PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE, AN INTRODUCTION

Information cited & taken from:

RONR 10th Edition, RONR Brief 10th Edition, http://constitution.org/rror/rror-00.htm

Edited FIU SGC-UP Student Judiciary, 08-09

RONR Guide, 1

OutlineI. A Look at Meetings

a. Presiding Officer and Secretaryb. Quorumc. Order of Business

i. Reading and Approval of Minutesii. Reports

iii. Unfinished Businessiv. New Business

d. Agendae. Adjournment/Recess/Stand at Ease

II. Motionsa. Motionb. Speaking at a Meetingc. How to get a Motion before a Group

i. How to Make a Motionii. “Seconding” a Motion

iii. The Chair “States” the Questiond. How Groups Consider a Motion

i. Debateii. Chair “Puts” the Question

iii. Chair Announces ResultIII. Debate

a. The Rules for Debatei. Speech Limits in Debate

ii. Who Gets Preference in Recognition to Debate?iii. Stick to the Subjectiv. Debate Issues, Not Personalitiesv. Formalities That Avoid Personalities

b. Motions That Are and Are Not Debatable c. Limit or Extend Limits of Debated. Close Debate Immediately:

The Motion for the Previous QuestionIV. Amendments

a. The Purpose and Construction of Amendmentsb. Simple Word Changesc. Amending Paragraphsd. Amending Amendmentse. Germaness & Amendmentsf. Settled

V. Postponing and Referring to a Committee a. Postpone to a Certain Timeb. Commit or Refer

VI. Voting a. What Vote is required?b. Unanimous Consentc. Chair’s Participation in Voting

VII. Rulesa. Point of Orderb. Appealc. Parliamentary Inquiry

VIII. Motions Guide & Chartsa. Motionsb. Precedence of Motionsc. Definition of Motions

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I. A Look at Meetings

A. Presiding Officer and Secretary:

Preside: The process of overseeing a meeting and the enforcement of rules.Chairman: Individual specifically elected to preside over the meeting. (i.e. Senate Speaker, President)“The Chair”: The title given and addressed to the chairman when he/she is actually presiding the meeting.President: Title given usually to an individual elected to preside over the meeting for an elongated period of time (i.e. 1 year, etc). Sectary: Individual elected or appointed to take minutes of the meeting.Minutes: Written record of what is done during the meetings. They are approved by majority vote. (See Ch. 4)1

B. Quorum:

Quorum: This is the minimum amount of members needed in attendance to get any formal business done (i.e. approving minutes, voting on legislation, etc). SGA-UP quorum is 50% +1 (majority of delegates).2 SGA-UP Senate Quorum is 16 or more Senators. University Wide Council is 50%+1.3 “Any substantive action taken in the absence of a Quorum is invalid.”4

C. Order of Business:

Call to order: The beginning of the meeting as called by the residing chair. “The meeting will come to order.”Order of Business: The set order of discussing and tackling various issues. Exp:

Simplified Standard of Order of Business Reading and Approval of Minutes Reports Unfinished Business

New Business

1. Reading and Approval of Minutes: Chair states: “The secretary will read the minutes.” Then Chair will ask “Are there any corrections to the minutes?” Disputes are debated and corrections made via vote (majority). Chair then states “If there are no [further] corrections, the minutes are approved.”

2. Reports: The chair asks for reports to be read; “May we have the Treasurer’s Report?” Reports generally give information as well as include recommendations of action for the assembly. Recommendations are debated and voted upon.

1 RONR (10th ed.) p. 21 5-27. Secretary and Chairperson are the two essential officers needed in a meeting.2 RONR (10th ed.) p. 335 6-11. If Quorum is not defined in bylaws, it is a majority of members (50%+1)3 Constitution Article X, A. 4b. “provided that at least two members representing each SGC is present.”4 RONR (10th ed.), p. 334-40, RONR Brief pg. 13. Quorum must be maintained throughout meeting.

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3. Unfinished Business: After reports, Chair asks, “Under unfinished business, the first item of business is the motion relating to…, which was pending when the last meeting adjourned. The question is on the adoption of the motion [stating the motion]… [After item debated and voted on:] The next item of business is…” Unfinished business is defined as:

o An item that was in the process of being discussed before interrupted by last meeting being adjourned, or…

o An item that was scheduled for consideration last meeting, but was not discussed before said meeting was adjourned.

