PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE GUIDE
Southeastern High School Model United Nations Parliamentary Procedure Guide Introduction
Contained within this document are the verbal rules, definitions, and descriptions used during General Assembly and ordinary committee sessions at the Southeastern High School Model United Nations Conference (SHSMUN). The purpose of these rules is simple: to maintain productivity in committee and to ensure that all member states are treated equitably in debate.
Delegates are reminded to follow both the spirit and the letter of the law – attempts to exploit perceived loopholes in this guide will not be well-received by the Chair or by other delegates. A working knowledge of Model United Nations is needed to understand this guide.
The rules set forth in this document may be suspended at any time by a two-thirds majority of the delegates attending committee. The method used to do this is described in greater detail under Motion to Suspend the Rules.
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Southeastern High School Model United Nations Parliamentary Procedure Guide Changes to Note The SHSMUN Parliamentary Procedure Guide was rewritten in its entirety this year for two reasons: first, to clarify and expand on certain rules and descriptions that had gone either briefly or entirely unaddressed in the old guide, and, secondly, to simplify the rules by disposing of archaic and rarely used processes.
Our hope is that this overhaul will make a full understanding of SHSMUN’s parliamentary procedure more easily attainable for delegates of all levels of experience and, consequently, lead to a better experience for everyone involved. Listed below are some of the most significant changes to the substance of the parliamentary procedure:
● Committee Overview ○ The Parliamentary Procedure Guide now provides an overview of some of the most important parts of a SHSMUN committee, and leads delegates through the different components that make debating a topic, and passing resolutions to address it, possible. We hope that this will assist first-time delegates as they begin to familiarize themselves with Model United Nations. ● Pro-Con Debates ○ The number of delegates (2 or 4) required for a pro-con debate for certain motions has been changed. ● Points ○ Points of personal privilege and points of parliamentary inquiry have been merged. A new “point of inquiry” will be used for all questions or requests regarding personal discomfort or parliamentary procedure. More information may be found in Section 2.2.1. ● Authors’ Panels ○ In the past, authors’ panels at SHSMUN have been held using suspensions of the rules, which often led to inconsistencies in their application. Authors’ panels are now mentioned explicitly in the guide, and rules regarding their use may be found in Section 1.7.3. ● Sponsorship ○ For the first time, rules regarding sponsorship have been written down in the guide. The first three sponsors listed on a resolution will be eligible for authors’ panels and to speak in the General Assembly. ● Tabling ○ As a result of changes made this year to the procedures of the General Committee, entire topics may no longer be tabled. Instead, the agenda set at the beginning of committee will be used for the duration of the Conference. ● Yielding Unused Time ○ When delegates on the Speakers’ List yield their time to questions, they may no longer refuse to yield to at least one question unless they are finished taking questions entirely. Some other changes to yielding unused time are outlined in Section 1.6.1.
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Southeastern High School Model United Nations Parliamentary Procedure Guide TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. Committee Basics 1.1. Structure of a SHSMUN Committee 1.2. Role of the Chair 1.3. Roll Call 1.4. Delegate Self-Identification 1.5. Yielding Time 1.6. Resolution Ownership 1.7. Majorities 2. Points 2.1. Interruptive Points 2.2. Non-Interruptive Points 3. Motions 3.1. The Process of Making a Motion 3.2. When to Make a Motion 3.3. Structural Motions 3.4. Timing Motions 3.5. Introductory Motions 3.6. Caucus Motions 3.7. Voting Procedures Motions 3.8. Miscellaneous Motions
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Southeastern High School Model United Nations Parliamentary Procedure Guide Cheat Sheets Sheet 1: Overview of Common Points and Motions
Motion or May Requires Pro-Con May Be Vote Point Interrupt Second? Debate? Amended? Required Speaker?
Point of Y N N/A N Chair’s Order Discretion
Right of Reply Y N N/A N Chair’s Discretion
Suspend the N Y N/A Y Simple Meeting Majority Limit / N Y 1/1 Y Simple Extend Majority Debate Limit N Y 1/1 Y Simple Speaker’s Majority Time Introduce N Y 1/1 N Simple Amendment Majority Introduce N Y 2/2 N Simple Resolution Majority Enter Voting N Y 2/2 N 2/3rds Procedures Majority Divide the N Y 1/1 N Simple Question Majority Table N Y 2/2 N 2/3rds Majority Take from the N Y 1/1 N Simple Table Majority Caucus (ALL) N Y 1/1 Y Simple Majority Roll Call Vote N Y 1/1 N Simple Majority Suspend the N Y 2/2 Y 2/3rds Rules Majority
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Southeastern High School Model United Nations Parliamentary Procedure Guide Sheet 2: The Parli Pro Basics
Remember! 1. Any time you speak, you must begin by saying your name and country. 2. Before you ask questions to a delegate, you must say, “Does the delegate yield to a possible series of questions?” and if they yield, you may then ask up to three questions.
Speakers’ List: add yourself if you wish to speak on the topic. If you are on the docket, you are automatically added. When on the Speakers’ List, you may yield your time one of three ways: ● To the Chair: Chair absorbs the rest of your time ● To questions: Other delegates may ask you up to three questions ● To another delegate: Another delegate may speak for the rest of your time; you, the original speaker, will retain the right to make a motion afterwards
Caucuses: ● Moderated Caucus: a way to hear from multiple delegates for short periods of time; set a total speakers time, an individual delegate speaking time, and a topic ● Roll Call Caucus: The Co-Chair will take roll, and every delegate will be given thirty seconds to speak on their position. ● Unmoderated Caucus: unregulated time to work on new resolutions; stay on task.
Points: ● Point of Order*: Used if a delegate incorrectly uses parliamentary procedure ● Right of Reply*: If another delegate directly slanders your country, you can use this to refute their claims and defend your nation ● Point of Inquiry1: Used to ask questions about parliamentary procedure or clarify what is going on; also used to ask for other delegates to speak louder, for delegates to ask to remove their coats, to request temperature change of the committee room, etc.
*You may interrupt a speaker to make these points
Introductions: ● Amendments: In order to change or add anything to a resolution already introduced, you must send it to the dais (Chair + Co-Chair) and then move to introduce it. o Friendly amendments: The author(s) of the resolution(s) favor it and it is immediately added to the resolution o Unfriendly amendments: The author(s) of the resolution(s) do not favor it, and it is put to a vote in committee ● Resolutions: 25% of the committee must be signatories, then send it to the dais and move to introduce it.
