The Ranked Motions
Parliamentary Procedure Knowbook Notes
The Rules of Precedence
The classification of motionsMainSecondary
• Subsidiary• Incidental• Privileged
The Ranked Motions
Motions that bring a question again Motions that bring a question again before the assembly (Restorative)before the assembly (Restorative)
Rules of Precedence If a motion is pending, one may propose only a
motion of higher precedence – never lower or equal Only one main motion at a time – Secondary motions – all take precedence over
mains; and are related to each other by the rules of precedence If a motion “a” is pending it yields to a motion of
higher rank “b” – “b” takes precedence over “a” Immediately pending question – the last one stated. Motions are proposed in order of precedence, but
voted on in reverse order.
Classification of motions – and the rules of precedence
Main motions – a proposal for consideration and action – the lowest
Subsidiary – help the assembly “treat or dispose” of another pending motion without a direct vote on it“Applied” to other motions – they can kill it,
alter it, refer it, suspend it, limit debate on it. A Definite Order of precedence – P# (ranked
motions)
Classification of motions
Privileged motions – do not apply to any motion, but deal with procedures that are so important that members are allowed to interrupt the meeting to propose themHigher precedence than all subsidiary
motions and most incidentalsHave a definite rank among themselves – P#
Classification of motions
Incidental – motions that are “incidental to the parliamentary situations” Certain situations that require special actions
– an objectionable or divisible motion, a questionable decision, a rule interferes…
No rank – when these motions are in order or “incidental” – they take precedence and must be disposed of immediately before business can proceed (but they yield to most privileged motions.
Classification of motions
Motions that bring a question again before the assembly (Restorative).Motions that allow the assembly to consider
again a motion that was “finally or temporarily disposed of” earlier in the meeting.
Usually take the rank of the motion that is being restored.
An exception to the rules that a motion disposed of can not be brought again, so there are restrictions….
Eight Standard Descriptive Characteristics (SDC)
1. Precedence – to which motions does this motion take precedence over, and to which will it yield?
2. Applied – to which other motions can this motion be applied? What other motions can be applied to this motion?
3. Interrupt – can this motion be proposed when another member has the floor or is speaking? Does one need recognition to make this motion?
Eight Standard Descriptive Characteristics (SDC)
4. Second – does this motion require a second?
5. Debate – is this motion debatable? Is debate limited to this motion or can it extend to the merits of the motion to which it is applied?
6. Amendable – is this motion amendable; and are there any limits on the ways that it can be amended.
Eight Standard Descriptive Characteristics (SDC)
7. Vote required? Majority? 2/3? Is notice required for this motion?
8. Reconsidered? Can this motion be reconsidered? May it be renewed – and if so, when?
MAKE AN ICON OR SHORTHAND SYMBOL FOR EACH OF THESE SDC!
Organizing the left side of your Knowbook – the subsidiary motions P# & Name of Motion Purpose/description SDC
Precedence/yields Applies to/applied to it Interrupt Debatable Second Amendable Vote Reconsider
Blank Effect of adoption Special rules or
explanations
Form/response
#1 Main Motion – introduce business
Two types Original – substantive question as
a new subject Incidental – a procedure or past or
future actions proposed when no business is pending
SDC P A I ˂ 2 Amend V ?
Effect – chapter is obligated
Special rules Motions never in order
• Conflict with law/by-law• Same question• Outside scope• Propose a negative• Dilatory
Making changes to main motions - depends upon who owns them
Form/response – “I MOVE THAT… Clear, concise, complete Response – It has been…
#2 Postpone Indefinitely
Used to kill a main motion without a direct vote on MM
SDC P A I ˂ 2 Amend V ?
Effect – kills a motion for the duration of the meeting
Relationship to other motion, if PI is pending and MM is committed – PI
is lost MM is postponed or
tabled – PI goes with the main
Form/response…
#3 Amend Modifies the pending motion
before the PM itself is acted upon
Two Degrees – primary and secondary
SDC P A I ˂ 2 Amend V ?
