Cleveland Council on World Affairs
Model United Nations Program
Advisor Manual
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Helping Students Prepare for Model UN
a. First Steps
1
b. Preparation
3
c. Practice
5
2. Position Papers
a. Position Paper Guidelines
7
b. Sample Position Paper
8
3. Parliamentary Procedure
a. Rules of Parliamentary Procedure
9
b. Explanation of Rules
15
c. Points and Motions: Short-Form Chart
17
4. Resolutions
a. Resolution and Amendment Writing
19
b. Sample Resolution
21
c. Formal Voting Procedure
22
5. Explanation of Scoring
23
HELPING STUDENTS PREPARE
FOR MODEL UNITED NATIONS
Even before the end of World War II and even before the United Nations had officially been
established (October 24th, 1945), sixteen Cleveland area schools met at CWRU to plan the world
that would emerge at the end of the worst conflict the world had ever known. This simulation
was the first of over sixty years of simulations sponsored by the Cleveland Council of World
Affairs. CCWA is proud to continue this tradition in a world ever more needful of the peaceful
resolution of global affairs.
FIRST STEPS
1. OVERVIEW - Before meeting with students, the Model UN advisor may wish to visit the
Cleveland Council Model UN website and read through the other sections of this manual. If
there are any questions, the advisor can call the CCWA Education Center for help. . Exploring
the United Nations website itself might also be useful.
CCWA Website: http://www.ccwa.org/model_un.aspx
United Nations Website: www.un.org
2. MEET WITH STUDENTS - Whether your students are new to Model UN or experienced
delegates, it is important to get a count of who will participate in the next upcoming simulation.
The first CCWA high school simulation is in the fall term so an organizational meeting should be
held as soon as possible after the beginning of the school year. Know the registration deadlines!
The first step is to create a Model United Nations team. Your school might already have a preexisting team or club. If not, you should begin recruiting students at once. You can put out a
school-wide announcement or publicize the opportunity to groups with a common interest, such
as international affairs clubs, law or government clubs, and debate teams. Please note, the more
students involved, the better the experience will be for everyone involved.
It is important that students be ready to make a commitment to participate and to follow through
with this commitment to attend the conference and to be prepared. Students may be asked to
sign a sheet indicating their intent to participate, their willingness to find someone to replace
them should an emergency develop, and their understanding that they will still be billed for the
conference fee should they not attend. A parent signature may also be required at this time.
Students might be given a week or so to decide whether to participate. It's important that
students fulfill their commitments because it can be very uncomfortable for a partner if one half
of the partnership cancels. Early sign ups also enable students to make sure there are no
conflicting scheduling demands and to talk to each of their teachers about making up work which
will be missed.
Mostly, students work in partnerships; therefore, the advisor needs to determine how the
partnerships will be formed. Should students be allowed to request who their partner will be?
Should a group of student leaders decide? The advisor? In general, allowing students to request
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partners and assigning those who make no request works well, especially if a few older students
help with the assignment. You may have delegations of only one student, but you may not have
any delegations of more than two students.
3. SIGN UP FOR COUNTRIES - The next step is to choose the countries the students will represent.
You will need to choose a combination of countries whose committee memberships will equal
the number of delegations your school will send to the simulation. The country matrix (a listing
of countries and which committees they sit on) is available on our website so you can choose
your countries based on that information. Registration policies include the following:
CCWAMUN Registration Policies:
a. A registration form must be submitted. It is available on our website
(www.ccwamun.wordpress.com)
b. All students must be registered.
c. Fees must be paid for all students registered.
Please mail the check to the following address:
Global Youth Programs Officer
Cleveland Council on World Affairs
812 Huron Rd. Suite 620
Cleveland, Ohio 44115
216-781.3730
munsupport@ccwa.org
d. Students must sign the Code of Conduct/Photo Release form (available on our
website) and bring these to the first day of the conference.
You may only sign up for only one of the countries which are permanent members of the
Security Council: US, UK, Russia, China, and France. Committee delegates representing these
five countries should be chosen from your most experienced MUN students. It doesn't really
matter too much, however, which countries are chosen, for any of the countries will provide
students with the opportunity to participate equally in the deliberations of the committees.
4. TAKING CARE OF DETAILS – Early registration is advised to assure the best selection of
countries. Students may also wish to write for information to the embassy of their country and
will need sufficient lead time. Handling other tasks associated with the simulation and helping
students to prepare for absences from class will result in a better experience for both students and
advisors. Publishing a field trip form for teachers whose classes will be missed well in advance
of the date may be helpful. Sometimes explaining to your faculty what Model UN is and what
students can gain from the experience can encourage faculty and administrative support. Student
leaders might even speak briefly at a faculty meeting about the value of the activity. Arranging
transportation to the conference is vital. Signing up for computer time during the day or after
school may also help students to do research and writing.
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PREPARATION
5. LEARNING ABOUT THE UNITED NATIONS AND MODEL UNITED NATIONS - Do not assume that
students know about the United Nations and its activities or about what to expect at a Model
United Nations simulation. It might be good for students to do some research about the UN and
its committees and structures before they start researching their specific countries and
delegations. The UN website is a very useful resource, and it will continue to be useful once
students start their research.
It may also be useful for students to find out a little more about Model United Nations, and the
Cleveland Council on World Affairs.
6. FINDING OUT ABOUT THE COUNTRY- Each delegation is required to complete a Country
Profile (a blank copy of which is included in this manual) which will be submitted to CCWA
along with a Position Paper (guidelines and a sample of this are also included later in this packet)
for each of the topics the delegation’s committee will consider. Thus, each delegation will
complete one country profile and two position papers. Beginning with the country profile makes
sense. The best place to get the information for this Profile is at the following website:
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/index.html.
The CIA Factbook isn’t the only source for good information about countries and their policies.
The Cleveland Public Library, recognized as one of the best libraries in the nation, is another
wonderful source because the Cleveland Public Library has been designated the United Nations
Depository for the state of Ohio. This means the Library is responsible for receiving and
maintaining the documents of the core United Nations bodies. The Library's collection of UN
documents dates from 1946, and is located in the Social Sciences Department.
The library has a variety of databases, websites, and documents pertaining to the countries and
activities involved with the United Nations. AccessUN, a data base, allows searches by subject,
keyword, document type and date. You can also access this data base from home and from other
branches of the CPL system, not just downtown. All you need is a library card!
Writing to the embassy or the consulate of the country students are representing is also a good
idea. Frequently if you tell them what issues your committee is representing, they will send you
actual speeches or policy positions for your country. They will usually be quite happy to send
you all kinds of information about the country in general. After all their goal is to represent their
country well and to present it in the best possible light.
Delegates should start a file of news clippings that relate to the current state of their nation and
its relationship to the rest of the world.