4. New Business: After unfinished business, Chair asks, “Is there any new business?” Members may then bring new items forward via motions.5

D. Agenda:

Agenda: Agenda is a scheduled adopted and voted upon by the group. It may set exact voted upon times and order of business.

E. Adjournment/Recess/Stand at Ease:

Adjournment: Chair states, “Is there any further business?... Since there is no further business the meeting is adjourned.” An adjourned meeting means it is closed. A majority may vote to close a meeting given there being un-tackled orders of business.Recess: A majority may vote to have a timed period of recess to leave the room.Stand at Ease: The chair may call for a stand at ease where the meeting is paused and members talk in their seats until the chair calls the meeting to order.

5 Motions are discussed in chapter 2, and RONR (10th ed.), p. 349

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II. Motions

A. Motions:

Motion: Formal proposal by a member during a meeting that leads the group to take certain action.6

Main Motion: A motion that brings business before the assembly. Only one motion is allowed on the floor at a time. No debate is done on a subject unless first brought forth by a motion.7

B. Speaking at a Meeting

Recognized: To make a motion or speak in a debate, you stand up immediately after the previous speaker and address the chair by their title; “Madam Chairperson”, etc. The chair then designates you as the new speaker, recognizing you by usually calling you by your name or title, “Mr. Goenaga”. Have the Floor: When authorized to speak by the Chairperson, you are said to “Have the Floor”Yield the Floor: When you finish, you sit down and thus “Yield the Floor” to other speakers.8

Getting Recognized to SpeakMEMBER A [Stands]: Mr. Speaker!CHAIR: Mr A.MEMBER A: It’s not a very good idea to… [Sits down when finished speaking].

C. How a Motion Gets Before a Group

1. How to Make a Motion: To make a motion, you simply say “I move that…” when you Have the Floor. You then describe the proposal.

a. Exp: “I move that the Tennis League establish a division open to juniors and seniors.”

b. It is important to be precise with the words of your motion, as it gets copied verbatim by the secretary.

c. It is good to write your motion beforehand and hand out copies to the secretary and Chair.

d. After giving your motion, you sit down and wait to discuss your reasons for making the proposal later.

6 RONR (10th ed.), p. 26, 1. 19-247 RONR (10th ed.), p. 32, 1. 348 RONR (10th ed.), p. 28-30, 364-65

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Making a MotionMEMBER A [Stands]: Mr. Speaker!CHAIR: Mr. A.MEMBER A: I move that the Tennis League establish a division open to juniors and seniors enrolled in city high schools. [When finished making the motion, be seated. Wait until later to explain why the motion is a good idea.]

2. “Seconding” a Motion: After a motion is made, a Senator/Member needs to second it in order for said Motion to be discussed. The person seconding a motion doesn’t need to agree with it, but only have the desire to consider it.

a. You second a motion by calling out; “Second!” You can remain seated and don’t need to be recognized by the Chair.9

3. The Chair “States” a Question: After a motion is moved and seconded, the Chief states the question on the motion. The chair says “It is moved and seconded that”, and then repeats the motion exactly. “It is moved and seconded that the Tennis League establish a division open to juniors and seniors enrolled in city high schools.”

a. Chair restates motion so all members/Senators have the opportunity to hear it clearly.

b. The Chair also needs to State motion:

i. To make sure the Motion is in order as according to the rules. The Chair can state “The chair rules that the motion is not in order because…” Motions are in order rules will be discussed later.

ii. Must ensure motion is clearly phrased. Chair can help mover re-word it.

Making, Seconding, and Stating a Motion

MEMBER A [Stands]: Mr. Speaker!CHAIR: Mr. A.MEMBER A: I move that the Tennis League establish a division open to juniors and seniors enrolled in city high schools. [When finished making the motion, be seated. Wait until later to explain why the motion is a good idea.] MEMBER B [Seated]: Second!CHAIR: It is moved and seconded that the Tennis League establish a division open to juniors and seniors enrolled in city high schools.

D. How Groups Considers a Motion

1. Debate on a Motion: a. Pending: When motion stated by chair, it is pending or “on the floor”.

9 RONR (10th ed.), p. 34-36

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b. Debate: When motion is pending/on-the-floor, it is now open to debate. Debate is the discussion of the merits of the question. After stated, Chair usually turns to Maker of Motion to see if he/she wished to be assigned to the floor.