Ways to Vote (Resolutions and Amendments) ● Standard Placard Vote: Delegates raise their placard to cast their vote (default) ● Roll Call Vote: The Co-Chair will take roll and each country will say their response; “rights” may be claimed during this vote
1 May ONLY interrupt speaker if the speaker is too quiet.
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Southeastern High School Model United Nations Parliamentary Procedure Guide SECTION 1: COMMITTEE BASICS This section breaks down and explains the fundamental parts of a SHSMUN committee, beginning to end, and describes in detail what delegates will be expected to know and to do when they enter committee.
1.1 Structure of a SHSMUN Committee There are two primary parts of a SHSMUN committee’s progress through a topic: debate and voting procedures for resolutions. This section explains the differences between them.
➢ Debate: In debate, delegates discuss the issues at hand and what needs to be done in order to address them. The primary forum for discussion is the Speakers’ List, on which delegates may be placed either at the beginning of debate, when the Chair asks for volunteers to raise their placards and grants authors’ rights, or at any other time during debate by sending a note to the Chair or having a resolution introduced to the docket. When taking speakers from the Speakers’ List, the committee is said to be in formal debate. When in any sort of caucus, the committee is said to be in informal debate. Moderated and roll call caucuses are used primarily for gathering delegates’ views on small components of the topic, while unmoderated caucuses are used primarily for writing new resolutions or developing amendments to current ones.
➢ Voting Procedures for Resolutions2: When delegates have reached a stopping point in debate, the committee will move into voting procedures for the resolutions on the docket. During voting procedures, all talking and note-passing ceases, and the doors are closed. Delegates who leave the room during voting procedures lose their right to vote. Roll will not be taken by the Co-Chair unless the rules are suspended, and then voting will begin. The default vote during voting procedures will be a standard placard vote, in which delegates are asked to raise their placards high and straight, facing the Chair. This is a non-verbal voting procedure. However, delegates may also move for a roll call vote once the committee has moved into voting on a specific resolution or division. Upon completion of voting procedures, the committee will move down the agenda, the Chair will accept a motion to begin debate on the new topic, and the Speakers’ List will be reopened.
1.2 Role of the Chair The Chair (or, in the General Assembly, the Secretary-General) facilitates debate in the committee. The Chair is responsible for using the rules contained in this guide but may adjust them to improve the flow of committee. The Chair is empowered to rule on all points and motions made by delegates.
2 Voting procedures are also used when the committee is deciding whether to add an amendment to a resolution (see § 3.5.2).
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Southeastern High School Model United Nations Parliamentary Procedure Guide
1.3 Roll Call The Co-Chair will take roll at the beginning of committee sessions, after any time the committee has been suspended (such as after breaks for meals), and after voting procedures on a topic has been concluded. A delegate may answer to their country’s name in roll call with either of the following:
➢ Present: Countries that are present may abstain from voting3 on substantive matters, which are matters voted on during voting procedures (amendments and resolutions). Countries that are present must still vote yes or no on all procedural matters. ➢ Present and Voting: This signifies that the country is present and will vote either yes or no on every matter that comes before the committee.
1.4 Delegate Self-Identification Any time delegates rise to speak, they must begin their point, motion, or speech by stating their first name and surname, and then their country. Failure to do this may result in the Chair asking the delegate to try again or to sit down.
EXAMPLE: ❏ Chair: “China, you are now recognized for an unlimited amount of time.” ❏ Delegate from China: “[Delegate Name], China. We believe ” …
1.5 Yielding Time If delegates have time remaining after finishing a speech on the Speakers’ List, in a moderated / roll call caucus, or in a pro-con debate, they must yield their time in some way by telling the Chair directly. There are three ways in which delegates may yield their remaining time after finishing a speech, listed below. Delegates whose time expired during their speech have no time to yield.
1.5.1 Yielding to Questions (highly encouraged) ➢ Purpose: If delegates on the Speakers’ List who have just finished a speech and have time remaining would like to clarify and describe certain points they brought up during their speech, they may yield their time to questions. These questions afford other delegates the opportunity to better understand what is being proposed and gain greater clarity on delegates’ positions. As a result, yielding to questions at the end of a speech is highly encouraged. ➢ Result: After the speaker has yielded his or her time to questions, the Chair will allow delegates wishing to ask a question or questions to raise their placards. Upon being recognized by the Chair to ask a question or questions, the questioner will ask the speaker, through the Chair, whether the speaker yields to a possible series of questions, which goes up to 3 questions. The speaker may then yield, again through the Chair, to only one question, to only two questions, or yield to a possible series. If
3 This means the vote is counted as neither a yes nor a no and is not factored into the overall vote total.
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Southeastern High School Model United Nations Parliamentary Procedure Guide the speaker yields to a possible series, the questioner may ask one question, two questions, or three questions, as needed. ➢ The speaker may not refuse to yield to at least one question unless he or she is done taking questions entirely, at which point the speaker must yield the remainder of his or her time to the Chair – it may not be yielded to another delegate. Please note that the speaker may not respond to a question with a question.
➢ Other Notes: ➢ At the beginning of a new topic, the remaining time, if there is any, of the authors of the first three resolutions on the docket is automatically yielded to questions. Delegates not wishing to take advantage of this should simply yield the time back to the Chair. ➢ There is no such thing as a clarification question. Attempts to go over the number of questions allotted will result in the questioner being asked to take his or her seat. ➢ Although there is no time limit for a question or for an answer to a question, delegates are strongly advised to keep both brief to ensure that as many delegates as possible are able to ask and receive satisfactory answers to their questions.
EXAMPLE: ❏ Delegate from France: “ and with that, I yield my time to questions.” … ❏ Chair: “The delegate has yielded his time to questions. Are there any questions for the delegate?... Chile.” ❏ Delegate from Chile, addressing the Chair: “[Name], Chile – does the delegate yield to a possible series of questions?” ❏ Delegate from France, addressing the Chair: “I yield to two.” ❏ Chair, addressing Chile: “He yields to two.” ❏ Delegate from Chile, addressing France: “How does this resolution ” … ❏ This process repeats itself with other delegates until France’s time expires or France yields the remainder of their time to the Chair.
