Unit 3 Writing and Handling Main Motions
Name ________________________
1. What are the eight steps to handling a motion?
a. A member rises and addresses the chair
b. The member is recognized by the chair
c. The member proposes a main motion
d. Another member seconds the motion
e. The chair states the motion to the assembly
f. The assembly debates the main motion
g. The chair takes a voice vote on main motion
h. The chair announces the result of the vote and the effect of the action
2. The chair is always referred to as “ Mr/Madam chairman.” A main motion is only in order when _There is
no other business on the floor_. The chair should always stand_ when conducting business.
3. Generally the first person to rise and address the chair should be recognized. A member
should _stand_ while speaking and __sit_ when finished. All other who wish to speak
should _sit_ until the member “yields the floor.”
4. Main motions should begin with the words “_I move to or I move that_”
_Main Motions_ bring business before the assembly and should only be stated in the Positive . Main
motions should not be proposed if they:
a. Suggest the organization “avoid doing something”
b. Conflict with the bylaws of the organization or local, state and national laws
c. Basically the same as motions voted down previously at the meeting
d. Same as motions temporarily or but not finally disposed of at the same or preceding meeting
e. Outside the influence of the organization as described in the bylaws except by 2/3 vote
f. Slow down progress (dilatory, absurd, frivolous, trivial, inappropriate)
5. The main motion should contain the details on _Who, What, Why, When, Where, How_.
6. A _Second_ is required to avoid wasting time if only one person wants a topic to be dealt with. The person
who seconds the motion does not have to _Agree with it__.
If there is no second on a motion it __dies for lack of second__.
T / F If debate begins without a second the motion is invalid.
T / F The member who seconds the motion does not have to be in favor of it.
T / F The chair cannot ask for a second, it must be issued voluntarily from the assembly.
7. When the chair repeats the motion it is called “ _Stating the question_”
T / F The chair must state the question exactly as it was proposed by the motion maker even if it is unclear.
T / F The term “motion” and “question” mean the same thing in parliamentary procedure.
After debate has occurred the chair may ask “ _are you ready for the question_” to determine if there is
more debate.
The chair asks “Are you ready for the question?” What is the chair asking? __are you ready to vote on the
motion.
The restated motion is now the property of _the assembly__ and is called the “_pending question_”
8. During debate, the _motion maker__ has the right to debate the motion first.
Debate must relate to the subject of the main motion. The term for this is that debate must be _germane_
to the motion.
During debate, members should not _disrupt_ the assembly by inappropriate sidetalking, crosstalking,
whispering between members, and walking around the room.
A member may debate a motion _two times on the same day. If a motion is postponed to another day
each person may speak _twice_ again. Members may speak _two_ times on pending amendments.
Asking questions _do not_ count as debate but answering questions _does_
Time limit for debate is _ten minutes_ for each turn. Time cannot be transferred to another member.
T / F A member may not speak twice before everyone has had a turn to speak once.
All remarks and debate are directed to the _chair__
T / F Names and titles are never used during debate.
The chair cannot debate unless they _reliquish_ the chair. They cannot resume the chair until the pending
main motion has been disposed of.
The chair should try to alternate between __pro__ and _con_ during debate.
To stop debate a member must _Move the previous question__
The chair should not interrupt a person who has the floor unless _the speaker is out of order_
9. “Putting the question” is when _Putting the question to a vote__
When the chair states “are you ready for the question?” they are asking _are you through debating?__
T / F the chair can call for a division of the assembly.
The chair uses the terms _the chair, the chairman, the pres_ when referring to themselves.
T / F If a member would like a counted vote, they must stand and be recognized by the chair.
T / F A division can be called for until a new motion has been stated by the chair.
T / F A two-thirds vote should always be a rising vote.
The chair should only vote when _their vote will affect the outcome of the vote__
T / F Once a vote is cast by a member it is final.
Abstentions are _not counted in the final tally_
10. When announcing a vote, the chair would say _the number of votes for each side and the effect on the group
11. T / F When boards or committees are small, members do not have to be recognized by the presiding officer
to speak.
T / F When in committee, all members must maintain the rules of parly-pro.
T / F When in committee, all motions must be moved and seconded.
T / F When in committee, there is unlimited number of times a member can debate.
T / F When in committee, the chair can debate motions, vote and has the rights of all members.