Debate

MEMBER A [Stands]: Mr. Speaker!CHAIR: Mr. A.MEMBER A: We need to bring young people into tennis to keep the sport alive… [Sits when finished].MEMBER B [Stands after Member A sits]: Mr. Speaker!CHAIR: Mrs. BMEMBER B: Most of our members are adults. High school students should establish their own league… [Sits when finished].

c. Secondary Motions: During debate, other motions can be made regarding the main motions consideration. Some interrupt, some amend, etc. These are called secondary motions.10

i. Exp: Motion to Recess

ii. Exp: Motion to Amend

2. Chair “Puts” The Question

a. When no one is left seeking Recognition for debate, the chair may ask “Are you ready for the question?” or “Is there any further debate?” If no further debate, the Chair stands and puts the question to a vote.11

b. Chair does so by standing and saying “The question is on the adoption of the motion that…” and then repeats the exact words of the motion. The chair then gives the directions of voting (Roll-Call).

c. Voting will be that of Roll-Call for resolutions and bills.12

i. Roll-Call requires that each Senator be named alphabetically, giving a loud “Yea” or “No”. Their vote is then recorded by the Secretary or Clerk.13

Putting the Question

CHAIR: The question is on the adoption of the motion that the Tennis League establish a division open to juniors and seniors enrolled in city high schools. Those in favor of the motion, say aye, those against no. [Calls Senators one by one]Some Members, when called [Seated] Aye!Some Members, when called [Seated]: No!

10 RONR (10th ed.), p. 41-42, 56-5711 RONR (10th ed.), p. 36, 1. 18-2012 SGC-UP Bylaws 2008, Article X (b) &XI (d)13 SGC-UP Bylaws 2008, Article X (b)

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3. Chair Announces Results of the Vote

a. After the votes are collected, the Chair announces the results. It has four parts:

i. Reporting which side “has it”. “The ayes have it, and the motion is adopted.”

ii. Reporting that the motion/bill/resolution is adopted or lost.

iii. Reporting the effects of the vote.

iv. Reporting the next item of business (if any).

Announcement of Voting Result

CHAIR: The ayes have it, and the motion is adopted. The Tennis League will establish a division open to juniors and seniors enrolled in city high schools. Is there further new business?

OR:

CHAIR: The noes have it, and the motion is lost. Is there further new business?

Review: Example of Handling a Simple Motion

MEMBER A [Stands]: Mr. Speaker!CHAIR: Mr. A.MEMBER A: I move that the Tennis League establish a division open to juniors and seniors enrolled in city high schools. [When finished making the motion, be seated. Wait until later to explain why the motion is a good idea.] MEMBER B [Seated]: Second!CHAIR: It is moved and seconded that the Tennis League establish a division open to juniors and seniors enrolled in city high schools.MEMBER A [Stands]: Mr. Speaker!CHAIR: Mr. A.MEMBER A: We need to bring young people into tennis to keep the sport alive… [Sits when finished].MEMBER B [Stands after Member A sits]: Mr. Speaker!CHAIR: Mrs. BMEMBER B: Most of our members are adults. High school students should establish their own league… [Sits when finished].CHAIR: Is there any further debate?...The question is on the adoption of the motion that the Tennis League establish a division open to juniors and seniors enrolled in city high schools. Those in favor of the motion, say aye, those against no. [Calls Senators one by one]Some Members, when called [Seated] Aye!Some Members, when called [Seated]: No!CHAIR: The ayes have it, and the motion is adopted. The Tennis League will establish a division open to juniors and seniors enrolled in city high schools. Is there further new business?

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OR:

CHAIR: The noes have it, and the motion is lost. Is there further new business?

III. Debate

A. The Rules for Debate

1. Speech Limits in Debate: Each member may speak twice on any debatable motion for up to 10 minute each.

2. Recognition: The Chair designates, or recognizes, who to speak by addressing the first person who rises after Speaker finishes talking and sat down. You cannot stand for recognition and interrupt someone recognized until they finish speaking and sit down.

3. Stick to the Subject

a. Germane: Your speech must have bearing on whether the pending motion/bill should or should not be adopted. One cannot talk about things at random.

4. Debate Issues, Not Personalities

a. You simply never attack an individual personally.

5. Formalities

a. You never address another individual, but always speak as if to the Chair. “Mr. Speaker, the previous speaker’s points were wrong for the following reasons…”

b. “Mr. Speaker, may Member A. clarify his previous point?”

c. Instead of names, officers are addressed by titles and members usually as “the previous speaker”.