1.5.2 Yielding to the Chair ➢ Purpose: If delegates who have just finished a speech and have time remaining do not want to answer questions, do not want to yield the remainder of their time to another delegate, or do not want to continue answering questions, they may yield their time directly back to the Chair. ➢ Result: The Chair asks the delegate whether he/she has a motion, and the next speaker is recognized. ➢ Other Notes: ➢ Delegates who have finished a speech in a moderated or roll call caucus, or a pro-con debate, may only yield their time to the Chair and can neither yield their time to questions nor yield their time to another delegate.
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Southeastern High School Model United Nations Parliamentary Procedure Guide EXAMPLE (on Speakers’ List): ❏ Delegate from Brazil: “...and so action must be taken. We yield our time to the Chair.” ❏ Chair: “Thank you, delegate. Do you have any points or motions at this time?” ❏ Delegate from Brazil: “No.” ❏ From here, debate continues as usual through the Speakers’ List.
1.5.3 Yielding to Another Delegate ➢ Purpose: If delegates who have just finished a speech and have time remaining would like to allow another delegate to use that remaining time to give another speech, they may do so by yielding their time to that delegate specifically. ➢ Result: The designated delegate is immediately recognized by the Chair for the remainder of the original speaker’s time.4 ➢ Other Notes: ➢ Yielding time in this fashion is possible only when speaker’s time has been limited. Unlimited time may not be yielded to another delegate.
1.6 Resolution & Amendment Ownership This section describes the factors that influence resolution and amendment ownership at SHSMUN.
1.6.1 Resolutions Introduced by the Chair ➢ In the weeks leading up to the Conference, the Chair receives all the pre-written resolutions authored by individual delegates and chooses four to six of these resolutions to add to the docket for each topic as a starting point for debate in the committee. These resolutions do not need signatories.
1.6.2 Resolutions Introduced at the Conference ➢ Delegates may have their country’s name added to a new resolution in one of two ways: they may be listed as signatories, or they may be listed as sponsors. Signatories do not have to support the resolution - they only want to see it debated in committee.5 Sponsors, on the other hand, are delegates who have made significant contributions to the resolution (usually authorial) and are nearly always expected to support it strongly. There can be as many sponsors or signatories as needed; however, only the first three sponsors listed will be recognized as primary sponsors.6 These delegates have made the most substantial contributions to the resolution and
4 For example, if the delegate from Myanmar were to yield her time to the delegate from Gabon, the delegate from Gabon could not yield his time to questions or to yet another delegate after having finished speaking – any time remaining after the delegate from Gabon had finished his speech would have to be yielded directly to the Chair, and the Chair would then ask the delegate from Myanmar whether she had a motion to make. 5 Compare this to resolutions introduced by the Chair. 6 All other sponsors will be known as secondary sponsors. Delegates should not concern themselves unduly with the significance of this distinction except as it relates to General Assembly and to authors’ panels.
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Southeastern High School Model United Nations Parliamentary Procedure Guide will be the ones to go up for any authors’ panels or to defend the resolution in the General Assembly, should it be placed on the GA docket. The sponsor listed first is recognized by the Chair for the purpose of determining whether an amendment is friendly or unfriendly, but is a normal primary sponsor in all other respects. Delegates are expected to determine the primary sponsors among themselves.
1.6.3 Authors’ Rights and Authors’ Panels ➢ Authors of resolutions on the docket receive what are known as “authors’ rights”: they are added to the Speakers’ List automatically, above all other speakers (except for other authors) to talk about their resolution and their ideas. Additionally, authors’ rights are granted in certain cases with amendments (see § 3.5.2). ➢ The primary sponsors (first three sponsors) of resolutions with more than one author are given a modified version of authors’ rights known as an authors’ panel. Delegates on the authors’ panel go before the dais and speak collectively. They do not have to yield time to each other in order to speak and may share the time they have how they see fit. During an authors’ panel, the primary sponsors are collectively asked whether they yield to questions.
1.6.4 Loss of Ownership (via amendments) ➢ Ownership of a resolution will be forfeited if an unfriendly amendment is added to the resolution. At that point, the committee has taken ownership of the resolution, and, as a result, all amendments to the resolution from that point on will be considered unfriendly automatically. The rights of the primary sponsors to speak in the General Assembly will not be affected.
1.6.5 Properties of Subclauses ➢ Subclauses are expected to relate to their parent clauses, so any motion that affects a parent clause will have the same effect on that clause’s subclauses. For example, if an amendment strikes an entire operative clause from a resolution, that clause’s subclauses will be struck too. If an operative clause is divided out of a resolution, that clause’s subclauses will be divided out too.
1.7 Majorities This section sets the requirements for simple / two-thirds majority votes. Simple and two-thirds majority votes will be used to determine the passage or failure of motions and resolutions.
1.7.1 Simple Majority ➢ At SHSMUN, a simple majority of votes is fixed at 50% + 1 of all votes. To calculate the number of votes required to constitute a simple majority, take the number of countries attending committee (not the number of countries on the roster) and multiply by 0.50—if the result is a whole number, add 1. If the result is a number with a decimal place, round up to the nearest whole number.
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Southeastern High School Model United Nations Parliamentary Procedure Guide 1.7.2 Two-Thirds Majority ➢ At SHSMUN, a two-thirds majority of votes is fixed at exactly 66.666% of all votes. To calculate the number of votes required to constitute a two-thirds majority, take the number of countries attending committee (not the number of countries on the roster) and multiply by 0.66666—if the result is a whole number, do nothing. If the result is a number with a decimal place, round up if above .5 and down if below .5.
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Southeastern High School Model United Nations Parliamentary Procedure Guide SECTION 2: POINTS Points are technical pauses in the regular proceedings of the committee. Delegates will be recognized by the Chair upon making a point, at which time the Chair will rule the point in or out of order.
2.1 Interruptive Points This section describes points that may interrupt whomever is speaking. To make such a point, delegates should raise their placards and tell the Chair, clearly and calmly, which point they wish to make. Interruptions should not be unnecessarily disruptive.
2.1.1 Point of Order ➢ Purpose: Points of order are used to draw the attention of the Chair to a delegate’s perceived violation of parliamentary procedure. In the event that the Chair has made an error, delegates should instead use a point of inquiry to explain whatever mistake they believe was made. ➢ Result: The Chair will recognize the delegate making the point of order, and the delegate will, after stating his or her name and country, tell the Chair where the mistaken delegate failed to adhere to parliamentary procedure. The Chair will then rule the point in or out of order. If it is not in order, the delegate making the point of order will be asked to sit down, and the delegate who was interrupted will be permitted to continue with no loss of time. If the point is in order, the Chair will explain the violation to the mistaken delegate and ask them either to continue or to sit down. ➢ Other Notes: ➢ Although points of order are useful and ensure that delegates are kept on their toes in committee, they should not be overused. Delegates will need to use their best judgment in deciding whether or not it is appropriate to call a point of order on another delegate.
