DOCSLIB.ORG

Guide to Congress

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Guide to Congress Harvard Model Congress 2002 GUIDE TO CONGRESS Welcome to Harvard Model Congress 2002! This comprehensive tutorial will help you prepare for you role as a US representative or senator for HMC this February. Capitol Hill may be among the most excit- ing posts for a politician, but it comes with its fair share of rules and responsibilities. In order to serve your nation to the best of your abilities, you must pre- pare for your role by researching your personal posi- tions, committee issues, and the legislative process. This guide includes guidelines for the materials, which you must send to HMC before the conference. These written materials are intended to give you prac- tice in the art of drafting a bill and to get you thinking about your committee issues. Pay close attention to the section of this guide entitled “Guidelines for Written Materials.” Written materials must be submitted to TABLE OF CONTENTS the Harvard Model Congress Web page (www.har- vardmodelcongress.org) by Janurary 25, 2002. By now, you should have received a folder with all 2 Overview the materials you will need for the conference. On the front of each folder is the role that you will assume at 2 Pre-Conference Harvard Model Congress. Senators, please take note of Preparation which Senate (A, B, or C) you are assigned to; each briefing indicates which policy issues you should read, 3 At the Conference based on your Senate assignment. 5 Special Programs in Inside the folder, you should find your biography Action from Congressional Quarterly’s Politics In America, your committee’s issue briefings (written by your com- 6 Sample Committee mittee chair), and a letter from your committee chair. Session Please contact HMC if any of these items are missing from the folder. 8 Rules of Order We encourage you to begin your preparations right away. There is no better way to ensure an amazing 13 Table of Points and time in committee at the conference. Your experience Motions at HMC 2002 will be greatly enriched by advance preparation and consideration of the issues and rules of 14 Guidelines for order. We await your arrival in February. Good luck! Written Materials 1 GUIDE TO CONGRESS HARVARD MODEL CONGRESS overview COMMITTEE committee members, discussing issues in-depth and creating well-reasoned and detailed legislation. During As on Capitol Hill, the committee is the cradle of formal debate, Representatives address their committee legislation at Harvard Model Congress. Delegates par- from a podium at the front of the committee room, ticipate in four committee sessions, drafting bills dur- gaining experience and confidence in the rhetoric of ing informal caucuses and formal debate. Committee politics. This experience is invaluable come Full sessions allow you to experience the excitement, chal- Session, when Representatives address a committee of lenges, and occasional frustration of statescraft. nearly 200 peers. Each committee is coordinated by three Harvard staff members, a Chair and his/her two Vice Chairs. These students spend much of the year writing issue SENATE briefings and updates for the committee. Individual committees will vary with the issues, staff, and partici- Each of the three Senates contains 100 members. pants and can range anywhere from heated partisan Each Senator sits on two committees of 25 members debate to calm and quiet consensus, but all will encour- within their assigned Senate (A, B, or C). Senators age you to develop novel solutions to the topics. will spend two sessions in their first committee, and two more sessions in their second committee. They are seated around a long table during formal debate, creat- HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ing an intimate and focused atmosphere. While the for- mat of committee is less formal than in the House, The House of Representatives consists of twelve debate remains intense, since Senators are responsible 45-50 member committees, each covering three related for finding solutions to the four issues within their two political controversies. Representatives are assigned to committees. Senators must work quickly to draft and one of the specialized committees. In committee, debate legislation, while retaining the deliberative Representatives will learn to work with their fellow character of the Senate. HARVARD MODEL CONGRESS pre-conference preparation RESEARCHING YOUR ROLE As a Congressman, you have to keep many things in mind when considering the impact of any legisla- In the Congress, your political position will tion. Your position on an issue should reflect your per- depend on several factors including party affiliation, sonal feelings, the feelings of your constituency, what geographic location, constituent characteristics, and is best for your region, and what is best for the nation. political beliefs. The brief biography of your role, Most solutions compromise between these criteria. excerpted from CQ’s Politics in America, should pro- We encourage you to collect first-hand informa- vide you with a good starting point as to the kinds of tion by calling, writing or e-mailing the office of your positions you will be taking on policy and ideological assigned Congressman. Letters should be addressed to issues. Each profile includes the member’s stance on Senator or Representative NAME; US Congress; key issues as well as a description of the congressional Washington, DC 20515 for House, and 20510 for district you will represent. You should always keep this Senate. In the wake of this Fall’s terrorist attacks, how- district profile in mind when considering legislation; ever, you may have more success reaching your con- how will the bill you are debating effect constituents? gressman by e-mail or by phone. For this contact infor- 2 Harvard Model Congress 2002 GUIDE TO CONGRESS mation, find your role’s web page through sive examination of the issues. In December, we will www.house.gov or www.senate.gov. Your correspon- send you a policy update