B. Motions That Are and Are Not Debatable

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Main motions and some secondary ones can be debated. Some secondary motions cannot.14

Example of DebateCHAIR: It is moved and seconded that the Tennis League establish a division open to juniors and seniors enrolled in city high schools. MEMBER B [Stands]: Mr. Speaker!MEMBER A (maker of motion) [Stands]: Mr. Speaker!CHAIR: Mr. A. [Member B sits]MEMBER A: We need to bring young people into tennis to keep the sport alive…Please vote for this motion. [Sits when finished.]MEMBER C [Stands]: Mr. Speaker!MEMBER B [Stands]: Mr. Speaker!MEMBER D [Stands]: Mr. Speaker!CHAIR: Since the last speaker spoke in favor of the motion, who wishes to speak in opposition to the motion?[Member D sits.]MEMBER C [Remaining standing]: Mr. Speaker!MEMBER B [Remaining standing]: Mr. Speaker!CHAIR: Mrs. C. [Member B sits.]MEMBER C: Most of our members are adults. High school students should establish their own league…[Sits when finished.]MEMBER A [Stands]: Mr. Speaker!MEMBER D [Stands]: Mr. Speaker!MEMBER E [Stands]: Mr. Speaker!MEMBER B [Stands]: Mr. Speaker!CHAIR: Mr. A. has already spoken once, and others who have not spoken wish to speak. [Member A sits.] Since the last speaker opposed the motion, who else wishes to speak in its favor? [Member B sits].MEMBER D [Remaining standing]: Mr. Speaker!MEMBER E [Remaining standing]: Mr. Speaker!CHAIR: Mr. D. [Member E sits.]MEMBER D: Mr. Speaker, we need young people to rejuvenate this sport…[Sits when finished.]MEMBER A [Stands]: Mr. Speaker!CHAIR: Mr. A.MEMBER A: Without outside help, it is unlikely high school students can afford to create a tennis league. In my opinion,MEMBER B [stands and interrupts]: Mr. Speaker, will the speaker yield for a question?MEMBER A: I will be happy to yield for a question.MEMBER B: How does the gentleman say we should pay for the student division he proposes? [Sits.]MEMBER A: Mr. Speaker, the dues the high school students would pay should cover the costs of the division. To continue my argument… [Sits when finished].

C. Limit or Extend Limits of Debate

Debate can continue until ever member exhausts their two 10 minute limits. However, the group can vote to Limit or Extend the limits of Debate. This could give a specific time when debate should stop (5:15pm, etc) or a specific time-frame (Debate for no more than one hour). It can also limit the amount of time each person has to talk (5 minutes instead of 10). You may also use this motion to do the opposite, and increase the amount of time each person can talk, or how many speeches they may make. There is no debate on Limits/Extensions.

14 RONR (10th ed.), p. 384-86

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“I move that in debate on the pending amendment, each member be limited to one speech of three minutes.”15

D. Close Debate Immediately: the Motion for the Previous Question

Motion for Previous Question: A motion to end debate. It also ends secondary motions (such as Amend, Commit, etc), as well as prevents it from being moved later during the meeting. It requires a 2/3 vote, and is also undebatable. Also needs to be seconded. It will use a standing vote.

“I move the previous question.”

IV. Amendments

A. The Purpose and Construction of Amendments

1. Amendments: Sometimes you may hear a motion but may want to change a specific word, or remove one. When you want to modify the motion, you propose an amendment. It is important to be specific with your propose amendment.

a. After a vote on an amendment, the Motion hasn’t passed but is merely now debated as amended. In the end, when voting on the Motion, it is voted as amended.

B. Simple Word Changes

1. Insert or Add Words:a. If you wanted to insert words somewhere in a motion, you would wait

until recognized and say “I move to insert words ‘…’ before ‘…’ ”b. If you wanted to add words at the end of a motion, you would wait

until recognized and say “I move to add words ‘…’ ”c. If this amendment is seconded, the chair states the amendment, and

then recognizes the mover to open debate, and after debate the Chair puts the question of the amendment, and then the group votes for the amendment.