EXAMPLE: ❏ Chair: “Delegate from Norway, you are now recognized for five minutes.” ❏ Delegate from Norway, standing up: “This issue is one that will lead – ” ❏ Delegate from Japan, raising placard: “Point of order.” ❏ Chair: “Delegate from Japan, rise and state your point.” ❏ Delegate from Japan, addressing the Chair: “[Name], Japan – the delegate from Norway failed to state her name and country.” ❏ Chair, addressing Japan: “That point is in order. Delegate from Norway, please resume your seat. Are there any points or motions you’d like to make at this time?”
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Southeastern High School Model United Nations Parliamentary Procedure Guide 2.1.2 Right of Reply (rare) ➢ Purpose: A right of reply is requested when a delegate believes his or her country has been slandered by the speaker. It allows the delegate whose country was slandered to rebut the slander in front of the entire committee. Only legitimate slander qualifies, and, as a result, successful requests for a right of reply should b e very rare. ➢ Result: The Chair will recognize the delegate requesting a right of reply, and the delegate will, after stating his or her name and country, briefly explain the perceived slander. The Chair will then rule the request for a right of reply in or out of order. If it is not in order, the delegate claiming the right of reply will be asked to sit down, and the delegate who was interrupted will be permitted to continue with no loss of time. If the point is in order, the delegate whose country was slandered will receive thirty seconds to rebut the remarks, at which time the original speaker will be permitted to continue, again with no loss of time. ➢ Other Notes: ➢ Delegates may not request a right of reply on behalf of another delegate. ➢ Although slandering another delegate personally does not qualify for a right of reply, it is still unacceptable, and it will result in referral to the Conference administration.
EXAMPLE: ❏ Chair: “Russian Federation, you are now recognized for five minutes.” ❏ Delegate from Russia: “[Name], Russian Federation – America is an evil country that will ” … ❏ Delegate from the United States, raising placard: “Right of reply.” ❏ Chair: “Delegate from the United States, rise and state your point.” ❏ Delegate from the United States, addressing the Chair: “[Name], United States – the accusation that the United States is evil is baseless and needlessly provocative.” ❏ Chair, addressing the United States: “Right of reply granted. The United States is now recognized for thirty seconds to rebut the remarks made by the delegate from Russia.” ❏ The delegate from the United States makes her remarks, and the delegate from Russia is allowed to continue once the U.S. finishes.
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Southeastern High School Model United Nations Parliamentary Procedure Guide 2.2 Non-Interruptive Points This section describes points that may not interrupt whomever is speaking. To make such a point, delegates should wait until there is either a lull in committee proceedings or the Chair asks for points and motions, when they should then raise their placards and wait to be recognized. The Chair does not rule on non-interruptive points but merely addresses them outside of the usual constraints of parliamentary procedure.
2.2.1 Point of Inquiry ➢ Purpose: There are two reasons for which a point of inquiry may be used: to alleviate a delegate’s personal discomfort or distractions, or to clarify parliamentary procedure and / or debate. There will be no distinction between instances where an inquiry is for personal reasons and instances where an inquiry is for progressing debate. ➢ Result: If the complaint is legitimate, the Chair will seek to alleviate the delegate’s discomfort. If the question is legitimate, the Chair will answer it to the best of his or her ability. ➢ Other Notes: ➢ A point of inquiry may interrupt the speaker if the speaker cannot be heard by other delegates.
EXAMPLE 1 (Personal discomfort – speaker too quiet): ❏ Delegate from India: “And we believe that, as a result...” ❏ Delegate from the United Kingdom: “Point of inquiry.” ❏ Chair: “Delegate from the United Kingdom, rise and state your point.” ❏ Delegate from the United Kingdom, addressing the Chair: “[Name], United Kingdom – we are unable to hear the delegate from India. Could he speak up a little bit?” ❏ Chair: “Yes, of course – delegate from India, please speak a little more loudly so that all delegates can hear your speech.”
EXAMPLE 2 (Question about parliamentary procedure): ❏ Chair: “Are there any points or motions at this time?” ❏ Delegate from Mexico: “Point of inquiry.” ❏ Chair: “Delegate from Mexico, rise and state your point.” ❏ Delegate from Mexico, addressing the Chair: “Are we currently in voting procedures?” ❏ Chair: “No, not yet – we won’t enter voting procedures until a motion to enter voting procedures passes or we run out of speakers on the Speakers’ List.”
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Southeastern High School Model United Nations Parliamentary Procedure Guide SECTION 3: MOTIONS A motion is a formal proposal, made by a delegate, that the committee take action in some form. Motions are used to control the direction of committee and are passed by a majority (simple or two-thirds, depending on the situation) of delegates. Delegates may not propose a motion until recognized by the Chair.
3.1 The Process of Making a Motion This section briefly explains the process of making a motion, beginning to end.
1) Proposition of Motion ○ The Chair calls upon a delegate to make a motion, and the delegate makes his or her motion. 2) Ruling on Motion ○ The Chair evaluates the suitability of the motion and decides whether to entertain it by ruling it in or out of order. If ruled out of order, the motion automatically fails. 3) Seconds Requested ○ Once ruled in order, the Chair asks for seconds to the motion. Delegates seconding a motion, which is indicated by raising placards, support it and wish to see it pass. If there are no seconds (the delegate making the motion does not count as a second), then the motion automatically fails. 4) Opposition Requested ○ The Chair asks for opposition to the motion. Delegates opposing a motion, which is also indicated by raising placards, do not wish to see the motion pass. If there is no opposition, then the motion automatically carries. 5) Pro-Con Debate ○ Pro-con debates are used to allow delegates unsure of their opinion to hear both sides and come to a decision. Pro-con debates may be 1/1 (one delegate speaking in favor of the motion and another delegate speaking in opposition to it) or 2/2 (two delegates speaking in favor of the motion and two delegates speaking in opposition to it). A breakdown of this information for common motions may be found in Section 1. If there is an insufficient number of delegates willing to speak pro, the motion fails; if there is an insufficient number of delegates willing to speak con, the motion passes. 6) Vote ○ A procedural vote is held on the motion. A breakdown of whether a simple or two-thirds majority vote is required for certain motions can be found at the front of this Guide.