7. LEARNING ABOUT THE ISSUES – There is no substitute for knowing about current affairs, but
many high school students are not well informed. Getting ready for Model UN offers an
opportunity for the teacher to encourage regular listening to NPR (90.3 on the Cleveland radio
dial), and read news magazines like The Economist. If your school subscribes to a service like
Electric Library, your students will be able to find many articles on their topic which are from
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very reputable sources. You may, however, want to begin the research process by discussing
with students the problems of bias, oversimplification, or partisanship they may find. Other
good news sources include the Washington Post, New York Times, Independent, as well as
something like World Press Review, a weekly newsmagazine, reprints articles from all over the
world and can often provide a useful non-Western perspective. With the Internet, it is now very
easy to check the news from papers and magazines which were very hard to access even ten
years ago.
A very useful source is UN Wire, a kind of newsletter which is sent out daily by the UN
Foundation, founded by Ted Turner of CNN fame. What UN Wire does is to provide short
summaries and links to the stories in the world’s major papers which pertain to the work of the
United Nations and the issues it addresses. The subscription is free for everyone. Students
would do well to sign up as one of their first research activities.
Knowing the country’s position on the issue which will be under discussion at the conference is
sometimes difficult for students. In fact, it is often difficult to find out what a country thinks
about a particular topic. You will have students asking you what their country’s position is on
nuclear waste, for example. And you need to explain that articles explaining this don’t exist.
Usually students must figure it out from what they do know about the country. Some important
determinants include the following:
Is the country a donor or a creditor?
Is it rich or poor?
How do most people earn their living?
Who are the country’s most important trading partners?
Does it need special protection for its exports?
Who are the country’s enemies?
Answering these and other questions should enable your students to at least determine the limits
within which the country policy can be made. The United States, for example, would be unlikely
to accept resolutions or policies limiting free trade. Israel isn’t going to be joining too many
blocs calling for condemning the United States for its intervention in Afghanistan or Iraq.
Probably most every country is going to be in favor of helping refugees – but the details on
where they should go and who should pay may be somewhat different. Discovering what a
country’s position on an issue is comes from compiling facts.
8. WRITING THE POSITION PAPERS - Each delegation is required to a write a position paper for
each of their topics, which will include a profile on the student's country, background of the
topic, and their country's current policy on the topic. So as a general guideline, the first
paragraph of the paper should indicate the desired program or solution of the delegation and the
reasons why that solution is preferred by the particular state that is being represented. Reasons
may be those of geography, economic means, politics, or perhaps even historical experience.
The second paragraph of the paper would give some history of the issue and previous actions on
the issue, perhaps evaluating the success or failure of those actions. Finally, the third paragraph
would detail alternatives and the country’s current policy. A quotation from a country’s policy
makers on the issue might be appropriate here.
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A good position paper should be approximately one typewritten page, single spaced, but it can
go over to another page, particularly for a complex issue. It’s important for students to follow
the model or sample for how to include the information at the top of the paper. As the sponsor,
you will want to emphasize the necessity of presenting the names of themselves and their
committee, as well as the issue in the correct form. A list of the position paper guidelines is
included on the following page, and after that there is a sample position paper so you can help
your students do their best.
PRACTICE
9. PUBLIC SPEAKING - Delegates should be comfortable speaking in front of people; they will
need to do so during the conference in order to make proposals and voice their country's opinion.
Often delegates will have little to no time to prepare their speeches and should be able to respond
spontaneously to remarks made or questions asked by others. New delegates should be taught
about the format of debate that the United Nations uses. Familiarity with this technique can make
the conference flow much smoother and focus more on achieving solutions rather than on
procedural matters. The students should also practice giving both prepared and impromptu
speeches before attending the conference. Students need to become comfortable making
spontaneous or near-spontaneous speeches in front of large groups; therefore, the practice
sessions do not have to be formal or MUN-related. One possibility is to have impromptu
speaking contests with all your school's delegates. Have a student go in front of the classroom,
give him or her a topic (preferably an amusing one that will be difficult to think and talk
coherently about), give the student one minute to consider, then have him or her give a speech on
the topic for around a minute and a half. Later, you can increase the amount of speaking time and
decrease the amount of preparation time as students improve.
10. PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE – Parliamentary procedure sounds more complicated than it
really is. The rules are outlined in the delegate manual, and additionally, a sample dialogue of
how a session should flow can be found in the chair manual (both packets are available on our
website). The committee chairs are well versed in the procedure and realize they need to be
patient and helpful with new delegates. Students pick up parliamentary procedure quickly as
they participate in the deliberations of the committee. There are two factors you may want to
emphasize. First, the student will choose to “yield” his/her time at the end of each speech either
to the chair, to another speaker, or to questions. Secondly, the students can capitalize on other
opportunities to speak– by asking questions, by seeking yields from other speakers, and by
making sure they are constantly signing up for the speaker’s list as soon as they have completed
each speech.
11. TALKING ABOUT NEGOTIATION SKILLS - Each country has its own policy that is most likely
going to conflict with other countries' policies on the same issue. A major challenge for each
delegation is to find a way to either join or form a bloc of countries with similar policies and
support a resolution that best correlates with their country's policy. Delegates will have to strike
a balance between their attempts to pass a resolution and their attempts to not make compromises
that would go against the wishes of their government. On one hand, delegates want any
resolution passed to benefit their country as much as possible but will most likely need to make
certain concessions in order to ensure that their resolution passes.
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Delegates need to be encouraged to be involved completely during every moment of the
conference. When they arrive, they should introduce themselves to other delegates before the
conference begins. During negotiations, informal debate and caucusing, they will meet with
other delegates and listen to those delegate’s concerns as well as expressing their own.
Willingness to write up ideas may also aid in developing a leadership position.
Most of all, it’s important to communicate that Model United Nations can be fun as well as being
educational. Though it might be sometimes frustrating, the rewards in knowledge gained, skills
practiced, and new friends met are really worthwhile.
6
POSITION PAPER GUIDELINES
A position paper is information outlining each delegation's policies on the topics being discussed
in their specific committee. The position paper helps the delegates organize their ideas and share
their foreign policy with the rest of the committee. Position papers are typically one page in
length for each topic, and contain a brief introduction and a comprehensive breakdown on a
country's position.
Each delegation in each committee (regardless of the number of delegates: 1 or 2) will prepare a
country profile and two position papers –one for each committee topic.
What the paper should include:
The position paper should include a brief introduction and a comprehensive breakdown of the
country's position on the topics that are being discussed within the committee. An excellent
position paper must include:

A clear statement of policy on each topic;

The country's background on the topic;

o
Political and/or foreign policy
o
Action taken by the specific government in relation to the topic
o
Conventions, and resolutions that the country has approved
o
Quotes taken from speeches made by heads of government
The type of resolution the country hopes to accomplish.
