Intended Learning Outcomes

•Understand the classification of motions

•Classify a given motion
•Know how to handle motions in a meeting
Classifications of Motions
Classifications of Motions
• Motions are classified according to their
purpose or intention.
• Their purposes are determined by their nature
and names.
Classifications of Motions

Motions

General Specific
main motion main motion

Subsidiary Privileged Incidental

motions motions motions
General Main Motions
• Are those motions through which certain
subjects or ideas are proposed to the assembly
for its consideration.
• They are either presented in oral and in written
form (resolution).

“I move that the organization will conduct an

income generating project…”
General Main Motions
• They require a majority vote
• They are subject to the application of all other
motions.
• They can only be proposed when there is no
other motion on the floor.

“I move that the organization will conduct an

income generating project…”
Specific Main Motions
• Are motions which, in effect, bring before the
assembly a proposal for its consideration.
• They have been given special names because of
their use.
Subsidiary Motions
• This class of motions is generally designed to either modify or
dispose of 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.
Subsidiary Motions
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
Subsidiary Motions
• The subsidiary motions take majority vote except call to
previous question and modify the limits of the debate which
require a 2/3 vote.
• To amend requires majority but to amend a constitution, by-
laws and standing rules require 2/3 or as mandated by the
organization.
Privileged Motions
• Motions under this class have the characteristics of main
motions and may be proposed when 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.
Privileged Motions
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
• 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.
• Privileged motions are not debatable except when the
assembly has actually taken up the orders of the day or a
question of privilege.
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 or privileged.
Incidental Motions
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
Incidental Motions
• 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.
• All incidental motions have precedence over any motion that is
currently at hand when the motion is made.