on each of your committee’s dance should explain your role in HMC and you should issues covering recent developments in that area. express your interest it the congressman’s position on To keep up-to-date on the issues, we encourage the issues you will be debating. Be sure to indicate you to read weekly news magazines and daily newspa- your purpose in requesting this information, since pers. We also encourage you to visit the HMC web site many congressional offices normally only respond to (www.harvardmodelcongress), which has links to many requests from their own districts. If you express your good sources of information. For insider coverage, you interest in American government and your desire to might try the Congressional Quarterly for weekly learn more in preparation for your role, the office to reports on Congress, and the Congressional Record for which you are writing will usually oblige your request. speeches and voting records of Congressmen. Prior to attending the conference, all members of Congress are required to submit one piece of legisla- RESEARCHING THE ISSUES tion on each of the issues to be debated in their com- mittee(s). This means that each Representative will be By researching your assigned issues before the submitting three pieces of legislation, and each Senator conference, you will have a much more fruitful com- will be submitting four. The deadline for legislation mittee experience. The Issue Briefings are the best submission on the HMC Web site is January 25, 2001. starting point for research. They outline the main fea- Complete instructions for pre-submitted bills are on tures of debate on each issue and provide a comprehen- page 14. HARVARD MODEL CONGRESS at the conference WHAT HAPPENS IN COMMITTEE FORMAL DEBATE On Thursday evening, after opening cere- During formal debate, bills are officially intro- monies and after the Party Caucuses, committee ses- duced, debated, and voted on. It is also the arena in sions begin for Senators and Representatives. which amendments are introduced, discussed, and then Although each committee inevitably aquires its own incorporated or discarded. All official motions apply character, all follow the same general patterns of bill to formal debate and run under the guidelines of par- flow, formal and informal debate, and caucus. From liamentary procedure. A complete explanation of the Chair’s call to order to the committee’s adjourn- parliamentary rules and procedure, including a ment, you will get an excellent feel for the political sample committee session and a table of points and process and will use debate, caucus, and parliamentary motions, can be found on pages 6-13. By learning procedure to implement solutions to complex issues. the rules, you will better understand how the commit- During the conference, you will alternate between tee runs. They exist to help the committee, not to hin- formal debate and caucus, each of which plays an der it. important role in the committee process. During for- mal debate, individual committee members have a CAUCUS chance to address the entire committee directly. Formal addresses are the best way to communicate an During caucus, some members will work on their important idea to everyone. During caucus, own, but most of the committee will split into groups. Congressmen can stand up, walk about, and discuss Such groups are informal, naturally forming as mem- issues with one another. It is in caucus that most of the bers seek others with views similar to their own. Most work of drafting, combining, and amending working members will work on writing a bill or amendment, papers and bills, as well as successful compromise preparing a speech, or working on other ideas. among competing factions, is accomplished. As group positions consolidate, a number of for- Harvard Model Congress 2002 3 GUIDE TO CONGRESS mal proposals will draw supporters and detractors. will only come under fire down the road, so it is Acting on their own or as representatives of a group, important for legislation to be specific and include all some members might go to other groups and try to win the necessary provisions.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Parliamentary Principles
    Parliamentary Principles . All delegates have equal rights, privileges and obligations . The majority vote decides. The rights of the minority must be protected. Full and free discussion of every proposition presented for decision is an established right of delegates. Every delegate has the right to know the meaning of the question before the assembly and what its effect will be. All meetings must be characterized by fairness and by good faith. Basic Rules of Motions 1. Motions have a definite order of precedence, each motion having a fixed rank for its introduction and consideration. 2. ONLY ONE MOTION MAY BE CONSIDERED AT A TIME. 3. No main motion can be substituted for another main motion EXCEPT that a new main motion on the same subject may be offered as a substitute amendment to the main motion. 4. All motions require a second to begin discussion unless it is from a delegation or committee or it is a simple request such as a question of privilege, a point of order or division. AMENDMENTS FOUR WAYS TO AMEND A MAIN MOTION 1. Amend by addition 2. Amend by deletion 3. Amend by addition and deletion 4. Amend by substitution TWO ORDERS OF AMENDMENTS 1. First order is an amendment to the original resolution 2. Second order is an amendment to the first order amendment. 3. No more than one order of amendment is discussed at the same time. Voting on Motions Majority vote: the calculation of the vote is based on the number of members present and voting or a majority of the legal votes cast ; abstentions are not counted; delegates who fail to vote are presumed to have waived the exercise of their right; applies to most motions Two-Thirds vote : a supermajority 2/3 vote is required when the vote restricts the right of full and free discussion: This includes a vote to TABLE, CLOSE DEBATE, LIMIT/EXTEND DEBATE, as well as to SUSPEND RULES.