Use the outline below as a suggestion for how to write the position paper, but not as a roadmap:
1. Country Policy
a. Summarize political and/or foreign policy concerning the topic
b. Mention past actions the nation has taken to address the topic
c. Include short excerpts of speeches by heads of government and ministers
2. Solutions
a. Propose solutions for the future
b. Explain information/language the nation requires for any resolution to pass
c. Conclude with a brief policy statement about the topic
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SAMPLE POSITION PAPER
Submitted by:
Committee:
Topic A:
Delegate:
Democratic People’s Republic of Korea
DISEC
Prevention of an Arms Race in Outer Space
[Excised]
The simultaneous research into both space exploration and nuclear weaponry during the Cold War by the
United States and Soviet Union has led to an advanced understanding of outer space as well as a real threat of
nuclear warfare. These two technological achievements have merged into a theoretical “Star Wars” type
scenario. With our current and upcoming technological developments, it is conceivable that one nation could
launch a weapon of mass destruction, nuclear or otherwise, into outer space. By positioning weaponry in the
upper atmosphere, nations can gain a strategic advantage over their enemies. Due to this concern the United
Nations has passed numerous resolutions generally condemning the expansion of weapons systems into outer
space, and it, with the assistance of other nations, has developed a number of treaties limiting and/or prohibiting
the expansion of nuclear weapons technology, in particular the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and the Treaty
on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space. In addition, the
United States and Soviet Union agreed to the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty in 1972. However, the United States
unilaterally withdrew from the treat in 2001 so that it might advance its missile defense program. Furthermore,
the United States has either withdrawn from or refused to agree to a number of treaties. Such actions have raised
tension, particularly because the United States is widely seen as having a monopoly on outer space.
The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea is committed to peaceful use of outer space. However, the DPRK
has a responsibility to the Korean people to defend them against the dangerous or oppressive actions of foreign
governments. The DPRK will use space-related technological achievements for the purposes of defending its
people but will never exploit this technology in order to slaughter innocent lives. Rather, the DPRK will seek to
develop defensive military systems. It has become necessary to develop such a system because of the persistent
and growing threat from the United States which has not only withdrawn from the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty
but has labeled the DPRK a rogue state and part of the “axis of evil.” This is intolerable, and the DPRK will not
allow itself to be oppressed by the military power of the United States. The DPRK is furthermore committed to
the restoration of a single Korean nation and the relieving of the imperialistic oppression of its brethren in the
South. The DPRK will seek to achieve this goal by peaceful means but will not allow the West, particularly the
United States, to exploit the Republic of Korea for their own benefit. The DPRK does not believe this policy
should be exclusive to itself, but recognizes the right of all nations to self-defense. Finally, the DPRK
recognizes the concerns of other nations with regards to its programs. Therefore, it is fully willing to negotiate
bilaterally with the United States regarding all weapons programs, including space-related activities. However,
the United States has refused such negotiations and has, instead, attempted to intimidate the DPRK by
approaching its allies.
The DPRK encourages the United Nations to intervene in the present situation with the United States and
recognize the need for bilateral negotiations between the DPRK and United States. The DPRK recommends that
the UN address this concern at its source and eliminate the threat faced by nations such as the DPRK. If the UN
helps to put an end to oppressive imperial regimes, nations will have no reason to make the costly investment in
space-based defense programs. Resolutions must discourage space-based military programs, but recognize them
as a necessity in some situations. The DPRK is committed to peace, recognizes the necessity of self-defense,
and is willing to cooperate the international community regarding the military applications of outer space.
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RULES OF PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE
Adapted from the Lake Erie International Model United Nations corporation (LEIMUN)
Article 1 - Official Language
The only official language for the conferences is English. All formal business shall be conducted in English.
Article 2 - Rule Priorities
These rules are the only official rules of the conference. Matters not delineated in these rules shall be governed according
to the United Nations Charter or other governing document.
Article 3 - Interpretation of the Rules
If a dispute over the interpretation of these Rules arises, final interpretation of these rules, the United Nations Charter,
international treaties, and all portions of international law shall be considered. The final interpretation is not subject to
appeal.
Article 4 - Appeal of the Ruling of the chair
A delegate may appeal the ruling of the chair, except as provided for in these rules. The motion to appeal must be made
immediately following the ruling in question, and must be seconded. The chair shall speak briefly in favor of the ruling, and
the delegate making the motion shall speak briefly against the ruling. The chair shall then put the question as follows:
"Shall the decision of the chair be sustained?" A "YES" vote signifies support for the ruling of the chair. A "NO" vote
signifies opposition to the ruling of the chair. The decision of the chair is sustained, unless a majority of the members of
the body cast their votes in opposition.
Article 5 - Powers of the chair
1. The chair shall be responsible for the orderly conduct and function of the body, ensuring observance of these
Rules, and ruling on Points of Order.
2. The chair shall have the responsibility of facilitating the operations of the body.
3. The chair shall declare the opening and closing of each session.
4. The chair shall accord the right to speak, call the roll, maintain attendance records, put questions, and announce
decisions.
5. The chair shall not be accorded a vote.
6. The rulings of the chair are subject to appeal, except as specifically delineated elsewhere in these Rules.
Article 6 - Quorum
1. A quorum shall always consist of a majority of the assigned member nations in each committee. A quorum is
required before the body may begin the conduct of business. After determining the presence of a quorum, it is
assumed that quorum is present, unless specifically challenged by a Quorum Check.
2. If at any time a delegate feels that a quorum is not present, the delegate may make a Point of Order to call for a
Quorum Check. The chair shall immediately ensure that a quorum is present by asking for a show of placards. If a
quorum is present, business shall continue at the point where the Quorum Check was called. If a quorum is not
present, the chair shall declare the body to be recessed until a quorum is present.
3. The Point of Order to call for a Quorum Check may interrupt the speaker. If a quorum is present, the speaker shall
proceed as normal. If a quorum in not present, the chair shall recognize the interrupted speaker, with a full
allotment of speaking time, as the first order of business when returning from the recess.
Article 7 - Roll Call Procedure
1. The chair will call the roll for the purposes of establishing quorum at the beginning of each session. Members who
desire to be considered present shall reply "present" when the name of their delegation is called. No members
may be announced by proxy. A reply of "present and voting" requires the member to vote in the affirmative or
negative on any substantive matter.
2. The chair will have the time of the last roll call posted. Delegations who were not considered present at the time of
the last roll call and wish to be accorded full voting rights, must submit a note, in writing, to the chair requesting
that they be considered present.
Article 8 - Procedural Voting
1. Each delegation shall have one vote. A procedural vote is one that applies to the actions of the committee rather
than to policy or resolutions pertaining to policy.
2. No member may cast a vote by proxy or on behalf of another member country.
3. Procedural motions shall pass with the affirmative votes of a majority of the members of the committee.
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Article 9 - Setting the Agenda
1. The body shall set its own Agenda, deciding between the two topics members have researched. Debate will begin
with two speakers for and two speakers against the motion, and a choice will be made with the affirmative votes
of the majority of the members.
2. If, after a time, the chair determines that the body is unable to settle upon a single Agenda Topic, the chair shall
conduct a vote between the two topic areas receiving the most votes. In case of a tie, the chair shall cast the
deciding vote. In terms of agenda setting, we use only the two topics selected for the committee by our staff.
3. Once the topic area is disposed of, a new Agenda Topic will then be selected in the above manner.
Article 10 - Speakers List
1. A Speakers List shall be opened automatically, by the chair, following the setting of an Agenda Topic, for the
purpose of debate in all substantive manners pertaining to the Agenda Topic. The Speakers List will be
established by a show of placards.
2. After the initial list is established, any member wishing to be added to the Speakers List, providing they are not
currently on the Speakers List, shall notify the chair in writing.