Remember! It is proper to say “I / we move...” when making a motion. Saying “I / we motion...” is incorrect.
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Southeastern High School Model United Nations Parliamentary Procedure Guide 3.2 When to Make a Motion This section explains when delegates will be asked to make motions by the Chair and how many motions will be accepted at a certain time.
3.2.1 Making a Motion During Debate During debate, the Chair will periodically ask for points or motions from either a specific delegate or from the floor. Delegates who have just finished a speech from the Speakers’ List will specifically be asked by the Chair if they would like to make a motion. Regardless of whether that delegate chooses to make a motion or not, the Chair will subsequently accept up to two motions from the floor. Motions that fail to pass or are ruled out of order by the Chair will be counted in this total.
EXAMPLE: ❏ Delegate from Cote d’Ivoire: “...We yield our time to the Chair.” ❏ Chair: “Thank you, delegate — would you like to make any points or motions at this time?” ❏ Delegate from Cote d’Ivoire: “No.” ❏ Chair: “We will now take points and up to two motions from the floor... Israel.” ❏ Delegate from Israel: “[Name], Israel — we move to limit speaker’s time to five minutes.” ❏ Chair: “That motion is in order. Are there any seconds?...Seeing no seconds [i.e. motion fails], we will now take points and only one more motion from the floor. Are there any points or motions on the floor?...Zambia.”
3.2.2 Making a Motion in Voting Procedures In voting procedures, the Chair will regularly ask for points or motions. This is standardized, but in such a fashion that delegates are given many opportunities to make motions that they feel are appropriate.
3.3 Structural Motions This section describes structural motions, which are motions that affect the large-scale structure of the committee. This includes opening committee, suspending committee, and other similar actions.
3.3.1 Motion to Suspend the Rules (2/2; Two-Thirds Majority) ➢ Purpose: This motion is used to suspend the rules outlined in this document for a clear, worthwhile reason, which must be specified to the Chair when making the motion. ➢ Result: If the motion carries, the rule(s) in question are suspended for the purpose outlined by the delegate. ➢ Other Notes: ➢ Proposed suspensions should always be serious in nature.
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Southeastern High School Model United Nations Parliamentary Procedure Guide 3.3.2 Motion to Open Committee (No Debate; Simple Majority) ➢ Purpose: This motion is used to open committee on the first day of the Conference, and it need not be used again — thereafter, the Chair and Co-Chair will simply call roll to reopen when committee reconvenes after a suspension. ➢ Result: If the motion carries, committee is opened and stays that way until it is adjourned. ➢ Other Notes: None.
EXAMPLE: ❏ Chair: “The Chair would now look favorably upon a motion to open committee...Iran.” ❏ Delegate from Iran: “[Name], Iran — we move to open committee.” ❏ Chair: “That motion is in order, delegate — are there any seconds?...Seeing seconds, and taking no opposition, committee is now open.”
3.3.3 Motion to Set the Agenda (No Debate; Simple Majority) ➢ Purpose: This motion is used to set a committee’s agenda — the order in which it will address its three topics. Debate may not begin, and the Speakers’ List may not be opened, until the agenda has been set. ➢ Result: If the motion carries, then the Chair will allow delegates to propose orders for the topics.7 Once delegates have proposed as many of the possibilities as they desire, the delegates who proposed orders will each be given thirty seconds to explain the rationale behind the proposed order; after these speeches, a special vote will be held.8 Only “yes” votes will be taken, and delegates may vote in favor of only one order. The order with the greatest number of votes in its favor at the end of all voting will be the order used by the committee. If there is a tie between two or more orders, another vote will be held between the remaining orders. If more than two re-votes take place, the Chair will then decide the order used.
3.3.4 Motion to Open Debate (No Debate; Simple Majority) ➢ Purpose: This motion is used to open debate on a new topic at the start of committee or immediately after completion of voting on the previous topic’s resolutions. ➢ Result: If the motion carries, a motion to open a new Speakers’ List on the topic will be taken, authors’ rights will be assigned, and debate will begin again.
7 There are six possible orders: (1, 2, 3); (1, 3, 2); (2, 1, 3); (2, 3, 1); (3, 1, 2); and (3, 2, 1). 8 If a delegate declines to speak in favor of his or her order, the Chair will choose another speaker to defend the order. If no one else is willing to defend the order, it will not receive a vote.
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3.3.5 Motion to Open the Speakers’ List (No Debate; Simple Majority) ➢ Purpose: This motion is used to open the Speakers’ List on the first day of the Conference and after each time debate on a topic has finished. ➢ Result: The Speakers’ List is opened, and authors’ rights to speak are granted to the countries whose resolutions are on the docket for the first topic. The Chair then asks for other countries wanting to be put on the Speakers’ List and adds them as well.
EXAMPLE: ❏ Chair: “Are there any points or motions on the floor at this time?...Qatar.” ❏ Delegate from Qatar: “[Name], Qatar — we move to open the Speakers’ List.” ❏ Chair: “That motion is in order, delegate...are there any seconds? Seeing seconds, and taking no opposition, the Speakers’ List is now open. Authors’ rights go to Canada, Sweden, Finland, Mongolia, and the Republic of Korea. All others wishing to be added to the Speakers’ List, please raise your placards now...Tanzania, Kenya, and Belize. If you would like to be added to the Speakers’ List at a later point, please send a note to the dais. Delegate from Canada, you are now recognized for an unlimited amount of time.”
3.3.6 Motion to Suspend Committee (No Debate; Simple Majority) ➢ Purpose: This motion is used to suspend a committee session for mealtimes and at the end of the day. ➢ Result: If the motion carries, committee is suspended and remains that way until the time designated by the Chair. ➢ Other Notes: This motion may not be used during voting procedures.
EXAMPLE: ❏ Chair: “Seeing that it is now lunchtime, the Chair would look favorably upon a motion to suspend committee until 2:30 pm...Algeria.” ❏ Delegate from Algeria: “[Name], Algeria — we move to suspend committee until 2:30 pm.” ❏ Chair: “That motion is in order, delegate...are there any seconds? Seeing seconds, and taking no opposition, this motion passes. Committee is suspended until 2:30 pm.”
