Basic Parliamentary Procedures

The proper way for an individual to propose that the group take a certain action is by making a motion.

• Main Motions have for their object the bringing of questions, or propositions before the assembly for consideration. Only one main motion can be considered at a given time by the assembly.

• Subsidiary Motions have for their object the modification or disposition of the main motion being considered. It is in order to propose them while a main motion is still before the assembly, and to vote upon them before voting upon the main motion.

• Privileged Motions have not connection whatsoever with the main motion before the assembly, but are motions of such importance that they are entitled to immediate consideration. The main business before the house may be temporarily set aside to address a privileged motion.

• Incidental Motions arise "incidentally" out of the business of the assembly, and have very common characteristics.

1. A member rises and addresses the presiding officer. The officer should be addressed by their title and position of responsibility; Madam Treasurer, Mister Secretary.

2. The member is recognized by the presiding officer. When a member has been recognized, the member is the only member entitled to present or discuss a motion.

3. The member proposes a motion. The motion should begin "I move that" followed by a statement of proposal. It is not permissible to discuss the merits of the motion either prior to or immediately following the formal proposal of the motion.

4. Another member seconds the motion. The member simply states "I second the motion" If nobody seconds the motion, the presiding officer may ask "Is there a second to the motion?" If there is none, he may declare "The motion is lost for want of a second"

5. The Presiding officer states the motion to the assembly. When a motion has been properly proposed and seconded, the chairperson repeats the motion to the assembly. In may then be spoken of as a "question", a "proposition", or a "measure."

6. The assembly discusses or debates the motion. To speak, a member must obtain the floor in the same manner as when presenting a motion.

a. The presiding officer should show preference to the proposer of the motion.
b. A member who has not spoken has prior claim over one who has already spoken.
c. The presiding officer should alternate between proponents and opponents of the motion.
d. The presiding officer should recognize a member who seldom speaks in preference to one who frequently speaks.

DISCUSSION MUST BE CONFINED TO THE QUESTION THAT IS "BEFORE THE ASSEMBLY".

7. The presiding officer takes the vote on the motion. Before taking the vote, the chairman ask, "Is there further discussion?" or "Are you ready for the {question/proposition/measure}?"
   The chairman proceeds to take the vote by announcing "All in favor of the motion (STATE THE MOTION) say ’aye’". The chairman then says "Those opposed say ’No’."

8. The presiding officer announces the results of the vote. The chairman announces the vote by saying "The motion is carried; therefore (STATE THE INTENT OF THE MOTION)." or if the vote is in the negative, the chairman states "The motion is lost."

9. Another motion is then in order.

The purpose of the Motion-To-Amend is to modify a motion that has already been presented in such a manner that it will be more satisfactory to the members. The following are common methods of amending:

1. By addition or insertion to add something to the motion which it did not contain.

2. By eliminating or striking out to subtract or eliminate something from the original motion.

3. By substitution to eliminate something from the original motion and substitute something else in its place.
   
   AN AMENDMENT MAY BE HOSTILE, BUT IT MUST BE GERMANE.

A hostile amendment is opposed to the spirit of the motion to which it is applied. To be germane, an amendment must have direct bearing on the subject of the motion to which it is applied. An amendment may nullify the original motion, but if it relates to the same subject matter, it is germane.

TYPES OF AMENDMENTS:

1. Amendment of the First Rank - An amendment to the motion.

2. Amendment of the Second Rank - An amendment to an amendment, that modifies and relates directly to the amendment, and NOT to the original motion.
   
   NO AMENDMENT BEYOND THE SECOND RANK IS POSSIBLE.

If it is desired to amend two separate and unrelated parts of a motion, then it must be done with two amendments of the first rank. Until an amendment of the second rank is voted on no other amendment of the second rank is in order. Until the amendment of the first rank is voted upon, no other amendment of the first rank can be proposed.

ORDER OF VOTING ON AMENDMENTS:

Amendments are voted upon in inverse order of proposal.

1. Discussion is held and the vote is taken upon the amendment to the amendment.

2. Discussion is called for and the vote is taken upon the amendment to the motion.

3. When the vote on the amendment has been taken, discussion on the motion as amended is  opened and when completed, a vote is taken upon the motion as amended.

After a Motion has been made, Seconded, but during Discussion, if it is decided that further information or investigation is required, a Motion can be made to Table the original motion. A member of the assembly would say, "I move to table the motion until {specified date-time AND/OR informational requirements/conditions are met}". Another member of the assembly would say, "I second the motion to table," and the original motion is Closed for that assembly.

If no member of the assembly seconds the motion to Table, then the tabling motion is lost for want of informational requirements or other conditions. Discussion is again open to the Original Motion, or a Vote is called for that Original Motion.