3. A Speakers List is established for each individual topic and the Speakers List expires when a topic is tabled or
adjourned or whenever a resolution has passed.
4. When the Speakers List is exhausted, debate is automatically closed on the Topic Area. The body immediately
moves into Voting Procedures on the proposals on the floor.
5. A delegate may move to close the Speakers List whenever the floor is open. This motion requires a second. If
there is opposition, it is debatable to the extent of one speaker for and against the motion, and passes with the
affirmative votes of a majority of the members. If the motion passes, the chair will permit no additions to the
Speakers List.
6. A delegate may move to reopen a closed Speakers List whenever the floor is open. This motion requires a
second. If there is opposition, it is debatable to the extent of one speaker for and against the motion, and passes
with the affirmative votes of a majority of the members.
Article 11 - Speeches and Debate
1. No delegate may address the body without the permission of the chair.
2. The chair shall call upon speakers in accordance with the Speaker’s List.
3. Delegations comprised of more than one delegate may share allotted speaking time among members of the same
delegation provided they do so in accordance with conference Policies.
4. Speeches must be given while seated or standing next to the delegation’s assigned position or from a point
designated by the chair.
5. The chair shall call a speaker to order if: the delegate’s remarks are frivolous, dilatory, or not germane to the set
Agenda Topic under discussion; the delegation’s allotted time has expired; or the speaker’s remarks are directed
to a personality or nation rather than the issue at hand.
6. The chair may recognize two delegates other than the speaker to comment on any substantive speech.
comments are limited to thirty seconds and are only in order after substantive speeches without yields, and are
considered part of the substantive speech. comments may not be yielded and must be germane to the speech
they are commenting upon.
Article 12 - Caucus
1. A delegate may move for a caucus whenever the floor is open. The motion for a caucus must include a reference
to the type of caucus requested (moderated or unmoderated), a time limit, and the purpose of the caucus.
2. This motion requires a second, is not debatable, and passes with the affirmative votes of a majority of the
members.
3. A caucus is the complete suspension of all rules in order to discuss the business at hand. conference Policies
remain in effect at all times. During a moderated caucus, the Moderator will have the sole authority to grant
speaking rights in the caucus.
4. The chair will call the body back to order at the appointed time. The body may not reconvene from a caucus early,
unless all delegations are present and there is unanimous consent. The time for a caucus may be extended at the
chair’s discretion.
Article 13 - Limit or Extend Speeches
1. Whenever the floor is open, a delegate may move to further limit or extend the amount of time each delegation
may speak while on the Speakers List. This time limit remains in effect for the remainder of the conference,
unless it is changed in accordance with this Rule. This motion requires a second. If there is opposition, it is
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debatable to the extent of one speaker for and against the motion, and passes with the affirmative votes of a
majority of the members of the body.
2. Once a particular speaker’s time has expired, a member of another delegation may move to have that particular
speaker’s time extended. The motion to extend the speaker’s time requires a second, is not debatable, and
passes with the affirmative vote of a majority of the members of the body. Extended time may not be yielded,
except to the chair. Time yielded to another delegation may not be extended. The chair shall permit a single
extension, of a time determined at the discretion of the chair, not to exceed two minutes.
Article 14 - Yields
A delegation that is on the Speaker's List and has been granted the right to speak, may yield the remainder of their
allotted time in one of the following ways:
1. To The chair: A delegate may at any time conclude the delegation’s speech by yielding to the chair. Upon doing
so, the entire delegation shall retake their seats.
2. To Another Delegate: A delegation may yield unused time to another delegation. The intention to yield to another
delegation may be made at any time during the delegation’s speech. Time may not be yielded to more than one
delegation, and yielded time may not be yielded again, except to the chair.
3. To Questions: A delegation may yield to questions at the conclusion of the delegation’s speech. The chair shall
recognize delegates to ask questions of the speaker. A delegate recognized to ask a question shall be limited to
asking only one question. Only one member of the speaking delegation may answer a question, but that member
may change from question to question. A delegation shall only be assessed for time that is actually spent
answering a question. A delegation that has yielded time to questions yields to questions from all delegates
recognized by the chair. A delegation may still yield to the chair at any time. Time yielded to questions may be
extended, but may not be yielded again, except to the chair.
Article 15 - Points
1. A delegate may interrupt with a Point whenever the floor is open. A delegate may only interrupt a speaker with a
Point of Order or Personal Privilege, only when the Point directly concerns the speech being interrupted. A
delegate raising a Point may not speak on the substance of the matter at hand, but may be granted time to make
a short statement concerning the Point. If the chair feels that Points are being used to disrupt or delay the orderly
conduct of business, the chair may rule that they must be submitted in writing for a specific period of time. This
decision is not subject to appeal.
2. Point of Personal Privilege: A delegate may raise a Point of Personal Privilege whenever the delegate
experiences personal discomfort that impairs the delegate’s ability to participate in the proceedings, except as
specifically delineated elsewhere in these in these Rules. The chair shall make every reasonable effort to rectify
the situation.
3. Point of Order: A delegate may raise a Point of Order whenever the delegate believes that these Rules are being
violated. The chair will then immediately rule on the Point of Order.
4. Point of Information: A delegate may raise a Point of Information whenever the delegate desires to make an
inquiry to the chair concerning these Rules, the state of business (past, present, and future); or any other relevant
question pertaining to “conference matters.”
Article 16 - Rights of Reply
A delegate whose personal or national integrity has been impugned by an extraordinary comment of another delegate
may request a Right of Reply. The Right of Reply is requested by making a Point of Personal Privilege immediately
following the offending speech. A delegate may not interrupt a speaker with a Point of Personal Privilege to request a
Right of Reply. The chair’s decision whether to grant the Right of Reply is discretionary, not debatable, and not subject to
appeal. Once granted, the Right of Reply may be limited in length by the chair. The only yield in order will be a yield to the
chair. A Right of Reply may not be made to a Right of Reply.
Article 17- Precedence
1. The chair may accord itself precedence for the purpose of clarifying rules or explaining any business before the
body.
2. Parliamentary points that may interrupt the speaker are always considered immediately by the chair once they are
recognized.
3. Motions shall have the following precedence:
a. Privileged Motions
i. Motion to Recess
ii. Motion to Adjourn
iii. Motion to Caucus
b. Subsidiary Motions
11
c.
i. Motion to Limit or Extend Speaking Time
ii. Motion to Close or Reopen the Speakers List
iii. Motion to Table Debate
iv. Motion for Previous Question
v. Motion to Adjourn Debate
Main Motions
i. Motion to Introduce (a Resolution or Amendment)
ii. Motion to Take From the Table
iii. Motion to Reconsider
iv. Motion to Set the Agenda
Article 18 - Presenting Motions
1. If a delegation is recognized for the expressed purpose of speaking and desires to make a procedural motion, a
member of the delegation may do so at the end of the speech, provided that the delegation has not yet yielded.
When not speaking, a delegate may make a motion when the floor is open between speeches, but may not
interrupt a speaker, except as specifically delineated elsewhere in these Rules.