3.3.7 Motion to Adjourn (No Debate; No Vote) ➢ Purpose: This motion is used to bring all committee or General Assembly sessions to an end until the next year’s SHSMUN Conference. This motion must be approved by the Chair (in committee) or by the Secretary-General (in General Assembly), and it is not subject to a pro-con debate or to a vote. ➢ Result: If the motion carries, all committee or Conference business is finished until the next year. ➢ Other Notes: This motion may not be used during voting procedures.
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Southeastern High School Model United Nations Parliamentary Procedure Guide EXAMPLE: ❏ Secretary-General: “The Chair would now look favorably upon a motion to adjourn SHSMUN 2017...Australia.” ❏ Australian Delegation: “[Name], Australia — we move to adjourn SHSMUN 2017.” ❏ Secretary-General: “That motion is in order, delegate...are there any seconds? Seeing seconds, and taking no opposition, SHSMUN 2017 is now adjourned. We hope to see you next year!”
3.4 Timing Motions This section describes timing motions, which are motions that affect the time allotted to certain parts of committee.
3.4.1 Motion to Limit / Extend Speaker’s Time (1/1; Simple Majority) ➢ Purpose: This motion is used to limit or extend the time that a speaker on the Speakers’ List is allotted for speeches and questions. Delegates must specify the time in their motion. ➢ Result: If the motion carries, speaking time is limited or extended to the time specified in the motion by the delegate. ➢ Other Notes: This motion may not be used during voting procedures.
EXAMPLE: ❏ Chair: “Are there any points or motions on the floor at this time?... France.” ❏ Delegate from France: “[Name], France — we move to limit speaker’s time to five minutes.” ❏ Chair: “That motion is in order, delegate...are there any seconds? Seeing seconds, is there any opposition? Seeing opposition, we will now move into a one pro, one con debate on whether to limit speaker’s time to five minutes. Speaking pro, France. Speaking con, Nigeria.” ❏ A regular pro-con debate is held. ❏ Chair: “We will now vote on whether or not to limit speaker’s time to five minutes. This is a procedural vote; you may not abstain.” ❏ A procedural vote is held. If the motion carries, speaker’s time is limited to five minutes.
3.4.2 Motion to Limit / Extend Debate (1/1; Simple Majority) ➢ Purpose: This motion is used to force the committee to stop debate on a topic at a certain time for a specific reason. At the time indicated, the committee will move into voting procedures, and all debate will cease. ➢ Result: If the motion carries, the Chair or Co-Chair will keep track of time, and will warn the committee as the designated time for debate to end approaches. When the designated time comes, the Chair may, at his or her discretion, suspend the rules and entertain a motion to extend debate if any delegate is willing to propose one.
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Southeastern High School Model United Nations Parliamentary Procedure Guide ➢ Other Notes: This motion may not be used during voting procedures.
EXAMPLE: ❏ Chair: “Are there any points or motions on the floor at this time?...El Salvador.” ❏ Delegate from El Salvador: “[Name], El Salvador — we move to limit debate to 3:30 pm so that we will have time to debate the next topic.” ❏ Chair: “That motion is in order, delegate...are there any seconds? Seeing seconds, is there any opposition? Seeing opposition, we will now move into a one pro, one con debate on whether to limit debate to 3:30 pm. Speaking pro, El Salvador. Speaking con, Saint Kitts and Nevis.” ❏ A regular pro-con debate is held. ❏ Chair: “We will now vote on whether or not to limit debate to 3:30 pm. This is a procedural vote; you may not abstain.” ❏ A procedural vote is held. If the motion carries, debate is limited to 3:30 pm.
3.5 Introductory Motions This section describes introductory motions, which are motions that are used to introduce new solutions or ideas for the committee to debate and, eventually, vote on.
3.5.1 Motion to Introduce a Resolution (2/2; Simple Majority) ➢ Purpose: This motion is used to introduce a newly written paper to the docket as a resolution, which is a common occurrence. At least 25% of delegates in the committee must be signatories to a working paper (i.e. resolution that has not been introduced) for it to be eligible for inclusion on the docket. Signatories just support the resolution being debated and need not support the content of the resolution. ➢ Result: First, the Co-Chair reads the proposed resolution. Then, if the motion carries, the new resolution is added to the docket for the current topic, may be debated by the speakers on the Speakers’ List, and is considered along with all the other resolutions during voting procedures. Successfully introducing a resolution does not mean that the resolution has passed. ➢ Other Notes: The introduction of a resolution may NOT be opposed on the basis of its contents, and this motion may not be used during voting procedures.
EXAMPLE: ❏ Chair: “Are there any points or motions on the floor at this time?...Kazakhstan.” ❏ Delegate from Kazakhstan: “[Name], Kazakhstan — we move to introduce the working paper on the dais, authored by Kazakhstan, Guatemala, Uruguay, and Guinea-Bissau.” ❏ Chair: “That motion is in order, delegate. My Co-Chair will now read the working paper.” ❏ The Co-Chair reads the working paper.
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Southeastern High School Model United Nations Parliamentary Procedure Guide ❏ Chair: “Seeing as your working paper has the required number of signatories, it is automatically seconded. Is there any opposition to the introduction of this working paper to the docket as resolution ECOFIN-B-6?...Seeing none, this working paper is now introduced to the docket as resolution ECOFIN-B-6.”
3.5.2 Motion to Introduce an Amendment (1/1; Simple Majority) ➢ Purpose: It is rare for a resolution to go through committee exactly as it was drafted. As a result, this motion is used to make changes, known as amendments, to the operative clauses of resolutions. ➢ Result: First, the Co-Chair will read the proposed amendment. Once the amendment has been read, the first primary sponsor of the resolution is asked by the Chair whether the proposed amendment is friendly or unfriendly. If the amendment is friendly, it is introduced without debate or a vote. However, if the amendment is unfriendly, a pro-con debate on the motion to introduce is held, and a first vote takes place on whether to consider the unfriendly amendment. If the committee decides to consider the amendment, the process remains unfinished, as the amendment has not yet been added to the resolution. The committee immediately enters a new Speakers’ List, and the author of the proposed amendment is given authors’ rights for four minutes, as is the first primary sponsor of the resolution, who had opposed the introduction of the amendment. The Chair will then accept up to, but no more than, four speakers, each of whom will be recognized for three minutes. Upon exhaustion of this separate Speakers’ List or the passage of a motion to enter voting procedures, the committee will move into voting procedures on the proposed amendment, and a second, final vote on whether to actually introduce (i.e. add) the proposed amendment will be held. If this vote is successful, the proposed amendment is adopted and added to the resolution. When this process is complete, the committee will move back to the original Speakers’ List. ➢ Other Notes: This motion may not be used during voting procedures.