    [Show full text]
  • MASTER MUNICIPAL CLERK ACADEMY October 19-21, 2016 MCM Eleganté Hotel – Albuquerque
    MASTER MUNICIPAL CLERK ACADEMY October 19-21, 2016 MCM Eleganté Hotel – Albuquerque TOTAL ACADEMY HOURS: 20 -PRELIMINARY PROGRAM- WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 19 7:30 am Registration 8:00 am – 5:15 pm PUBLIC SPEAKING FOR THE PUBLIC SERVANT Learn to write a speech that is powerful and delivers an effective result. Increase self-confidence, credibility and authority while delivering a clear message. Participants will have the opportunity to prepare and practice speech writing and delivery in a safe environment while learning skills they can use in all aspects of their life, from parenting to politicking. Learn the six principles of influence and persuasion used to create rapport, connection and move others towards a desired result. This is a “must attend” session for anyone that wishes to influence others in an ethical manner. What makes a good speech? What makes a good speaker? The components of a speech How to organize your information so that it makes sense! Writing an introduction How to introduce appropriately Good content for the body of your speech Body language Room set-up Selecting a topic Evaluating and analyzing the audience Deception and manipulation Ethics and truthfulness Using a microphone How to incorporate the 6 Principles of Influence and Persuasion into a speech and into daily life Close with power Instructor: Liz Walcher, Ph.D., CPT Organizational Consulting & Development Albuquerque, NM Mid-Morning & Mid-Afternoon Breaks 12:15 – 12:55 pm Lunch on Your Own THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20 8:00 am – 5:15 pm DEMOCRACY IN ACTION – PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE FOR GOVERNING BODY MEETINGS I. Parliamentary Procedure a.
    [Show full text]
  • Motions Explained
    MOTIONS EXPLAINED Adjournment: Suspension of proceedings to another time or place. To adjourn means to suspend until a later stated time or place. Recess: Bodies are released to reassemble at a later time. The members may leave the meeting room, but are expected to remain nearby. A recess may be simply to allow a break (e.g. for lunch) or it may be related to the meeting (e.g. to allow time for vote‐counting). Register Complaint: To raise a question of privilege that permits a request related to the rights and privileges of the assembly or any of its members to be brought up. Any time a member feels their ability to serve is being affected by some condition. Make Body Follow Agenda: A call for the orders of the day is a motion to require the body to conform to its agenda or order of business. Lay Aside Temporarily: A motion to lay the question on the table (often simply "table") or the motion to postpone consideration is a proposal to suspend consideration of a pending motion. Close Debate: A motion to the previous question (also known as calling for the question, calling the question, close debate and other terms) is a motion to end debate, and the moving of amendments, on any debatable or amendable motion and bring that motion to an immediate vote. Limit or extend debate: The motion to limit or extend limits of debate is used to modify the rules of debate. Postpone to a certain time: In parliamentary procedure, a postponing to a certain time or postponing to a time certain is an act of the deliberative assembly, generally implemented as a motion.