2. Its originator may withdraw a motion at any time before a vote has been taken on the motion. consideration of the
motion is immediately ended unless another member immediately assumes sponsorship of the motion.
Article 19 - Dilatory Motions
The chair may rule as dilatory (and therefore out of order) any motion that is frivolous or non-germane, and which is
clearly intended to disrupt or delay the normal function of the body. The chair’s rulings in these cases are not subject to
appeal.
Article 20 - Working Papers
Delegates may propose working papers for the body’s consideration on the current Agenda Topic. Working papers are a
means of sharing ideas on the agenda topic in an organized manner. Working papers are not required to be in resolution
format, but may be copied and distributed at the chair’s discretion. Working papers shall be considered germane to the
Agenda Topic and therefore may be discussed and debated upon by Speakers on the Speakers List. They cannot be
formally introduced, amended, or voted on by the body.
Article 21 - Sponsorship of Motions and Resolutions
1. A delegation may become a signatory of a resolution at any time before any substantive votes have been taken
with consent of the sponsor.
2. A co-sponsor may drop their signature of a resolution at any time before any substantive votes have been taken.
3. When a sponsor or signatory of a resolution withdraws, another delegation may immediately assume the role of
sponsor or signatory, such that the proposal continues to have the minimum number of sponsors; otherwise the
proposal is considered withdrawn.
4. When a resolution is withdrawn, all proposed amendments to it are withdrawn also. A withdrawn resolution may
be resubmitted to the chair for approval, at a later time, as provided for in these Rules.
Article 22 - Resolutions
1. Multiple resolutions may be on the floor at any time.
2. To become a resolution, a working paper must explain the problem, include historical background and pose a
solution to the problem. 25% of the body’s members, rounded up, are required for signatories.
3. Once a working paper has had the appropriate number of sponsors registered with the chair, the sponsor may
move to introduce the working paper as a resolution whenever the floor is open. This motion is not seconded,
debated, or voted upon. Once the motion is made, the resolution shall receive a designation by the chair, and is
considered on the floor for debate. The resolution is not read to the body, and no speaking time is accorded to the
sponsor for introduction.
Article 23 - Amendments to Resolutions
1. All amendments shall be submitted, in writing, to the chair. The sponsor may move to introduce the approved
amendments to the body when the floor is open.
2. Amendments that have the approval of the sponsor and all of the co-sponsors are considered friendly
amendments and automatically become a part of the underlying resolution when introduced by the sponsor.
3. If the approval of the sponsor and co-sponsors does not exist, the amendment becomes an unfriendly
amendment, provided it has one sponsor and 25% of the members, rounded up, as co-sponsors for the
amendment (in the case of a resolution). An unfriendly amendment is voted on during voting procedures prior to
voting on the underlying resolution. Unfriendly amendments to unfriendly amendments are out of order.
12
4. The chair may rule an amendment, which has the effect of negating the main thrust of the underlying resolution or
which bears no resemblance to the underlying resolution, out of order.
Article 24 - Previous Question
A delegate may move for the previous question, whether or not the Speakers List has been exhausted, provided that
there is a resolution on the floor, whenever the floor is open. The motion requires a second, is debatable to the extent of
one speaker for and against, and passes with the affirmative vote of a majority of the members. If the motion passes, the
chair shall then immediately declare the beginning of Voting Procedures for all proposals on the floor, in their order of
introduction. If the motion fails, debate continues at the point where the motion was made.
Article 25 - Division of the Question
1. A motion for division of the question shall be in order during Voting Procedures before any votes have been taken
on the resolution to be divided. A resolution may be divided into any number of groups of clauses, but no single
clause may be split, even along sub-clauses. The Preamble may not be subdivided.
2. A motion to divide the question must specifically state the division that is intended. This motion requires a second.
If there is objection, it is debatable to the extent of one speaker for and against, and passes with the affirmative
votes of a majority of the members.
3. If there is more than one motion to divide a resolution, the motion that most severely divides the proposal will
have precedence over the other motions for division. If two or more motions are equally severe the motion
recognized first by the chair shall have precedence.
4. Once a motion for division passes, all others will be ruled dilatory, and voting shall commence immediately in the
following manner:
a. The chair shall take a substantive vote on each division. Each division receiving affirmative votes of the
majority of the members shall be included in the final proposal.
b. Following the vote on each division, the chair shall immediately announce the results. If the division of the
resolution containing the Preamble is defeated, then the resolution as a whole is defeated, and votes are
not taken on the remaining divisions.
c. This process is repeated until each part of the divided resolution has been voted upon.
5. If all the operative clauses are defeated, then the resolution as a whole is defeated.
6. After all divisions have been voted upon, and if the resolution has not been defeated, the chair shall read the
resolution as revised and put the revised resolution as a whole to the body for a final substantive vote.
Article 26 - Voting Procedure
1. During Voting Procedures, there shall be no talking or passing of notes.
2. There shall be no interruptions, except for Points of Order, Personal Privilege, and Point of Information, or
motions pertaining to the method of voting.
3. During Voting Procedures, only conference staff may leave or enter the room.
4. Any delegate or observer who disrupts Voting Procedure shall be ruled dilatory, and therefore out of order.
5. The body shall first consider each of the unfriendly amendments on the floor in the order they were introduced.
The question to adopt an amendment shall be considered substantive.
6. Once all unfriendly amendments have been dealt with in turn, the body shall then consider the underlying
resolution.
7. Voting procedures shall be considered concluded once the chair has announced the final vote on the underlying
resolution.
Article 27 - Substantive Voting
1. Voting shall normally be conducted by a show of placards. A delegate who wishes to question the outcome of a
substantive vote by placards may move for a roll call vote.
2. In the Security council, all substantive votes shall pass with the affirmative votes of a majority of the members and
the absence of a negative vote by one of the permanent members. In all other bodies, all substantive votes shall
pass with the affirmative vote of a majority of the members.
3. A motion for a roll call vote is in order only for substantive votes, and may be made before a substantive vote is to
be taken, or as described above. The motion does not require a second, is not debatable, and is not voted upon.
The motion for a roll call vote only affects a single substantive vote, and must be requested separately for
different votes taken during a single voting procedure.
4. The chair reading the roll in English alphabetical order shall conduct a roll call vote. As the name of each
delegation is called, the delegation shall reply, "Yes;" "Yes, With Rights (of Explanation)" "No;" "No, With Rights
(of Explanation)" "Abstain;" or "Pass".
5. Once the roll has been read through once, the chair will read the names of those delegations that replied, "Pass"
in the first round of voting. A delegation, which responds, "Pass" a second time, will be considered as Abstaining.
13
6. Once each delegation has voted, the chair will ask if any members wish to change their vote. A delegation that
has not previously requested Rights of Explanation may not do so at this point. A delegation that had chosen to
abstain or had chosen to pass twice may not choose to vote "Yes" or "No" at this point.
7. The chair will then recognize those delegations that requested Rights of Explanation in English alphabetical order.
These speeches may be limited in time by the chair, and may relate only to a specific explanation of the current
vote.
8. The chair shall conclude the roll call vote by announcing the final tally of the votes, and whether the resolution has
been passed or defeated.
