the first to rise and address the chair may be given preference in being recognized if

• the chair knows and approves of his position on a question.

• he asks for preferential treatment because of another engagement.

• he is the maker of the motion and has not spoken to the question.

As soon as a member has made a motion, he

• resumes his seat.

• remains standing, knowing that he will be recognized first.

• remains standing in case any member wishes to suggest a change in the motion.

Before a member in an assembly can speak in debate he must

• have paid the dues required by the organization.

• get the attention of the chair by raising his hand.

• obtain the floor

A member is said to have yielded the floor when:

• When the president taps the gavel

• They sit down after speaking

• When someone else begins to speak

A motion is said to be pending when:

• The chair has stated it and it is under consideration

• After it has been voted on

• When a member makes a motion