Making Motions at GA
How do you introduce a main motion?
“I move that …”
Whom do you address when speaking?
The chair.
Define what quorum is?
Minimum number present to do business as set by the rules or bylaws.
You can debate a motion before it has a second.
False.
Appeal from the Decision of the Chair. What does it do? How to make the motion? Second (y/n)? Vote? Debatable (y/n)? Amendable (y/n)?
Does: Challenges the chair’s ruling
How: “I appeal from the decision of the chair.”
Second: Yes
Vote: Majority decides; tie sustains chair
Debatable: Yes
Amendable: No
What are characteristics of a main motion? (does it need a second, is it debatable, is it amendable)
Yes, requires a second and it is debatable, amendable, and needs a majority vote.
How often may a member speak on the same question in a day under RONR?
Twice, for up to ten minutes each, unless the rules set different limits.
Standard vote to adopt a main motion?
Majority.
The maker of a motion has the right to speak first in debate.
True.
Call for the Orders of the Day. What does it do? How to make the motion? Second (y/n)? Vote? Debatable (y/n)? Amendable (y/n)?
Does: Returns the body to the agenda or schedule
How: “I call for the orders of the day.”
Second: No
Vote: None to enforce; two thirds to set aside
Debatable: No
Amendable: No
What motion ends debate and forces a vote, and what vote is required?
Previous Question, two-thirds.
When may you interrupt a speaker?
For Point of Order, Question of Privilege, or Parliamentary Inquiry.
What happens on a tie vote?
Motion fails. The chair may vote if it will change the result, if permitted.
“Lay on the Table” is used to kill a motion.
False. It sets it aside temporarily. “Postpone Indefinitely” kills it.
Take from the Table. What does it do? How to make the motion? Second (y/n)? Vote? Debatable (y/n)? Amendable (y/n)?
Does: Brings back a motion laid on the table
How: “I move to take from the table [item].”
Second: Yes
Vote: Majority
Debatable: No
Amendable: No
How many layers of amendment are allowed?
Two. An amendment to the amendment is allowed. A third layer is not.
What does “germane” mean in debate?
Directly related to the pending question.
Name two actions allowed when no quorum is present.
Fix the time to which to adjourn, recess, adjourn, or take measures to obtain a quorum.
“Call the question” passes by a simple majority.
False. Two-thirds.
Objection to the Consideration of the Question. What does it do? How to make the motion? Second (y/n)? Vote? Debatable (y/n)? Amendable (y/n)?
Does: Stops a new motion from being considered
How: “I object to the consideration of the question.”
Second: No
Vote: Two thirds in favor of the objection
Debatable: No
Amendable: No
Votes to rescind or amend something previously adopted?
Majority with previous notice, or two-thirds without notice, or majority of the entire membership.
Purpose of a Parliamentary Inquiry vs a Request for Information?
Inquiry asks the chair about procedure. Request for Information asks about facts on the pending business.
What is a Division of the Assembly?
A demand to verify a voice vote by a rising count. No second. No debate.
Abstentions count as votes cast.
False. They are not votes and are not counted in the total.
Limit or Extend Limits of Debate.What does it do? How to make the motion? Second (y/n)? Vote? Debatable (y/n)? Amendable (y/n)?
Does: Sets or changes speech count or time
How: “I move to limit debate to one speech per member of one minute” or “I move to extend debate by ten minutes.”
Second: Yes
Vote: Two thirds
Debatable: No
Amendable: Yes