9. Once a resolution has passed, the Topic Agenda is adjourned. If the resolution fails, debate continues unless the
Speaker's List has been exhausted.
Article 28 - Tabling
1. A delegate may move to table a motion, resolution, or Agenda Topic whenever the floor is open. This motion
requires a second. If there is opposition, it is debatable to the extent of one speaker for and against the motion,
and passes with the affirmative votes of a majority of the members. No action or debate will be permitted on a
motion, resolution, or Agenda Topic that has been tabled until it has been taken from the table.
2. Whenever the floor is open, a delegate may move to resume debate on a motion, resolution, or topic that had
previously been tabled by moving to take it from the table. This motion requires a second. If there is opposition, it
is debatable to the extent of one speaker for and against the motion, and passes with the affirmative votes of twothirds (2/3) of the members.
Article 29 - Reconsideration of Resolutions
A delegate may move to reconsider a resolution immediately after a substantive vote has been taken on the resolution or
any time thereafter. This motion is only in order if a roll call vote was taken on the resolution, and may only be made by a
member of the prevailing side. This motion requires a second. If there is opposition, it is debatable to the extent of one
speaker for and against the motion, and passes with the affirmative votes of two-thirds (2/3) of the members.
Article 30 - Adjournment of Debate
The body may adjourn debate on the current topic area, closing that topic for the remainder of the conference. Upon
adjournment, all resolutions on the floor are withdrawn from consideration. The purpose of adjourning debate is to signify
that debate on the current topic area is concluded. This motion requires a second. If there is opposition, it is debatable to
the extent of one speaker for and against the motion, and passes with the affirmative votes of a majority of the members.
Article 31 - Recess and Adjournment
1. A recess is a set period of time during which no official business is conducted, and the presence of neither the
officials nor the delegates may be required. Once a period of recess has been set, it may not be shortened,
except by conference officials to bring the recess into conformity with the conference Schedule. When the
meeting has reconvened, the business of the meeting shall continue at the point where the recess occurred. This
motion is normally made at the end of a session.
2. Adjournment signifies that all business of the body contained in the Agenda has been completed. This motion is
normally made only at the last regular meeting of the conference.
3. The motions to Adjourn and to Recess each require a second, are not debatable, and pass with the affirmative
votes of the majority of the members. The chair may rule either of these motions dilatory, and this decision may
not be appealed.
14
EXPLANATION OF RULES
From a Delegate’s Perspective
A.
Beginning the first session: “Motion to set the agenda at topic ____”
1. Process:
a. This motion requires two speakers for and two against
b. Speakers list is automatically opened by the chair.
i. NOTE: Delegates must raise placards to be placed on the speakers
list, or send a note to the chair. Delegates cannot motion to be
placed on list.
c. After two speakers for and two speakers against have spoken, a vote is
taken on the motion.
2. Relevant motions, points, and yields:
a. Motions: limit/extend speaking time
b. Points: order, information, personal privilege
c. Yields: to the chair, another delegate, questions
B.
Formal debate: once a topic is set, the committee is automatically in formal
consideration/debate; this is the default state for the committee.
1. Process:
a. The chair opens a new speakers list. Speaking time is automatically set to
30 seconds unless a motion to change it is on the table.
2. Some reasons to use it:
b. To make introductory speeches
c. To bolster support for your draft resolution
3. Relevant motions, points, and yields:
a. Motions: limit/extend speaking time; caucus
b. Points: order, information, personal privilege
c. Yields: to the chair, another delegate, questions, comments
C.
Informal debate: Moderated caucus: the chair recognizes delegates to speak when
they raise their placards. Purpose, speaking time, and length of caucus must be set by
delegate when the caucus is motioned for, and cannot be altered later.
1. Some reasons to use it:
a. To start identifying and solving problems connected to the agenda topic
b. To make sure that more delegates have a chance to express their views to
the committee
2. Relevant motions, points, and yields:
a. Motions: out of order
b. Points: order, information, personal privilege
c. Yields: out of order
D.
Informal Debate: Unmoderated caucus: the chair suspends formal rules for a period of
time and for a purpose specified by the delegate who made the motion.
1. Some reasons to use it:
a. To work on draft resolutions
15
b. To get support for ideas, clauses, resolutions
E.
Introducing and voting on a resolution: (please see rules for all details)
2. Introduction of resolution:
a. Sponsor moves to introduce as a resolution
b. Friendly amendments: amendments submitted to the chair in writing that
have the support of all listed (sponsor and co-sponsors). They are
automatically added to the resolution.
c. Unfriendly amendments: amendments submitted to the chair in writing
that do not have the support of the sponsor and co-sponsors. Each
unfriendly amendment must have a sponsor of its own, and 1/4 of the
committee as its own co-sponsors. These are not automatically added to
the resolution, but are voted on prior to the resolution.
3. Voting procedure:
a. Process:
i. If motion for closure of debate passes or the speakers lists ends,
then the committee moves into voting procedure and the room is
locked down (no entries/exits, note passing, phone use, etc.) until
the committee votes.
ii. consideration of unfriendly amendments, in the order in which they
were introduced
iii. consideration of resolutions, in the order in which they were
introduced
b. NOTE: Once the committee is in voting procedure, ALL unfriendly
amendments and resolutions on the floor must be voted on
4. Relevant motions, points, and yields:
a. Motions: division of the question, roll call vote
b. Points: order, information, personal privilege
c. Yields: out of order
F.
Post-voting:
1. After passing at least one resolution: the topic is automatically concluded and the
committee reverts to formal consideration.
a. Relevant motions, points, and yields:
i. Motions: set the agenda
ii. Points: order, information, personal privilege
iii. Yields: to the chair, another delegate, questions
2. After voting down all resolutions on the floor: the committee reverts to formal debate
and a motion to go on to the next topic is needed to continue.
