Motion Tests: Main Motions and Incidental Motions

An original main motion is a main motion that

• amends another motion.

• introduces a substantive question as a new subject.

• is related to the business of the assembly or its past or future action.

• allows the maker of the motion to serve as chairman if it is referred to a committee.

An incidental main motion

• can be made only with the permission of the assembly.

• is in order if an original main motion is the immediate pending question.

• proposes an action that is defined under parliamentary law and described by a particular parliamentary term.

• is the same as a main motion, except it only can be proposed when an incidental motion is pending.

An incidental main motion is a main motion that is different from an original main motion because

• cannot be amended.

• is always made when a main motion is the immediately pending question.

• may be made any time, even if another member is speaking.

• never introduces a substantive question as a new subject.

An example of an incidental main motion would be a motion to

• take a recess when no business is pending.

• place a special limit on the length of speeches throughout a meeting.

• adopt recommendations a committee has proposed.

• All of the above

The main difference between the rules governing original and incidental main motions is that incidental main motions

• need not be seconded.

• cannot have an Objection to the Consideration of a Question applied to them.

• cannot be amended.

• can only be debated one time by each member.

The main motion is a motion that

• takes precedence over everything.

• can be applied to no other motion.

• can be moved at any time.

• always requires a majority vote.

All subsidiary motions can be applied to

• an original main motion.

• a point of order.

• themselves.

• third degree amendments.

Main motions

• take precedence over all motions.

• are not debatable.

• always require a two-thirds vote to be adopted.

• are out of order when another member has the floor.

A general rule when wording a main motion is

• to offer statements such as "I so move," after informal consultation.

• not to propose a motion that the assembly refrain from doing something.

• to include negative statements.

• never begin a motion with the words "I move that . . ."

Which one of the following motions would be most acceptable?

• After obtaining the floor, say "I move that this organization declare its opposition to the recent increase in dues."

• After obtaining the floor, say "I move that this organization go on record as not favoring the proposed increase in dues."

• After obtaining the floor, say "I move that our delegates be given no instructions regarding the proposal for the increase in dues."

• After obtaining the floor, say "I move that we give no response to the proposed dues."