2. Strike Out Words:a. If you want to strike out a word or words from a motion, you make an

Amendment to Strike Out “I move to strike out the words ‘…’ ”16

3. Strike Out and Insert Words:

15 RONR (10th ed.), p. 183-89, 378-7916 RONR (10th ed.), p. 139-42

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a. Is you want to strike out a word or words, and insert in their place other words, you make an Amendment to Strike Out & Insert, or “I move to strike out the words ‘…’ and insert the words ‘…’ ”17

C. Amending Paragraphs

1. Insert or Add a Paragrapha. Same process as the Insert or Add word/words.

2. Strike out a Paragrapha. Same process as the Strike-out word/words.

3. Substitute (strike out and insert)a. Same process as the strike out and insert word/words.

D. Amending Amendments

1. Secondary Amendment: An amended motion can be amended a second time, however secondary amendments cannot be amended. You cannot have a third layer of amendments, as this would continue to stretch off into confusion.

E. Germaness & Amendments

1. All amendments proposed must relate somehow to the initial proposed motion and the raised question it concerns itself with.

F. Settled

1. “The basic rule is that after the group has voted that certain words shall, or shall not, be part of a motion, you cannot offer another amendment that raises the same question of content and effect. Common sense is necessary to apply this principle from case to case.”18

17 RONR (10th ed.), p. 142-4618 RONR In Brief p. 51

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V. Postponing or Referring to a Committee

Postpone to a Certain Time

a. If adopted by a majority vote, it puts off further consideration of the main motion to a later time or meeting named in the motion

b. After a motion to Postpone to a Certain Time has been stated, it may itself be amended, for example to change the time of the proposed postponement.

i. It is also debatable, but the debate must be limited to the motion to Postpone, excluding the amendment or the main motion on the table.

I move to postpone the motion until 3pm

OR

I move to postpone the motion to the next meeting. (In this case it will come up right after unfinished business at the next meeting.)19

Commit or Refer

Before voting on a main motion, you may feel that it would profit from redrafting, revising, or further study by a small group of people. The motion to Commit (Refer to a committee) allows this.

a. It requires a majority vote.b. Should identify the committee to which the motion is to be referred.

i. It may include instructions to the committee, such as when to report back, or to propose an amendment accordingly.

Committees are two basic types:

19 RONR In Brief p. 53

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1. Standing Committees have a continuing existence and function, normally responsibility over a particular subject matter.

a) (Academic Affairs, Finance, International Students, Student Services, Student Union, Speakers Bureau).20

2. Special Committees are created for a particular task, and go out of existence when that task is completed.

VI. Voting

What vote is required?

a. Majority Vote: Most common vote required to adopt a motion or elect to office. Defined as “more than half” of the votes cast by persons legally entitled to vote.

i. Usually misinterpreted as 50% +1ii. Only a majority of those actually voting is required.

b. Plurality Vote: The largest number of votes when there are three or more alternatives

i. Under Robert’s Rules, however, plurality votes are not sufficient; decisions require a majority vote.

c. Two-Thirds Vote: at least two thirds of the votes cast by persons legally qualified to vote, excluding blanks or abstentions, at a regular or properly called meeting at which quorum is present.

i. Most commonly used to suspend the rules (see Ch11), or to close, limit, or extend the limits of debate (see Ch4)

d. Majority of the Entire Membership: a majority of the total number of those who are members of the voting body at the time of the vote.

i. Such as adopting a motion to Rescind or one to Amend Something Previously Adopted

Unanimous ConsentUnanimous consent enables a motion to be adopted or some action to be taken without the necessity of having the process for routine matters. It even permits taking action without the formality of a motion being made at all.

The Chair asks the assembly for any objections to the procedure. If no member objects, then the chair declares the action has been agreed to.

Chair’s Participation in Voting

20 FIU SGA Constitution, Article V C., a. i.-vi.

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The presiding officer should make every effort to maintain of impartiality so that members on both sides of any issue can feel confident that they will receive fair treatment.

The chair does not participate in debate on any issue unless he or she gives up the chair until the issue is disposed of.

The Chair votes only when either:a. The vote is by ballot, in which case the chair votes along and at the same time as all other members, orb. The chair’s vote will change the result of the vote.

Division!: If you believe a vote by voice or show of hands was unfairly counted, you are entitled to call for a standing by calling out “Division!” from your seat.

VII. Rules

A. Point of Order

1. The Chair is in charge of enforcing the rules. When you believe there to be a violation of the Rules of order, you may interrupt the Chair or a Speaker and call out “Point of Order!” without being recognized.

2. Anyone speaking sits, and the chair states “The member will state her point of order.” You then explain why you believe a rule has been broken and then sit down.

3. The chair then rules on your Point of Order, saying “The chair rules that the point of order is well taken.” Or the opposite, and then explaining why or why not.