b. Relevant Motions, Points, and Yields:
i. Motions: table the topic
ii. Points: order, information, personal privilege
iii. Yields: to the chair, another delegate, questions
16
POINTS AND MOTIONS: SHORT FORM CHART
Adapted from the Lake Erie International Model United Nations corporation (LEIMUN)
Motion
Purpose
Rule
Needs Interrupt
Second Speaker
Debatable
Amendable
Vote
Needed
Personal Privilege
Experiencing personal discomfort that impairs the
ability to participate
Art. 18
N/A
Yes*
N/A
N/A
N/A
Right of Reply (as
a Personal
Privilege)
In order if a delegate’s personal or national
integrity has been impugned in the course of
debate; must be made right after statement; chair
sets length of time; only yield to chair
Art. 16
N/A
No
N/A
N/A
N/A
Order
Rules are being violated, or call for a quorum
check
Art. 18
N/A
Yes*
N/A
N/A
N/A
Information
Make an inquiry to the chair concerning these
Art. 18
Rules, the state of business, or any other relevant
question on conference matters
N/A
No
N/A
N/A
N/A
Recess
A set period of time during which no official
business is conducted
Art. 34
Yes
No
No
No
Majority
Adjourn
All business of the body has been completed
Art. 34
Yes
No
No
No
Majority
Caucus
complete suspension of all rules to discuss the
business at hand
Art. 15
Yes
No
No
No
Majority
Limit or Extend
Speaking Time
Change the amount of time each delegation may
speak while on the Speakers List
Art. 16
Yes
No
1f: 1a
Yes
Majority
Close or Reopen
the Speakers List
Close or Reopen the Speakers List
Art. 13
Yes
No
1f: 1a
No
Majority
Table Debate
Table a motion, resolution, recommendation, or
Agenda Topic
Art. 31
Yes
No
1f: 1a
No
Majority
Close Debate/
Previous Question
Begin Voting Procedure for all proposals on the
floor
Art. 27
Yes
No
1f: 1a
No
Majority
Points
Privileged Motions
Subsidiary Motions
17
Motion
Purpose
Rule
Needs Interrupt
Second Speaker
Debatable
Amendable
Vote
Needed
Question
competence
Questions the competence of the body to discuss
a proposal
Art. 11
Yes
No
2f: 2a
No
Majority
Adjourn Debate
Closes the topic area for the remainder of the
conference
Art. 33
Yes
No
1f: 1a
No
Majority
Introduce
Submit a resolution or recommendation to the
body
Art. 25
No
No
No
No
N/A
Take from the
Table
Take from the table any motion, resolution,
recommendation, or Agenda Topic
Art. 31
Yes
No
1f: 1a
No
2/3
Set the Agenda
Choose an Agenda Topic to discuss
Art. 12
Yes
No
2f: 2a
Yes
Majority
Main Motions
Incidental Motions (incidental to a specific situation and take precedence at that time)
Appeal the Ruling
of the chair
Overrule a specific decision made by the chair.
Art. 4
Yes
No
chair f: 1a
No
Majority
opposed
Divide the
Question
Take separate votes on different clauses of a
resolution. Most severe division gets
precedence.
Art. 28
Yes
No
1f, 1a
No
Majority
Roll Call Vote
Vote by calling each member nation individually.
Art. 30
No
No
No
No
N/A
PRECEDENDE OF MOTIONS
1. Parliamentary Points
2. Points which may interrupt a speaker
a. Points of Personal Privilege
b. Points of Order
3. Points which are in order only when the floor is open
a. Points of Parliamentary Inquiry
b. Rights of Reply
4. Procedural Motions
5. Motions which are not debatable
a. Caucusing
b. Moderated Caucusing
c. Suspension of the Meeting
6. Adjournment of the Meeting
7. Motions applicable to the matter under consideration
a. Tabling of Debate
b. Closure of Debate
c. competence
d. Division of the Question
8. Substantive motions
a. Introduction of Resolutions
b. Introduction of Amendments
9. Other procedural motions
a. Time Limit on Speeches
18
RESOLUTION AND AMENDMENT WRITING
NOTE: There are no pre-written resolutions At CCWA Model UN conferences!
RESOLUTION WRITING
A resolution is written in the form of a long sentence. The following numbers correspond with sections
of the Sample Resolution on the next page.
1.
The resolution’s name will be assigned by the chair and is determined by the topic and the order
in which it was introduced to the committee. For example, if the committee is on Topic B and the
resolution is the third to be submitted, it receives the appellation: Resolution B/3.
2.
The committee name, sponsor, signatories, and topic should be written against the top left
margin, in that order.
● The sponsor is the delegation who is the lead writer and supporter of the
resolution.
● Co-sponsors are those who want to see the resolution debated on the floor, but
who do not necessarily favor the resolution.
3.
A resolution needs at least 1/4 of the committee signed on as either a sponsor or co-sponsor.
4.
Preambulatory clauses begin with an underlined word and end with a comma.
● These clauses address the problem being discussed, recall past actions taken,
explain the purpose of the resolution, and offer support for the operative clauses.
Perambulatory Phrases
Acknowledging
Affirming
Alarmed by
Approving
Aware of
Bearing in mind
Believing
cognizant of
confident
considering also
contemplating
convinced
Declaring
Deeply concerned
Deeply conscious
Deeply convinced
Deeply disturbed
Deeply regretting
Desiring
Emphasizing
Expecting
Expressing its appreciation
Expressing its satisfaction
Fulfilling
Fully alarmed
Fully aware
Fully believing
Further deploring
Further recalling
Gravely concerned
Guided By
Having adopted
Having considered
Having considered further
Having devoted attention
Having examined
Having heard
Having received
Having studied
Hoping
Keeping in mind
Noting further
Noting with approval
Noting with deep concern
Noting with regret
Noting with satisfaction
Noting with zest
Observing
Reaffirming
Realizing
Recalling
Recalling with concern
Recognizing
Referring
Seeking
Taking into account
Taking into consideration
Taking note
Viewing with appreciation
Welcoming
19
5. Operative clauses begin with a number and an underlined word, and end with a semicolon.
The exception is the last line of the resolution, which should end in a period.
● These clauses develop the solution to the problem recognized in the
Preambulatory clauses.
● The terms “condemn” and “demand” may be used ONLY in the Security
council.
Operative Clauses
Accepts
Affirms
Appeals
Approves
Resolves
Authorizes
Calls
condemns**
Calls for
Calls upon
commends
Transmits
condemns**
congratulates
confirms
only
Decides
Declares accordingly
Demands**
Deplores
Further invites
Renews
Further proclaims
Regrets
Further Recommends
Requests
Further reminds
Designates
Draws attention
Further requests
Has resolved
Solemnly affirms
Strongly
Emphasizes
Encourages
Endorses
Notes
Offers
Supports
Takes note of
Expresses its appreciation
Expresses its hope
Further endorses
Reaffirms
Recommends
Reminds
Proclaims
Trusts
Urges
**Security council
6. Before a working paper can be submitted as a resolution, it must have at least 1/4 of the
committee as sponsor and signatories. The sponsor must motion to introduce the resolution.
AMENDMENT WRITING
An amendment is an addition to a resolution.
1. An amendment needs to be written in the correct format: each additional preamble or
operative clause must be written the same as if they were submitted in a resolution (see
guidelines above).
2. Each amendment needs at least 1/4 of the committee signed as sponsor and signatories.
• Friendly amendments are amendments approved by the sponsor and
signatories of the resolution. If they give their approval, then the
amendment is friendly and is automatically added to the resolution.
• Unfriendly amendments are amendments not approved by the sponsor
and signatories of the resolution. They are voted on during formal voting
procedure.