EXAMPLE 1 (friendly amendment): ❏ Chair: “Are there any points or motions on the floor at this time?...South Africa.” ❏ Delegate from South Africa: “[Name], South Africa — we move to introduce the amendment authored by South Africa to resolution SOCHUM-C-5.” ❏ Chair: “That motion is in order, delegate. My Co-Chair will now read the proposed amendment.” ❏ The Co-Chair reads the proposed amendment. ❏ Chair: “Delegate from China, seeing as you are listed as the first sponsor on the resolution, do you consider this amendment friendly or unfriendly?” ❏ Delegate from China: “[Name], China — we consider it friendly.” ❏ Chair: “Since the amendment is considered a friendly one, it is automatically added to resolution SOCHUM-C-5.”
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Southeastern High School Model United Nations Parliamentary Procedure Guide EXAMPLE 2 (unfriendly amendment): ❏ Chair: “Are there any points or motions on the floor at this time?...Uruguay.” ❏ Delegate from Uruguay: “We move to introduce the amendment authored by Uruguay to resolution SOCHUM-C-5.” ❏ Chair: “That motion is in order, delegate. My Co-Chair will now read the proposed amendment.” ❏ The Co-Chair reads the proposed amendment. ❏ Chair: “Delegate from Liechtenstein, seeing as you are listed as the first sponsor on the resolution, do you consider this amendment friendly or unfriendly?” ❏ Delegate from Liechtenstein: “[Name], Liechtenstein — we consider it unfriendly.” ❏ Chair: “Since the amendment is considered an unfriendly one, is there a second to considering its introduction?...Seeing seconds, we will now have a one pro, one con debate on whether or not to consider introducing this amendment. Speaking pro, Uruguay. Speaking con, Liechtenstein.” ❏ A regular one pro, one con debate is held. ❏ Chair: “We will now vote on whether to consider this unfriendly amendment to resolution SOCHUM-C-5. This is a procedural matter, and you may not abstain.” ❏ A procedural vote is held. ❏ Chair: “By a vote of 25 to 4, the committee has decided to consider the unfriendly amendment to resolution SOCHUM-C-5. We will now move into a separate Speakers’ List for the purpose of debating the merits of the amendment.” ❏ The committee debates the resolution on a separate Speakers’ List using the above guidelines. The vote that takes place at the end of that debate will then determine whether the proposed amendment is added to the resolution.
3.6 Caucus Motions This section describes caucus motions, which are motions that are used to open caucuses in committee for a specific amount of time.
3.6.1 Motion for a Moderated Caucus (1/1; Simple Majority) ➢ Purpose: A moderated caucus provides an opportunity for several delegates to make brief statements on a specific topic or question. The delegate moving for a moderated caucus will specify the time to be allotted to each speaker, the total time of the caucus, and the topic or question for the speakers to address. ➢ Result: If the motion carries, a moderated caucus is held on the proposed topic. The delegate who made the motion for the moderated caucus will be able to choose whether he or she would like to speak first or last in the caucus. Other delegates
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Southeastern High School Model United Nations Parliamentary Procedure Guide wishing to speak will be asked to raise their placards at the same time by the Chair when the last speaker has finished, and the Chair will choose from those delegates. ➢ Other Notes: Moderated caucuses may not be extended unless the rules are suspended, and, once a moderated caucus has concluded, another moderated caucus may not take place until at least two speeches have been heard from the Speakers’ List. This motion may not be used during voting procedures.
EXAMPLE: ❏ Chair: “Are there any points or motions on the floor at this time?...Ukraine.” ❏ Delegate from Ukraine: “[Name], Ukraine — we move for a five-minute moderated caucus, with a one-minute speaker’s time, for the purpose of discussing the possibility of nuclear proliferation on the Iberian Peninsula.” ❏ Chair: “That motion is in order, delegate. Chair’s discretion, it passes — would you like to speak first or last?” ❏ Delegate from Ukraine: “First, please.” ❏ Chair: “You are now recognized for one minute.” ❏ The Chair proceeds to select four other speakers, one at a time, after the delegate from Ukraine has finished.
3.6.2 Motion for an Unmoderated Caucus (1/1; Simple Majority) ➢ Purpose: An unmoderated caucus is a break from formal debate, which is used for informal conversations among groups of delegates. Typically, unmoderated caucuses are held to allow delegates to ask questions about proposed plans, to draft amendments to resolutions or super-resolutions, and to negotiate compromises without going through the formal structure of committee. Unmoderated caucuses are held for a designated length of time, which must be specified in the motion. ➢ Result: Formal debate is suspended, and delegates are allowed to roam freely and work with other delegates outside of the constraints of ordinary parliamentary procedure. However, unmoderated caucuses must stay productive. Technology may be used during an unmoderated caucus to write resolutions or amendments. ➢ Other Notes: This motion may not be used during voting procedures.
EXAMPLE: ❏ Chair: “Are there any points or motions on the floor at this time?...Belarus.” ❏ Delegate from Belarus: “[Name], Belarus — we move for a fifteen-minute unmoderated caucus for the purpose of drafting new resolutions.” ❏ Chair: “That motion is in order, delegate. Chair’s discretion, it passes — we are now in a fifteen-minute unmoderated caucus.” ❏ A fifteen-minute unmoderated caucus takes place.
3.6.3 Motion for a Roll Call Caucus (1/1; Simple Majority) ➢ Purpose: A roll call caucus is used to solicit every delegate’s opinion on a certain issue. The delegate moving for a roll call caucus will pose a question or topic in his
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Southeastern High School Model United Nations Parliamentary Procedure Guide or her motion, and all delegates will be recognized in alphabetical order for 30 seconds to respond to that question. ➢ Result: The Chair recognizes each delegate in sequence for 30 seconds to respond to the question posed in the motion. Delegates who have been recognized, who do not wish to speak, may simply yield their time to the Chair. ➢ Other Notes: This motion may not be used during voting procedures.
EXAMPLE: ❏ Chair: “Are there any points or motions on the floor at this time?...Afghanistan.” ❏ Delegate from Afghanistan: “[Name], Afghanistan — we move for a roll call caucus to allow every delegate to discuss how this resolution might best be funded.” ❏ Chair: “That motion is in order, delegate...are there any seconds? Seeing seconds, is there any opposition? Seeing none, the motion passes. We are now in a roll call caucus. The Co-Chair will now take roll.” ❏ Co-Chair: “Afghanistan — you are recognized for 30 seconds.” ❏ The Co-Chair goes in alphabetical order until all countries have been called.