    [Show full text]
  • A Guide to Parliamentary Procedure for New York City Community Boards
    CITY OF NEW YORK MICHAEL R. BLOOMBERG, MAYOR A GUIDE TO PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE FOR NEW YORK CITY COMMUNITY BOARDS Mayor's Community Assistance Unit Patrick J. Brennan, Commissioner r. 2003/6.16.2006 Page 2 A Guide to Parliamentary Procedure for NYC Community Boards Mayor's Community Assistance Unit INTRODUCTION "The holding of assemblies of the elders, fighting men, or people of a tribe, community, or city to make decisions or render opinion on important matters is doubtless a custom older than history," notes Robert's Rules of Order, Newly Revised. This led to the need for rules of procedures to organize those assemblies. Throughout history, the writers of parliamentary procedure recognized that a membership meeting should be a place where different people of a community gather to debate openly and resolve issues of common concerns, the importance of conducting meetings in a democratic manner, and the need to protect the rights of individuals, groups, and the entire assembly. Parliamentary procedure originally referred to the customs and rules used by the English Parliament to conduct its meetings and to dispose of its issues. Some of the unusual terms used today attest to that connection -- such terms as "Lay On The Table" or "I Call The Previous Question." In America, General Henry Martyn Robert (1837-1923), a U.S. Army engineering officer was active in civic and educational works and church organizations. After presiding over a meeting, he wrote "But with the plunge went the determination that I would never attend another meeting until I knew something of... parliamentary law." After many years of study and work, the first edition of Robert's manual was published on February 19, 1876 under the title, Robert's Rules of Order.
    [Show full text]
  • Rules of Order
    DEPARTMENT OF TRAINING RULES OF ORDER A SIMPLIFIED GUIDE TO PARLIAMENTARY PROCUDURE ADOPTED FOR USE BY THE AUXILIARY Rev. (10/06) INTRODUCTION Any business meeting of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, whether it is a meeting of a flotilla, or a division, District or National Board, must proceed in an orderly way if it is to bring satisfactory results. There are certain widely accepted rules of conducting such meetings. These “Rules of Order” are a part of that large body or practices which are grouped under the term “parliamentary procedure.” Besides making for orderliness of procedure, parliamentary rules are intended to protect the rights of the individual participant and of minorities at a meeting. At the same time, they are also intended to enable the majority to get things accomplished without reasonable delay. The parliamentary rules of particular importance are easy to understand. For purposes of clarity, the “Presiding Officer” could be the Flotilla Commander, Division Captain or District Commodore. When “Board” is mentioned, this would be synonymous with the voting members of the body. STANDING RULES AND BYLAWS Standing rules are required for Auxiliary Districts and National Boards. Flotilla and divisions may have standing rules if desired or required by district policy. Standing rules normally provide for, and include such matters as meetings, voting, finances, awards, duties of officers, and provisions for amendments and additions. Standing rules shall not conflict with the provisions of the Auxiliary Manual, COMDTINST M16790.1 (Series), or other directives of the Coast Guard or the standing rules of the Auxiliary National Board or other senior Auxiliary units.
    [Show full text]
  • En Bloc Amendments § 10
    Chapter 21 Division of the Question for Voting A. GENERALLY § 1. In General; Form § 2. Tests of Divisibility § 3. Demanding a Division B. DIVISION OF PARTICULAR PROPOSITIONS § 4. In General § 5. Simple or Concurrent Resolutions § 6. — Resolutions Naming Two or More Individuals § 7. — Special Orders of Business § 8. Amendments § 9. — En Bloc Amendments § 10. Motions to Strike § 11. Motions to Strike and Insert § 12. Motions to Suspend the Rules § 13. Motions to Recommit; Motions to Instruct Conferees § 14. Motions to Table § 15. Senate Amendments C. CONSIDERATION OF DIVIDED PROPOSITIONS § 16. In General Research References 5 Hinds §§ 6106-6162 8 Cannon §§ 3163-3176 Deschler-Brown Ch 30 §§ 42-52 Manual §§ 480-482, 919-921 481 §1 HOUSE PRACTICE A. Generally § 1. In General; Form Under clause 5 of rule XVI, a question that consists of two or more separable substantive propositions is subject to a division of the question, if demanded, so as to obtain a separate vote on each proposition. Deschler- Brown Ch 30 § 42. The procedure is applicable in the Committee of the Whole as well as in the House. See, e.g., Deschler-Brown Ch 29 § 42.12. The rule prohibits its application to special orders of business from the Committee on Rules, to propositions electing Members to standing or joint committees, and to a motion to strike and insert. Manual § 919. The entire rule may be suspended by the adoption of a resolution from the Committee on Rules. 7 Cannon § 775. § 2. Tests of Divisibility To be divided for a vote, a question must consist of at least two sepa- rate and distinct propositions both grammatically and substantively, so that if one proposition is rejected, a separate proposition logically will remain.