B. Appeal

1. The Chair alone judges on the Point of order. If you believe the Chair to be wrong still, you may Appeal to the entire Senate/Group. Without being recognized, you stand and state “I appeal from the decision of the chair.” If it is seconded, it is debated, and then goes for a majority vote.

2. The Appeal is then stated by the Chair after debate, and brought to a vote: “Shall the decision of the chair be sustained?” To overrule the Chair’s decision, a majority vote of the negative is needed.

C. Parliamentary Inquiry

1. When you want to ask a question concerning Parliamentary procedure, and how it relates to the discussion pending, you may, without recognition, stand and state “A parliamentary inquiry, please.” You need not be seconded, and after the chair’s reply of “The member will state the inquiry,” you offer your question.

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VIII. Motions Guide

A. Motions

1. Main Motion: “is a motion whose introduction bring business before an assembly.”21

2. Subsidiary/Secondary Motions: “assist the assembly in treating or disposing of a main motion (and sometimes other motions.)22

3. Immediately Pending motions: This is the motion, main or secondary, that is currently being discussed before the group.

4. Incidental Motion: These are motions that do not fall under the Precedence of Motions chart, and are made to challenge rules of order (Point of order, Appeal. Etc). They arise incidentally out of other motions and rules of procedure. These take precedence over all other pending motions.

The Common Motions Classified According to Their Objects.

(1) To Modify or Amend.(a) Amend ..............................33(b) Commit or Refer ....................32

(2) To Defer Action.(a) Postpone to a Certain Time .........31(b) Make a Special Order (2/3 Vote) ....20(c) Lay on the Table ...................28

(3) To Suppress or Limit Debate (2/3 Vote).(a) Previous Question (to close debatenow) (2/3 Vote) ........................29(b) Limit Debate (2/3 Vote) ............30

(4) To Suppress the Question.(a) Objection to Its Consideration

21 RONR The Brief, p. 126, RONR (10th ed.), p. 95-12022 RONR the Brief, p. 126

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(2/3 Vote) .............................23(b) Previous Question and RejectQuestion ...............................29(c) Postpone Indefinitely ..............34(d) Lay on the Table ...................28

(5) To Consider a Question a Second Time.(a) Take from the Table ................35(b) Reconsider .........................36(c) Rescind ............................37

(6) To Prevent Final Action on a Questionin an Unusually Small or UnrepresentativeMeeting.

(a) Reconsider and have Entered onthe Minutes ............................36

(Constitution.org, Robert Rules of Order, Public Domain 1915)

B. Precedence of Motions:

1. Taking Precedence: When one motion yields to another, the latter motion takes precedence and becomes the immediately pending motion. If you are discussing a Motion, and someone motions to amend it, the main motion yields to the motion to amend.

Order of Precedence of Motions:

The motions rank as follows, from highest rank to lowest. When any of these motions is immediately pending, the motions above it in the list are in order, and those below are not in order.

1

2 3 4 5Motion

- X a X - Fix the Time to which to Adjourn. - X b - - Adjourn.- X c X - Take a Recess. - X - - - Raise a Question of Privilege.- X - - - Call for the Orders of the Day.- - - - - Lay on the Table. - - - - X Previous Question. - - - - X Limit or Extend Limits of Debate.X - - X - Postpone to a Certain Time.X - - X - Commit or Refer.X - - X - Amend.X - - - - Postpone Indefinitely.X - - X - A Main Motion.

(Constitution.org, Robert Rules of Order, Public Domain 1915)1 - Debatable

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2 - Usually Privileged3 - Not always privileged:

a - Privileged only when made while another question is pending, and in an assembly that has made no provision for another meeting on the same or the next day.b - Loses its privileged character and is a main motion if in any way qualified, or if its effect, if adopted, is to dissolve the assembly without any provision for its meeting again.c - Privileged only when made while other business is pending.

4 - Can be amended5 - Require a 2/3 vote for their adoption; the others require only a majority.

