Classification of Motions

Welcome to our topic Classification of motions! Classification of motions is a continuation of our previous topic which is the Introduction to motions. After you have  obtained a substantial knowledge on the nature of motions as well as the basic knowledge on how to introduce and handle or dispose motions, it is now high time for you to tackle this lesson, Classification of motions. So, hang on and let us continue with our Parliamentary journey!

Intended learning outcomes

By the end of this lesson, you should be  able to:

1. Understand the classification of motions;
2. Classify a given motion; and
3. Introduce/dispose motions in a meeting.

Classification of Motions

In order to gain considerable mastery on various motions involved and used in parliamentary practice, one has to know the classification of motions. Motions are classified according to their purpose or intention. Their purposes are determined by their very names. From these names, we can readily have a glimpse of their nature. Currently, the following are the classifications of motions, namely:

1. Main motions
   1. General Main Motions
   2. Specific Main Motions
2. Subsidiary motions
3. Privileged motions
4. Incidental motions

Main motions

Main motion is a classification of motion which is further subdivided into two classes – General main motions and Specific main motions.

General main motion is the classification of motions in which certain subjects or ideas are proposed to the assembly for its consideration.

• They are either presented in oral and in written form (resolution).
• Examples include: “I move that the organization will  conduct an income generating project,” “I move that we conduct an educational field trip,” “I move that we endorse John to represent our organization to the national contest.”
• This classification of motions requires only a majority vote.
• They are subject to the application of all other motions, taking precedence over none.
• Sometimes, motions falling under this classification of motions are referred to as “main motions,” “principal motions,” “main questions,”  and “principal questions.”
• Following the fundamental parliamentary principle of “only one subject at a time,” a general main motion can be proposed only when there is no other business before the assembly.

Specific  main motions is the classification of motions in which is also known as procedural motions.

• Specific main motions, in effect, bring before the assembly a proposal for its consideration.
• They have been given special names because of their use.
• The specific main motions are:
  1. To take from the table
  2. To reconsider
  3. To reconsider and have entered on the minutes
  4. To rescind
  5. To expunge
  6. To adopt a report
  7. To amend (questions already adopted)
  8. To adjourn (if qualified)
  9. To create special orders

Subsidiary motions

• Subsidiary motions are generally designed to either modify or dispose temporarily or permanently a main motion that may be pending before the assembly.
• They are subsidiary because they are dependent on the main motion which they either modify or dispose.
• They take precedent over the main motion.
• The subsidiary motions include:
  1. To lay on the table
  2. To call for previous question
  3. To modify the limits of debate
  4. To postpone definitely
  5. To commit or refer to a committee
  6. To amend
  7. To postpone indefinitely
• To amend  ordinary motion requires majority but to amend a constitution, by-laws and standing rules require 2/3 votes or as mandated by the organization.
• Most subsidiary motions take majority vote except call to previous question and modify the limits of the debate which require a 2/3 vote.

Privileged motions

• Privileged motions under this class have the characteristics of main motions and may be proposed when there is or there is no business is pending before the assembly.
• They are designed to meet the urgent needs of the assembly.
• They are entitled to the highest precedence.
• The privileged motions include:
  1. To fix the time to which to adjourn
  2. To adjourn (if unqualified)
  3. To take recess
  4. To raise a question of privilege
  5. To call for orders of the day
• Privileged motions are not debatable except when the assembly has actually taken up the orders of the day or a question of privilege has been raised as a main motion.
• Two motions: to rise to a question of privilege and to call for the orders of the day may be made even when someone has the floor.
• Two motions: to fix the time to which to adjourn and to take recess may be amended.

Incidental motions

• Incidental motions are motions that arise only incidentally out of business or proceedings of the assembly.
• They have very few characteristics in common but they take precedence over the question from which they arise whether it is main motion, subsidiary motion or privileged motion.
• The incidental motions are:
  1. To suspend the rules
  2. To withdraw a motion
  3. To object to the consideration of a question
  4. To raise a point of order
  5. To raise a parliamentary inquiry
  6. To raise a point of information
  7. To appeal from the decision  of the chair
  8. To call for the division of the assembly
  9. To ask for the division  of the question
  10. To read  papers
  11. Motions on nominations
  12. Motions on voting
• All incidental motions have precedence over any motion that is currently at hand when the motion is made.
• All incidental motions yield to privileged motions.
• All incidental motions are not debatable except to appeal from the decision of the chair.
• All incidental motions are not amendable except to call the division of a question or to call for the division of the assembly.

Assignment

Follow the given instructions so will not go astray:

1. After thoroughly reading, understanding and analyzing this topic, click here to download the assignment # 2 template.
2. Use a ballpen to complete the assignment.
3. Do not just complete this assignment for submission purposes, internalize it. If not, you will not be able to introduce/handle motions smoothly, in the essence of Parliamentary way.
4.  Memorize if you must, but I want mastery of this lesson so you will have excellent performance; otherwise, you will fail in the actual demonstration.
5. “May be force be always with you.”