    [Show full text]
  • Parliamentary Procedure
    PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE Applying Rules of Order to Keep Your Meeting Efficient And Move Your Agendas Ahead November 8, 2019 MASC/MASS State Conference Council of School Committee Administrative Personnel 091603 MOST COMMON QUESTIONS What is a quorum and a majority? When to have a roll call? What happens with a tie vote? How do abstentions affect the vote? Reconsideration vs. Rescission? Table vs. Postponement How many amendments can we have? “Friendly Amendments” Good Rules of Order Have Them. Understand them. Use Them. Follow Them. Have efficient meetings with them and not in spite of them! Knowing and Using Your Rules of Order – Why? Meetings will be run more efficiently. People are more likely to leave happier. Fewer people will be offended. Chair will appear more fair. Public perception of order and responsibility. What is Parliamentary Procedure Rules and Customs that Govern Deliberative Assemblies PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE IS NOT A BOOK CALLED ROBERT’S RULES OF ORDER. Others include Sturgis, Demeter, Cushing's, etc. WHICH RULES DO YOU USE? The law allows you to select any rules of order you choose, including your own. The law allows you to select formal published rules and to make any exceptions you wish. You may not use rules of order to circumvent or disobey formal state law including: Executive Sessions - Participation by Chair Roll Calls - Length of Debate Parliamentary Procedure Originally prepared for large assemblies Congresses, legislatures, large bodies. Some rules are antiquated and outdated. Some formal rule books are voluminous. Robert’s 11th Edition* is more than 700 pages. Lists more than 80 motions.
    [Show full text]
  • Division of a Question, and Consideration by Paragraph
    §27: Division of a Question CSAP Sigma Chi Sigma -- January 22, 2015 §27: Division of a Question: An Incidental Motion When a motion relating to a single subject contains several parts, each of which is capable of standing as a complete proposition if the others are removed, the parts can be separated to be considered and voted on as if they were distinct questions – by adoption of the motion to divide the question. (P. 270) 1. Must be seconded, can be amended, cannot be debated, previous question is in order, and requires a majority to adopt. (Same as Seriatim) 2. During the amendment of a motion, a motion to divide the main question cannot be made. The main motion can be committed, postponed, or laid on the table. 3. This motion is in order when a motion, the amendment it seeks to divide, or Postponed Indefinitely is immediately pending, even if Previous Question has been ordered. (Same as Seriatim) 4. Though this motion is generally adopted by unanimous consent, another member can propose a different division. Different proposals should be treated as filling the blanks (voted on in the order they were proposed), unless different number of questions were suggested (largest number first). 5. Vote: Once the motion to divide a question is made, the assembly must vote on whether to divide the question, and then on each separate part as if each were a separate motion. Example of motions that cannot be divided: A motion (1) to establish a committee, (2) to study an issue. Example of a motion that must be divided: (Consent Calendar, different subjects, or a series of amendments) The content of a consent calendar (one or more issues can be removed upon the demand of a single member without the need to move for division of the question).
    [Show full text]
  • Chapter 21 Division of the Question for Voting
    Chapter 21 Division of the Question for Voting A. GENERALLY § 1. In General; Form § 2. Tests of Divisibility § 3. Demanding a Division B. DIVISION OF PARTICULAR PROPOSITIONS § 4. In General § 5. Simple or Concurrent Resolutions § 6. — Resolutions Naming Two or More Individuals § 7. — Special Orders of Business § 8. Amendments § 9. — En Bloc Amendments § 10. Motions to Strike § 11. Motions to Strike and Insert § 12. Motions to Suspend the Rules § 13. Motions to Recommit; Motions to Instruct Conferees § 14. Motions to Table § 15. Senate Amendments C. CONSIDERATION OF DIVIDED PROPOSITIONS § 16. In General Research References 5 Hinds §§ 6106-6162 8 Cannon §§ 3163-3176 Deschler-Brown Ch 30 §§ 42-52 Manual §§ 480-482, 919-921 471 VerDate dec 05 2003 14:18 Jan 06, 2012 Jkt 000000 PO 00000 Frm 00481 Fmt 2574 Sfmt 2574 F:\MSPITZER\PRACTI~1\71-948.TXT 27-5A §1 HOUSE PRACTICE A. Generally § 1. In General; Form Under clause 5 of rule XVI, a question that consists of two or more separable substantive propositions is subject to a division of the question, if demanded, so as to obtain a separate vote on each proposition. Deschler- Brown Ch 30 § 42. The procedure is applicable in the Committee of the Whole as well as in the House. See, e.g., Deschler-Brown Ch 29 § 42.12. The rule prohibits its application to special orders of business from the Committee on Rules, to propositions electing Members to standing or joint committees, and to a motion to strike and insert. Manual § 919. The entire rule may be suspended by the adoption of a resolution from the Committee on Rules.
