Motions
What motion is used to begin formal debate in committee?
Motion to open debate.
Which type of caucus is controlled by the chair and has a set speaker’s list?
Moderated Caucuses
What are the two main types of clauses in a resolution paper?
Preambulatory and operative clauses.
What was the first failed version of the United Nations?
League of Nations
What is a crisis committee in Model UN?
A dynamic committee where events change rapidly and delegates react to new scenarios.
What is the minimum number of delegates required to support a motion before it’s considered?
One second.
What is the main purpose of an unmoderated caucus?
To negotiate, form blocs, and draft resolutions.
What phrase typically begins operative clauses?
Action verbs (e.g., “Encourages,” “Requests,” “Decides”).
What is the most commonly simulated UN body in MUN conferences?
The Security Council.
What is an individual directive?
A secret action or order sent by a delegate to the crisis staff, not shared with the full committee.
What point is used if a delegate cannot hear the speaker?
Point of personal privilege.
Who decides the length and speaker’s time for a moderated caucus?
The delegation that motions and it passes by committees vote.
What is required for a resolution to be introduced for debate?
It must reach the minimum required number of sponsors and signatories.
Which document serves as the foundation for most MUN rules of procedure?
Robert’s Rules of Order.
In a crisis committee, who is responsible for introducing new developments and updates?
The crisis staff or crisis director.
Which motion ends all debate on a topic and moves the committee to voting procedure?
Motion to close debate.
Can you raise a Point of Order during an unmoderated caucus?
No, there is no formal order during unmods.
What is the purpose of preambulatory clauses in a resolution?
To provide background, context, and justification for the actions proposed.
What are the 6 official United Nation languages?
The UN operates in six official languages: Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, and Spanish.
How do crisis notes differ from formal speeches in committee?
Crisis notes are private, written communications to staff; speeches are public and shared with the committee.
What happens if there is a tie vote on a procedural motion?
The motion fails.
Name two strategies for making the most out of unmoderated caucus time.
Building alliances, drafting clauses, negotiating amendments, or gathering signatures.
How are operative clauses formatted?
Numbered paragraphs starting with an italicized, underlined, or capitalized verb (e.g., Calls, Recommends), followed by a semicolon and ending with a period only on the final clause
Which city hosted the first Model UN conference in 1947?
St. Lawrence University in New York.
Name one skill especially important in crisis MUN that is less critical in traditional committees.
Rapid decision-making, creative problem-solving, or adaptability.