MUN Terms 1
The chairpersons are seated in the front with their gavel and facilitate the debate. They call on speakers, time speeches, and maintain the rules of procedure. If the conference gives awards, they will also evaluate your performance.
Chairs
These are used when a delegate has a question about something that is not clearly understood in committee. Use this if you don't understand a term or get what's going on in committee
Point of Inquiry or Question
different groups that have similar ideas and opinions about the topics. In the real United Nations, there are regional _____, but delegates can choose to build their own ____ in Model UN. These ____ will typically work together to create a draft resolution.
Blocs
statements in the first section of the draft resolution that describes the problems that the committee wants to solve as well as previous measures taken to combat the problem. These clauses are usually italicized or underlined but not numbered.
Pre-ambulatory clauses
combining two or more draft resolutions to make a bigger or new draft resolution
Merging
order in committee. The chair may call decorum if delegates are loud or disrespectful, in order to ask for their attention during committee.
Decorum
used when a delegate experiences personal discomfort that hinders their ability to participate in committee. Examples: temperature of room, distractions during committee, can't hear another delegate, etc.
Point of Personal Privilege
This is a list of ideas formed by the blocs. They may or may not be written in resolution format. this document needs to be approved by the chairs.
Working paper
statements in the second section of the draft resolution that outlines the specific solutions the sponsors wish to implement. These clauses are usually numbered and underlined.
Operative clauses
when delegates vote on the draft resolutions and amendments
Voting bloc
a specific action made by delegates to direct debate in a certain direction.
Motion
used when a delegate believes that there was a mistake made regarding the rules of procedure
Point of Order (also called Point of Parliamentary Procedure)
A document written in resolution format, approved by the chairs, and introduced to committee but not yet voted upon
Draft Resolution
a list that contains the order of speakers in the committee. The specific way that the order is determined varies by conference. This is the default format of debate and committee will proceed with speeches until a delegate makes a motion to change up the debate format.
Speaker's List
A debate format that allows delegates to make short comments on a specific sub-issue. Typically, delegates who are interested in speaking will raise up their placards and the Chairs will call on delegates to speak one at a time. In order to move to this type of debate, the motion must include the overall speaking time, the time per speaker, and the sub-issue to be discussed.
Moderated Caucus
Name 7 allies of the US
Canada, United Kingdon, Australia, Japan, South Korea, Germany, France, Italy, Israel, New Zealand, NATO member countries (e.g., Spain, Netherlands, Belgium, Norway, etc.), Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Turkey (member of NATO, though relations are complex), Mexico, Philippines, Thailand, Taiwan, India (strategic partner, though not a formal ally), Jordan
this is when a speaker decides to give up the remaining time in his or her speech. Typically, the three types are: 1) ___ to the Chair meaning you give up the rest of your time, 2) ____ to another delegate meaning you give up the rest of your time to another delegate, or 3) ____ to questions or comments from other delegates
Yield
a debate format in which delegates can leave their seats to go and talk to others freely and informally. This is usually when delegates find allies and work on draft resolutions. In order to move into this type of debate, the motion must include the overall caucus time and preferably the purpose of this type of debate
Unmoderated Caucus (also called Informal Caucus or Lobbying Sessions)
delegates who wish the see the draft resolution debated but may or may not agree with all of the ideas. However, they think there is some merit to it and want to see it presented.
Signatories