3.7 Voting Procedures Motions This section describes voting procedures motions, which are motions that are used exclusively for or during voting procedures.
3.7.1 Motion to Enter Voting Procedures (2/2; Two-Thirds Majority) ➢ Purpose: This motion is used to end all debate on a topic and move the committee into voting procedures. ➢ Result: If the motion carries, the doors will be barred, talking and note-passing will cease, and the committee will move immediately into voting procedures.
EXAMPLE: ❏ Chair: “Are there any points or motions on the floor at this time?...Uzbekistan.” ❏ Delegate from Uzbekistan: “[Name], Uzbekistan — we move to enter voting procedures.” ❏ Chair: “That motion is in order, delegate...are there any seconds? Seeing seconds, and taking no opposition, the motion passes. We are now in voting procedures. I ask that the doors be barred, and that all talking and note-passing cease. Are there any points or motions on the floor at this time?
3.7.2 Motion for a Roll Call Vote (1/1; Simple Majority) ➢ Purpose: This motion is used to hold a roll call vote on a substantive matter, which means that delegates will be required to say “yes,” “no,” or “abstain” aloud. This kind of vote is most commonly used in order to allow delegates to vote “with rights,”
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Southeastern High School Model United Nations Parliamentary Procedure Guide which means that, at the end of the vote, each delegate who claimed rights will be given thirty seconds to explain the way in which he or she voted. This is typically done only if a delegate’s vote was dramatically different from their apparent or stated position during debate. ➢ Result: If the motion carries, the Chair or Co-Chair will call roll, and countries will say their vote aloud and claim rights if they desire to do so.
EXAMPLE: ❏ Chair: “Are there any points or motions on the floor at this time?...Tajikistan.” ❏ Delegate from Tajikistan: “[Name], Tajikistan — we move for a roll call vote on this resolution.” ❏ Chair: “That motion is in order, delegate...are there any seconds? Seeing seconds, and taking no opposition, the motion passes. We will now hold a roll call vote on this resolution. Are there any other points or motions on the floor at this time?...seeing none, we will now hold a roll call vote on this resolution. My Co-Chair will now take roll.” ❏ Co-Chair: “Albania.” ❏ Delegate from Albania: “Yes.” ❏ This continues in alphabetical order until all countries have been called. At the end of the vote, countries claiming rights will be recognized.
3.7.3 Motion to Divide the Question (1/1; Simple Majority) ➢ Purpose: This motion is used only during voting procedures to separate one part of a resolution from the rest of the resolution, so that a separate vote might be held on the separated, or divided, part. This is done so that countries that support or oppose one part of a resolution are not forced to support or oppose the rest of the resolution. Any part or parts of a resolution may be divided from the rest, and there may even be divisions within divisions. However, preambulatory clauses may not be divided. ➢ Result: If the motion to divide carries, two new entities result - the division and the rest of the resolution (if another motion to divide the question carried, there would then be a third entity - another division; if still another, then a fourth entity, and so on). Once all divisions have been made, the divisions will be voted on one by one, and then, after all the divisions have received a vote, the rest of the resolution (whatever has not been divided out) will receive a vote. ➢ Other Notes: Divisions should be for a clearly defined, reasonable purpose; additionally, because divisions can be confusing, delegates should not feel pressured to understand the workings of this motion in detail. Necessary information will be explained by the Chair in committee.
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Southeastern High School Model United Nations Parliamentary Procedure Guide EXAMPLE: ❏ Chair: “Are there any points or motions on the floor at this time?...Iraq.” ❏ Delegate from Iraq: “[Name], Iraq — we move to divide operative clause 7 from the rest of the resolution.” ❏ Chair: “That motion is in order, delegate...are there any seconds? Seeing seconds, is there any opposition? Seeing none, this motion passes. Operative clause 7 will be divided from the rest of the resolution, and a separate vote will be held on it.”
3.8 Miscellaneous Motions These motions do not fit neatly into the other categories, but they are still highly important and are used often in committee.
3.8.1 Motion to Table a Resolution (2/2; 2/3rds Majority) ➢ Purpose: This motion is used either during voting procedures or debate to “table” a resolution or several resolutions. This means that the resolution(s) in question are removed from the docket and will not be considered during voting procedures unless a Motion to Take from the Table passes. ➢ Result: The resolution or resolutions are removed from the docket.
EXAMPLE: ❏ Chair: “Are there any points or motions on the floor at this time?...Micronesia.” ❏ Delegate from Micronesia: “[Name], Micronesia — we move to table resolution WHO-B-2, because its ideas have been incorporated into WHO-B-7.” ❏ Chair: “That motion is in order, delegate...are there any seconds? Seeing seconds, is there any opposition? Seeing opposition, we will now move into a two pro, two con debate on whether to table resolution WHO-B-2.” ❏ A 2 pro, 2 con debate is held. ❏ Chair: “Now that you have had an opportunity to hear both sides, we will vote on whether to table resolution WHO-B-2. It requires a two-thirds majority to pass. This is a procedural matter, and you may not abstain.” ❏ A procedural vote is held. ❏ Chair: “By a vote of 10-2, this motion passes. Resolution WHO-B-2 is now tabled, and you may no longer refer to it in debate.”
3.8.2 Motion to Take from the Table (1/1; Simple Majority) ➢ Purpose: This motion is used during either voting procedures or debate to put a resolution that had previously been tabled back on the docket. An explanation must be provided for attempting to take a motion from the table.
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Southeastern High School Model United Nations Parliamentary Procedure Guide ➢ Result: If the motion carries, the resolution is brought from the table; if the motion carries while in voting procedures, then the resolution brought from the table is immediately voted upon.
EXAMPLE: ❏ Chair: “Are there any points or motions on the floor at this time?...Trinidad and Tobago.” ❏ Delegate from Trinidad and Tobago: “[Name], Trinidad — we move to take resolution ECOFIN-C-2 from the table, because its ideas were not used in ECOFIN-C-5.” ❏ Chair: “That motion is in order, delegate...are there any seconds? Seeing seconds, is there any opposition? Seeing none, this motion passes. Resolution ECOFIN-C-2 has been taken from the table and re-added to the docket.”
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