Chapter 5: The Main Motion

An original main motion is a motion that...

• amends another motion

• introduces a substantive question as a new subject

• is related to the business of the assembly or its past or future action

• allows the maker of the motion to serve as chairman if it is referred to a committee

An incidental main motion...

• can be made only with the permission of the assembly

• is in order if an original main motion is the immediate pending question

• proposes an action that is defined under parliamentary law and described by a particular parliamentary term

• is the same as a main motion, except it only can be proposed when an incidental motion is pending

An incidental main motion is a main motion that is different from an original main motion because it...

• cannot be amended

• is always made when a main motion is the immediately pending question

• may be made any time, even if another member is speaking

• never introduces a substantive question as a new subject

An example of an incidental main motion would be a motion to...

• take a recess when no business is pending

• place a special limit on the length of speeches throughout a meeting

• adopt recommendations a committee has proposed

• all of the above

The main difference between the rules governing original and incidental main motions is that incidental main motions...

• need not be seconded

• cannot have an Objection to the Consideration of a Question applied to them

• cannot be amended

• can only be debated one time by each member

The main motion is a motion that...

• takes precedence over everything

• can be applied to no other motion

• can be moved at any time

• always requires a majority vote

All subsidiary motions can be applied to...

• an original main motion

• a point of order

• themselves

• third degree amendments

Main motions...

• take precedence over all motions

• are not debatable

• always require a two-thirds vote to be adopted

• are out of order when another member has the floor

A general rule when wording a main motion is...

• to offer statements such as "I so move," after informal consultation

• not to propose a motion that the assembly refrain from doing something

• to include negative statements

• never begin a motion with the words "I move that..."

Which one of the following motions would be most acceptable?

• After obtaining the floor, say "I move that this organization declare its opposition to the recent increase in dues."

• After obtaining the floor, say "I move that this organization go on record as not favoring the proposed increase in dues."

• After obtaining the floor, say "I move that our delegates be given no instructions regarding the proposal for the increase in dues when they attend the convention next week."

• After obtaining the floor, say "I move that we give no response to the proposed dues."