Rules of Procedure
Points/Motions
Point of Inquiry
Point of Clarification
Point of Information
Point of Order
Point of Personal Privilege
Purpose
Clarify rule or
committee procedure
Clarify nonsubstantive point
(grammar, etc.)
Substantive question
for speaker
Violation of Rules
Delegate’s
participation is
impaired
Appeal to the Chair
Challenge a decision
of the Chair
Motion to Set the Agenda
Set the order of topics
for debate
Motion to Open the Speakers
Start list at beginning
List
of committee or restart after prior
closure for new topic
Motion to Set the Speakers’
Set or change
Time
Speakers’ Time Limit
Motion to Close the Speaker’s No additional
List
speakers can be
added to the list
Motion for a Moderated
Best for fast-paced
Caucus
discussions; must
specify length of
caucus, length of
speaking time and
purpose/topic of
caucus
Motion for an Unmoderated
Informal debate and
Caucus
discussions; writing
time
Motion for Right of Reply
Defense against
personal attack
(immediate)
Motion to Introduce Working
After dais staff
Paper/Resolution/Amendment distributes paper to
committee; must
specify number of
document submitted
Debate
None
None
None
Vote
None (accepted at
chair’s discretion)
None (accepted only
at intro of resolutions)
None
None (accepted at
chair’s discretion)
Dais will address (use
with extreme caution)
Dais will address
None
Majority
2 for/2 against
Majority
None
Majority
2 for/2 against
Majority
None
Majority
None
Majority
None
Majority
None
Must be submitted in
writing to Chair
None
Majority
None
Motion to Table the Topic
Motion to Close Debate
Motion for Roll Call Vote
Motion to Divide the Question
Reconsideration
Motion to Recess
Motion to Adjourn
Motion to Question the
Competence of the Committee
to Discuss
Motion to Question
Competence of the Chair
End debate on topic
and move to next
item on the agenda
Move into voting
procedure
Each country called
individually to cast
vote
Divide out a portion
of a resolution for
separate voting
Re-open debate on an
issue (must be made
by delegate who
voted for
adjournment of
debate)
Suspend debate at
end of session (break)
2 for/2 against
Majority
2 against
2/3 Majority
None
Automatically adopted
with Chair’s approval
2 for/2 against
Majority
2 against
2/3 Majority
None
End meeting
Topic in resolution or
committee outside
the jurisdiction of the
committee charter
Chair running
committee poorly or
ill-versed in
procedure
None
2 for/2 against
Majority (after Chair
indicates open to such
motions for recess)
None
Majority (if passes,
topic/resolution will
be stricken from
debate)
Dais will address (use
with extreme caution)
None
***Procedural votes are yes/no (no abstentions); Substantive votes can allow abstentions and passes
***All Motions require a “Second,” another delegate who speaks up as agreeing with proposed motion
Voting Key
Yes
No
Abstains
Yes/No with Rights
Pass
Purpose
He/she in favor of resolution
He/she is against resolution
He/she does not wish to cast a vote on resolution
He/she wishes to explain vote; at end of roll call vote, delegate will be
given 30-second speech
He/she unsure how to vote, will be called upon after other delegates
have voted to cast vote; barred from voting with rights
Yields & Comments
Yield to the Chair
Yield to Questions
Yield to Another Delegate
Yield to Comments
Comments (No Yield Required)
Purpose
Speaker forfeits remaining
speaking time to Chair
Speaker allows questions within
remaining allotted speech time
Speaker allows next delegate to
elaborate on prior speech with
remaining time given (one yield
per list; no additional topic will
be considered in second speech)
Two 30-second speeches can be
made by any delegate in
response to original speech
Failure to yield remaining time;
Delegate can motion for
comment (Chair will choose 2
delegates for 30-second
speeches in response to original
speech)
Timing
End of speech on speakers list
At Chair’s discretion at
immediate end of delegate
speech, will not count towards
speaker’s time
End of speech on speakers list
(be sure next delegate will speak
in favor of prior speech topic)
End of speech on speakers list
Warranted after a speech on the
speakers list