Columns:

§ - Section number1 – Debatable 2 - Debate Confined to Pending Questions3 - Can be Amended4 - Subsidiary Motions can be Applied5 - Can be Reconsidered6 - Requires only a Majority Vote7 - Must be Seconded8 - Out of Order when Another has FloorN - Note below

§ 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 N Motion17 * - * * * - - - 1 Adjourn (when privileged)54 - - - - - - - - - Adopt (Accept or Agree to) a Report

67 - - - - 2 - - - - Adopt Constitutions, By-laws, Rules of Order67 - - - - - - - - - Adopt Standing Rules

33 4 - - - - - - - 3 Amend33 4 - * - - - - - - Amend an Amendment

68 - - - - 2 5 - - - Amend Constitutions, By-laws, Rules of Order67 - - - - - 6 - - - Amend Standing Rules

21 * - * - - - - * 7 Appeal, relating to Indecorum, etc.21 - - * - - - - * - Appeal, all other cases

33 - - * - - - * - - Blanks, Filling32 - - - - 8 - - - - Commit or Refer, or Recommit

30 * - - - - * - - 9 Debate, to Close, Limit, or Extend25 * - * * * - * * - Division of the Assembly

24 * - - - * - 10 10 - Division of the Question16 11 - - - - - - - 1 Fix the Time to which to Adjourn

57 - - * - 2 - - - - Informal Consideration of a Question28 * - * * * - - - - Lay on the Table

21 * - * * - - - - - Leave to Continue Speaking after Indecorum11 - - - - - - - - - Main Motion or Question

26 - - * - * - * - - Nominations, to Make26 * - - - * * - - - Nominations, to Close

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26 * - - - 2 - - - - Nominations, to Reopen

23 * - * * 2 12 * * - Objection to Consideration of a Question21 * - * * * - * * - Order, Questions of

20 - - - - - * - - - Order, to Make a Special20 * - * * * - * * - Orders of the Day, to Call for

20 - - - - - - - - - Order of the Day, when pending27 * - * * * - * * - Parliamentary Inquiry

31 - - - - - - - - - Postpone Definitely, or to a Certain Time34 - * * - 13 - - - - Postpone Indefinitely

29 * - * * 15 * - - 14 Previous Question19 * - * * * - * * - Privilege, to Raise Questions of

19 - - - - - - - - - Privilege, Questions of, when pending27 * - * * - - - - - Reading Papers

18 11 - - - * - - - 1 Recess, to Take a (when privileged)36 4 17 * - * - - * 16 Reconsider

37 - * - - 2 18 - - - Rescind or Repeal33 - - - - - - - - - Substitute (same as Amend)

22 * - * * * * - - - Suspend the Rules35 * - * * * - - - - Take from the Table

22 * - * * * * - - - Take up a Question out of its Proper Order25 * - - - - - - - - Voting, Motions relating to

27 * - * * 2 - * - - Withdraw a Motion, Leave to

(Constitution.org, Robert Rules of Order, Public Domain 1915)

C. Definitions of Motions

1. Main Motion:a. Motion that simply brings forth business, “I motion/move that”

2. Subsidiary motions: a. Postpone Indefinitelyb. Amendc. Commitd. Refere. Postpone to a Certain Timef. Postpone Definitelyg. Postponeh. Limit or Extend Limits of Debatei. Previous Questionj. Lay on the Table

3. Privileged Motions: a. Call for the Orders of the Dayb. Raise a Question of Privilegec. Recessd. Adjourn

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e. Fix the Time to Which to Adjourn4. Incidental Motions:

a. Point of Orderb. Appealc. Suspend the Rulesd. Objection to the Consideration of a Questione. Division of a Questionf. Consideration by Paragraph or Seriatimg. Division of the Assemblyh. Motions Relating to Methods of Voting and the Pollsi. Motions Relating to Nominationsj. Request to Be Excused from a Dutyk. Requests and Inquiries

i. Parliamentary Inquiryii. Point of Information

iii. Request for Permission (or Leave) to Withdraw or Modify a Motion

iv. Request to Read Papersv. Request for Any Other Privilege.

5. Motions Returning Question:a. Take from the Tableb. Rescind/Repeal/Annulc. Amend Something Previously Adoptedd. Discharge a Committeee. Reconsider

Amend: Inserting or striking out words or paragraphs, or substituting whole paragraphs or resolutions

Appeal Decision of the Chair: Appeal for the assembly to decide - must be made before other business is resumed; NOT debatable if relates to decorum, violation of rules or order of business

Commit /Refer/Recommit to Committee: State the committee to receive the question or resolution; if no committee exists include size of committee desired and method of selecting the members (election or appointment).

Consider by Paragraph: Adoption of paper is held until all paragraphs are debated and amended and entire paper is satisfactory; after all paragraphs are considered, the entire paper is then open to amendment, and paragraphs may be further amended. Any Preamble can not be considered until debate on the body of the paper has ceased.