20
SAMPLE RESOLUTION
Resolution A/3
LEGAL COMMITTEE
TOPIC A: THE IMMIGRATION OF PEOPLE WITH HIV/AIDS
RESOLUTION A/1
Signatories: Angola, Brazil, France, India, Kazakhstan, Lithuania, Malaysia,
South Africa, Zimbabwe
The Legal Committee,
Recognizing the plight of peoples throughout the world infected by HIV/AIDS,
Aware of the rapid spread of HIV/AIDS within and among countries,
Recalling Article 13.2 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: “Everyone has the right to
leave any country, including his own, and return to his country,”
Reaffirming the principle of national sovereignty,
1. Requests that all citizens of all states be granted the minimum international human rights
standards affirmed by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights;
2. Deplores any state that impedes the basic human rights of and the internal movement of
its citizens that are infected with HIV/AIDS;
3. Notes that the Universal Declaration of Human Rights permits peoples suffering from
persecution to seek asylum in other countries;
4. Further notes that the above mentioned right may only be invoked in cases of political
persecution;
5. Reaffirms that sovereign states have the right to deny entry into their countries;
6. Proclaims that all states have the right to control the entry of all individuals into their
borders and to decide which applicants for citizenship in their state may become full
citizens of that state;
7. Reminds the members of the UN that HIV-positive testing is an inefficient and expensive
means of policing national borders;
8. Urges all states to pursue compassionate and humanitarian policies toward the victims of
HIV/AIDS;
9. Affirms to remain actively seized of the matter.
21
FORMAL VOTING PROCEDURE
If the speakers’ list runs out, or the committee passes a motion to close debate or for previous question, debate
is closed and the committee moves to voting procedure on any draft resolutions and amendments on the floor.
In voting procedure, there is no talking, note passing, or moving around by the delegates. Doors to the
committee room are sealed, and no one allowed in or out (unless it is an emergency).
Voting can be in the form of placard voting, when the chair asks who is ‘for’, who is ‘against’, and who
‘abstains’, and the delegates raise their placards for each.
Roll call voting occurs only when there is a motion to do so. The chair goes down the roll call list and each
country in turn says ‘yes’, ‘no’, ‘yes with rights’, ‘no with rights’, ‘pass’, or ‘abstain’. Any country whose is’
present and voting’ may not abstain; any country that passes is asked its vote at the end, and if it passes again
they are counted as having abstained. If any country votes with rights, they are allowed 30 seconds before the
tally is counted to explain why they voted the way they did. They are also allowed to change their vote. If a
country abstains, this changes the number of votes needed to pass the resolution, meaning you take them out of
the total number of countries.
Unfriendly amendments are voted upon before the resolution in question is voted upon; therefore they may not
end up in the final resolution voted up.
A motion to ‘divide the question’ can be made to vote on specific clauses in a resolution; this is done, and then
the remaining clauses in the resolution are voted on as a whole as the new resolution. This only applies to
operative clauses, and at least one operative clause must exist in order for the resolution to pass afterwards.
The committee can pass as many resolutions as it likes, and resolutions are voted upon in the order in which
they were introduced.
Resolutions pass if 1/2 of the committee (minus abstentions) votes yes.
In the Security Council, resolutions can only pass if all members of the ‘Big 5’ (US, UK, France, Russia, and
China) vote ‘yes.’ A vote of no by any of these countries is considered to be a ‘veto’ and the resolution will not
pass. If the Security council has at least 12 voting members, then a vote of yes by nine countries is needed for a
resolution to pass; otherwise the 1/2 rule can be in effect.
In the case where the first topic was tabled and the second topic was then debated and voted upon (or if no
resolutions are passed on the first), the committee can motion to revisit the first topic, time permitting.
At the end of voting on the first topic, a speakers’ list is opened for the new topic and the entire process is
repeated.
22
CCWA MODEL UN SCORING SYSTEM
Scores will be assigned based on participation and quality of performance in several areas. All areas are
important to the success of a delegate as they are to the success of a diplomat, and scoring should be done with
this in mind. Points will be awarded in the following four categories:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
Verbal Skills: Formal Debate and Moderated Caucus
Writing Skills: Amendments and Resolutions
Knowledge of Topics/ Policy
Parliamentary Procedure
Participation Skills
Verbal Skills: Formal Debate and Moderated Caucus
When observing a delegate’s debating or verbal skills it is important to be aware of not only their level of
participation but also to be aware of the caliber of participation. Speaking ability as well as enthusiasm in
debate is important. Debating is the most important medium for the flow of ideas during the conference, and a
delegate’s success is highly dependent on his/her ability to get ideas across to the delegates from other
countries.
Scoring Method: MUN chairs and co-chairs will document the quality of delegates’ speeches and their
contributions to debate.
Writing Skills: Amendments and Resolutions
Resolution writing is also important to the success of a delegation. Although students may be very active in
debate, if their ideas are not somehow brought into a resolution then their ideas are not brought into action.
Scoring Method: MUN chairs and co-chairs will note which delegates were sponsors and co-sponsors of
resolutions and amendments, particularly of those that are successfully passed. Sponsors and co-sponsors that
contributed significantly in unmoderated caucus will be specially noted.
Knowledge of Topics/ Policy
While an in-depth knowledge of country policy is not always necessary for success in passing a resolution in
Model UN, it is the goal of the Model UN program to educate. A superior delegation should be well aware of its
country’s policy; they should remain in character as well as have a grasp of international issues.
Scoring Method: Due to the vast variety of countries and policies, it is impossible for chairs and co-chairs to be
experts on the policies of all countries represented in a committee. However, delegates’ fluency with the topics
and their countries’ policies is demonstrated by the quality and depth of the position papers submitted, as well
as by the delegates’ statements in committee. Every delegation will receive credit for their position papers, and
chairs and co-chairs will note which delegates portray their country faithfully and demonstrate a thorough grasp
of topics assigned and their country’s policy in general.
Parliamentary Procedure
Parliamentary procedure helps keep the events of the conference organized. It is important for each delegate to
know the flow of debate and the specific ins and outs of the parliamentary procedure process, such as yielding
time and time limits.
Scoring Method: A delegate’s knowledge of parliamentary procedure is shown in how a delegate operates
during debate. Chairs and co-chairs will note when a delegate or delegation uses parliamentary procedure
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fluently, and to their advantage in committee. PLEASE NOTE – points of parliamentary procedure should not
be abused! This is a learning conference, so delegates should maintain an attitude of respect towards all.
Participation
Chairs and co-chairs will also be evaluating each delegation’s participatory skills as the conference progresses.
How does the delegation work with other delegations? Do they work to secure agreement and communicate
clearly and persuasively, use yields to benefit allies, seem to have a plan or strategy to get support for their
policies, welcome contributions from others, listen as well as speak to other delegations? Are they respectful of
the contributions and ideas of other delegations? Chairs and co-chairs will observe delegates interacting in all
elements of debate, including during unmoderated caucus and even note-passing.
Awards
At the conclusion of the conference, Chairs and Co-Chairs evaluate the debate participation point totals and the
points earned from the other categories to rank the delegations in each individual committee. It is important to
consider the delegation’s rankings in all five categories. In the case of several close scores among the top
ranking countries, the Chair and Co-Chair will decide how many Honorable Mentions Awards are presented by
the Committee.
The awards given to the top delegations of each Committee are as follows:
 Outstanding Delegate Award (one individual delegate)
 Superior Delegation (1st place delegation)
 Excellent Delegation (2nd place delegation)
 Honorable Mentions (one or two delegations at the discretion of the Chair and Co-Chair)
Awards are presented at the closing ceremony at the end of the conference.
School awards are made to the schools with the highest score overall for each conference. Awards are presented
at CCWA’s Annual Meeting in June. Schools that win the award will be notified within one month of the
conference, and will be invited as guests of honor to the Annual Meeting to receive their award.
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