Types of Motions in Parliamentary Procedure

What is the purpose of a main motion in parliamentary procedure?

• Close the meeting

• Amend a previously adopted motion

• Introduce new business or ideas for discussion and decision-making

• Elect new officers

When can a subsidiary motion be made during a meeting?

• While another motion is pending

• Via email after the meeting

• Before the meeting starts

• After the meeting adjourns

Give an example of an incidental motion in parliamentary procedure.

• Previous Question

• Division of the Assembly

• Point of Order

• Adjourn

Explain the difference between privileged and subsidiary motions.

• Privileged motions can only be proposed by the chairperson, while subsidiary motions can be proposed by any member.

• Privileged motions require a unanimous vote, whereas subsidiary motions require a simple majority.

• Privileged motions are used for routine matters, while subsidiary motions are used for critical decisions.

• Privileged motions take precedence over subsidiary motions in a meeting. Privileged motions relate to matters of immediate importance or urgency, such as adjourning a meeting or recessing. Subsidiary motions, on the other hand, are used to manage the main motion being discussed, such as postponing it or amending it.

What is the role of a motion to amend in parliamentary procedure?

• To elect a new chairperson

• To approve the minutes

• To propose changes to a pending motion.

• To adjourn the meeting

When is a motion to postpone definitely used in a meeting?

• When a decision needs to be made immediately

• When there is a need to delay discussion or decision on a particular agenda item to a later time or date.

• When there is unanimous agreement on the agenda item

• When the meeting is adjourned

Describe the characteristics of a motion to reconsider.

• A motion to reconsider can be made at any time, even after the meeting has concluded.

• A motion to reconsider requires a unanimous vote to pass.

• A motion to reconsider allows a decision to be brought back for further discussion and possible reversal, usually requiring a member who voted on the prevailing side to make the motion during the same meeting or session.

• A motion to reconsider can only be made by the chairperson of the meeting.

How does a motion to lay on the table affect the current discussion?

• It allows for an open-ended debate on the main issue

• It temporarily suspends the current discussion or topic without a direct vote on the main issue.

• It ends the current discussion immediately

• It requires an immediate vote on the main issue

What is the significance of a motion to divide the question?

• The significance of a motion to divide the question is to separate a complex question into distinct parts for separate consideration and voting.

• To extend the time for debate

• To combine multiple questions into one

• To skip the voting process

In what situations would a motion to limit or extend limits of debate be appropriate?

• A motion to limit or extend limits of debate would be appropriate during a lunch break.

• A motion to limit or extend limits of debate would be appropriate if the weather is bad.

• A motion to limit or extend limits of debate would be appropriate in situations where there is a need to manage time effectively during a discussion or decision-making process.

• A motion to limit or extend limits of debate would be appropriate when everyone agrees on the topic.