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| | Motions are how business is conducted under parliamentary procedure. There is no general right to discussion. If there is no pending motion, then the Chairman can suggest adjournment. Discussion takes place only in the context of a pending motion that has been brought by a member of the body. | | Motions are how business is conducted under parliamentary procedure. There is no general right to discussion. If there is no pending motion, then the Chairman can suggest adjournment. Discussion takes place only in the context of a pending motion that has been brought by a member of the body. |
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| | + | === Motions === |
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| | + | Motions are the essence of a parliamentary meeting, whether it be Congress, a state legislature, or a local Republican club. A motion is brought as follows: |
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| | + | *a member of the meeting rises and addresses the Chairman |
| | + | *the Chairman recognizes the member and allows him to speak |
| | + | *the member says, "I move that ..." The Chairman does not have to recognize a motion lacking that proper beginning |
| | + | *any member, without waiting for recognition, can declare "I second the motion," or simply "second!" |
| | + | *only if there is a "second" to the motion will the Chairman recognize, and restate, the motion |
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| | + | Obviously how the motion is phrased has a big effect on whether it passes. A motion phrased as, "I move that this organization adopt the same national platform adopted by the Republican Party" might a greater chance of success among Republicans than a motion that picks out a controversial provision in that platform. Just as a football team puts much thought into the plays that it will use when it has the ball in a game, much thought ''beforehand'' should be given to the content of motions before they are brought. That planning should include anticipation of possible defensive or countermeasures against the motion. |
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| | + | === Discussion === |
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| | + | Once a motion has been made and seconded, the Chairman asks, "is there any discussion?" There almost always is someone who wants to say something about the motion. But if there is no discussion, as in the case of a non-controversial motion, then the Chairman can call for a vote immediately, asking for a show of hands in favor ("Aye") or opposed ("Nay"). |
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| | + | The fun begins when there is discussion. Members of the body typically speak in the order in which they lined up to the microphone, or raised their hand. The Chairman can, and often should, place a time limit on comments to prevent some from ranting on and on. |
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| | + | There will be no vote on the motion until someone brings a motion to close debate, and that motion is seconded, and a majority of the members vote to close debate and vote on the motion. |
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| | + | What happens between the bringing of a motion and the voting on a motion is the subject of countless parliamentary tricks. Often the winning side is the one that knows its rules of procedure the best. |
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| | + | === Parliamentary Tricks === |
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| | ==References== | | ==References== |