Effect – modifies the pending motion, but does not adopt it.
Rules Germane Some amendments always
out of order• Adoption of amendment =
rejection of amended mtn• Makes the amended mtn
contrary/identical to one already disposed of
• Frivolous, absurd• Change amended 2nd motion
to another 2nd motion “friendly” amendment
Form/response Five ways to amend Response -
#4 Commit or refer To place the main motion in
a committee for investigation or action
Variations Small committees – Entire assembly with
unlimited debate Recommit
SDC P A I ˂ 2 Amend V ?
Effect – Small – places the question
in a committee as specified by the motion
Entire – allows unlimited debate
Complete motions to commit -
Incomplete motions to commit –
Powers of committees – Vacancies on committees Dilatory motions Form/response
Small committee Entire assembly
#5 Postpone Definitely (certain time)
To defer action on a pending main motion until a specified day, meeting, time or event.
SDC
Effect – the pending main motion (and any adhering subsidiary motions) are postponed and made a general or special order.
Rules How Long postponed? Can’t be used like PI or
Table. Debate on postponed
motions Used to prevent
discussion before a specific time
Form/Response – general or special orders
#6 Limit or Extend Limits of Debate and #7 Previous question– two motions which control debate on one or a series of related motions Limit or extend
• Limit # or duration• Increase # or duration• Set time limit on all
Previous question – • Close debate now• Prevents all lower subs
SDC
Effect – creates “order” re debate which must be “exhausted” by disposing of the affected motions
Rules Apply to one or a
series of motions Limit lower subs when
pending and after adoption
Order is exhausted when..
Not allowed in committees
Form/response
#8 Lay on the Table To set aside a motion for
more urgent business Can’t be qualified Can be taken off the table
at any time by majority so long as some intervening business has occurred
Only for urgent business SDC
Effect – places the pending main motion, and all adhering secondary motions “on the table”
Rules Not PI or PD Can be used even if PQ is
called Tabled motion can’t be taken
off until intervening business Tabled motions taken off in
same form as tabled Tabled motions must be taken
off within specific time limits Out of Order –
• No urgency• Absurd or PI or PD
Form/response
Organizing Side two of your Knowbook – the privileged motions
Blank Purpose/description SDC
Precedence/yields Applies to/applied to it Interrupt Debatable Second Amendable Vote Reconsider
P# & Name of Motion Effect of adoption Special rules/explanations
Form/response
Allows one member to demand adherence to agenda, unless 2/3 vote otherwise
SDC
#9 Orders of the Day Effect – once called, president
must return to the orders to the orders unless 2/3 vote to deviate
Special rules – When in order How to set aside an
established order When renewed
Form/response
Permits urgent requests or motions related to the rights and privileges of members – two steps Rising – The question-
SDC
#10 Question of Privilege
Rules – Two types What happens to
interrupted business Form/response – steps
in rising to a question of privilege
To provide a short recess while business is pending –
Two types Privileged Incidental main
SDC – for privileged
#11 Recess Effect – interrupts the
proceedings for the duration of the recess without closing the meeting - business is resumed exactly where it left off
Rules – Recesses schedule in
the agenda Reasons for recess
Form/response
To end the meeting Two types
Privileged - unqualifed Incidental main
SDC - privileged
#12 Adjourn Effect – closes the
meeting Rules
What happens to pending business
Parliamentary steps in order even when adjourn is pending or adopted
Dilatory motions Adjournment without a
motion Form/response
Sets a time for a continuation of the present meeting (adjourned meeting).
Two types – Privileged Incidental main
SDC
#13 Fix the time to which to adjourn
Effect – creates an adjourned meeting with no effect on when the current meeting will adjourn
Special rules Not fix time AT which
to adjourn Goes with other
motions Business at an
adjourned meeting Form/response