Divide the Question: Divides a motion into two or more separate motions (must be able to stand on their own)

Extend Debate: Applies only to the immediately pending question; extends until a certain time or for a certain period of time

Informal Consideration: Move that the assembly go into "Committee of the Whole" - informal debate as if in committee; this committee may limit number or length of speeches or close debate by other means by a 2/3 vote. All votes, however, are formal.

Lay on the Table: Temporarily suspends further consideration/action on pending question; may be made after motion to close debate has carried or is pending

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Limit Debate: Closing debate at a certain time, or limiting to a certain period of time

Main Motion: Brings new business (the next item on the agenda) before the assembly

Object to Consideration: Objection must be stated before discussion or another motion is stated

Orders of the Day (Agenda): A call to adhere to the agenda (a deviation from the agenda requires Suspending the Rules)

Parliamentary Inquiry: Inquire as to the correct motion - to accomplish a desired result, or raise a point of order

Point of Information: Generally applies to information desired from the speaker: "I should like to ask the (speaker) a question."

Point of Order: Infraction of the rules, or improper decorum in speaking. Must be raised immediately after the error is made

Point of Privilege: Pertains to noise, personal comfort, etc. - may interrupt only if necessary!

Postpone Indefinitely: Kills the question/resolution for this session - exception: the motion to reconsider can be made this session

Postpone to a Certain Time: State the time the motion or agenda item will be resumed

Previous Question: Closes debate if successful - may be moved to "Close Debate" if preferred

Reconsider: Can be made only by one on the prevailing side who has changed position or view

Suspend the Rules: Allows a violation of the assembly's own rules (except Constitution); the object of the suspension must be specified

Take from the Table: Resumes consideration of item previously "laid on the table" - state the motion to take from the table

Withdraw/Modify Motion: Applies only after question is stated; mover can accept an amendment without obtaining the floor

Part 1, Main Motions. These motions are listed in order of precedence. A motion can be introduced if it is higher on the chart than the pending motion. § indicates the section from

Robert's Rules.

§ PURPOSE: YOU SAY: INTERRUPT? 2ND? DEBATE? AMEND? VOTE?

§21 Close meeting I move to adjourn No Yes No No Majority

§20 Take break I move to recess for ... No Yes No Yes Majority

§19 Register complaint

I rise to a question of privilege Yes No No No None

§18 Make follow agenda

I call for the orders of the day Yes No No No None

§17 Lay aside temporarily

I move to lay the question on the table No Yes No No Majority

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§16 Close debateI move the previous question No Yes No No 2/3

§15 Limit or extend debate

I move that debate be limited to ... No Yes No Yes 2/3

§14 Postpone to a certain time

I move to postpone the motion to ... No Yes Yes Yes

Majority

§13 Refer to committee

I move to refer the motion to ... No Yes Yes Yes

Majority

§12 Modify wording of motion

I move to amend the motion by ... No Yes Yes Yes

Majority

§11 Kill main motion

I move that the motion be postponed indefinitely

No Yes Yes NoMajority

§10Bring business before assembly (a main motion)

I move that [or "to"] ... No Yes Yes Yes

Majority

Part 2, Incidental Motions. No order of precedence. These motions arise incidentally and are decided immediately.

§ PURPOSE: YOU SAY: INTERRUPT? 2ND? DEBATE? AMEND? VOTE?

§23 Enforce rules Point of OrderYes No No No None

§24 Submit matter to assembly

I appeal from the decision of the chair Yes Yes Varies No Majority

§25 Suspend rules I move to suspend the rules No Yes No No 2/3

§26Avoid main motion altogether

I object to the consideration of the question Yes No No No 2/3

§27 Divide motion I move to divide the question No Yes No Yes Majority

§29 Demand a rising vote

I move for a rising vote Yes No No No None

§33 Parliamentary law question

Parliamentary inquiry Yes No No No None

§33 Request for information Point of information

Yes No No No None

Part 3, Motions That Bring a Question Again Before the Assembly.No order of precedence. Introduce only when nothing else is pending.

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§ PURPOSE: YOU SAY: INTERRUPT? 2ND? DEBATE? AMEND? VOTE?

§34 Take matter from table

I move to take from the table ... No Yes No No Majority

§35 Cancel previous action

I move to rescind ... No Yes Yes Yes

2/3 or Majority with

notice

§37 Reconsider motion

I move to reconsider ... No Yes Varies No Majority

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