    [Show full text]
  • Rules of Order Adapted for Grand Juries
    California Grand Jurors’ Association Rules of Order Adapted for Grand Juries Purpose Penal Code §916 authorizes each grand jury to set its own “rules of procedure.” The California Grand Jurors’ Association (CGJA) often gets requests from jurors for advice about adopting procedures to ensure that Whose Job Is It? meetings run smoothly. All grand juries want a deliberative process that is fair and decisions that are properly made and documented. It is important that the foreperson of the jury know how to run a Some jurors with previous experience as members of boards or successful meeting, keep the commissions have expertise in operating under formal meeting discussion on track, and ensure that procedures or parliamentary rules, such as Robert’s Rules of Order. Such everyone has a chance to be heard. expertise can be helpful, but adhering to formal rules can also stifle or However, it is often difficult for the intimidate jurors who lack familiarity with them. In addition, some foreperson alone to keep track of all parliamentary rules designed for large legislative bodies or public the details of the agenda, the action meetings would rarely, if ever, apply to grand jury deliberations. items for discussion, and the rules. A grand jury can empower someone CGJA has developed this short primer of our best practices advice on rules else to assist the foreperson with of order to assist grand juries to establish some reasonable rules to some or all of these meeting govern meetings in a collegial and professional manner. Your grand jury management tasks. Monitoring the can modify or simplify these rules to meet your needs – or write your own meeting guidelines or rules of order rules of order.
    [Show full text]
  • Robert's Rules of Order Revised Robert's Rules of Order Revised
    Robert's Rules of Order Revised Robert's Rules of Order Revised by General Henry M. Robert 1915 Version, Public Domain [Editor's Note: The copyright on the original 1915 version has expired. However, the modifications and enhancements to this work are Copyright © 1996 Constitution Society. Permission is hereby granted to any person to copy and use this material on a non-profit basis with attribution, and in particular, with the retention of links to the site of the Constitution Society or its successors on the World Wide Web. One of the modifications made to the original document is the substitution for page numbers of section and paragraph numbers, using the format mm:nn, where mm is the section number and nn the paragraph number. Footnotes have been numbered and moved to the end of sections. The Order of Precedence of Motions and the Table of Rules Relating to Motions have also been reformatted and revised to adapt them to the needs of an online document.] Table of Contents Order of Precedence of Motions. (OPM) Table of Rules Relating to Motions. (TRM) Preface. (PRE) Introduction. (INT) Parliamentary Law (PAR) Plan of the Work (WRK) Definitions (DEF) Part I.- Rules of Order. Art. I.- How Business is Conducted in Deliberative Assemblies. 1. Introduction of Business 2. What Precedes Debate 3. Obtaining the Floor 4. Motions and Resolutions 5. Seconding Motions 6. Stating the Question 7. Debate 8. Secondary Motions 9. Putting the Question and Announcing the Vote 10. Proper Motions to Use to Accomplish Certain Objects Art. II.- General Classification of Motions.
    [Show full text]
  • Parliamentary Procedure Definitions and Examples of Motions
    Parliamentary Procedure Definitions and Examples of Motions A. Privileged Motions: Motions which do not relate to the pending question but have to do with matters of such urgency or importance that, without debate, they are allowed to interrupt the consideration of anything else. a. Adjourn: Terminates the meeting. "I move that we adjourn." b. Recess: Permits a short intermission in a meeting. "I move that we recess for 10 minutes" or ". until 2:00" or ". until called to order by the chair." c. Raise a question of privilege: Permits a request or main motion relating to the rights and privileges of the assembly or any of its members to be brought up for immediate consideration because of its urgency. "I rise to a question of privilege affecting the assembly." d. Call for the orders of the day: Requires that the adopted agenda or order of business be followed. "Mr. Chairman, I call for the orders of the day" or "Madam President, l demand the regular order." B. Subsidiary Motions: Motions which assist the assembly in treating or disposing of a main motion. They have the effect of hastening action upon, delaying action upon, or modifying the main motion. a. Lay on the table: Lays a pending question aside temporarily when something more urgent has arisen. "I move to lay the question on the table" or "I move that the motion be laid on the table." b. Previous question: Ends debate and orders an immediate vote. "I move the previous question" or "I move we vote immediately on the motion." c.
    [Show full text]