UNIVERSIDAD DE MANILA
COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES
Department of Political Science
PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURES
MODULE 3
Program Bachelor of Science major in Political Science
Level/ Placement Level II1, 1st Semester
Course Title PSC PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURES
No. of Units 3 units
Pre requisites NONE
Rationale This course studies the principles of parliamentary procedures in order to
effectively participate in any group discussion and decision making whether in
public or private organization.
Focus To acquire knowledge and skills about the principles and procedures of
Parliamentary .
Outcome At the end of the course, the learners are expected to acquire skills and
demonstrate their knowledge about Parliamentary Procedures, processes and
principles. How to make order of Business and to acquire knowledge about
rudiments of debates .
Module Title A. Nature and Classifications of Motions
B. Characteristics of Motions
Module No. 3
Total study Hours 6 hours
Module Writer Prof. Jennelyn M. Huertas
Module & Learning Prof .Jennelyn M. Huertas
Facilitator/ Contact CP. No.09770453963 e mail: [email protected]
Module Introduction This module focuses on Nature and Classification of Motions and
Classifications of Motions .You will spend 3-6 hours on online lecture, You will
be using a variety of resources/ materials to facilitate learning such as online
lectures, handouts, ppt presentation, videos, pdfs.. A reflective journal and
Rubric discussion will be utilized to assess your progress and terminating
learning.
Module Aims This module aims to give students a knowledge ,skills and understanding of the
Nature and Classification of Motion and Characteristics of Motion.
Module Learning By the end of this module you should be able to:
Outcomes Learn the nature and classification of motions.
Learn to identify the different characteristics of motions
Apply the knowledge acquired whenever the situation called
for..
Content Unit 1. Nature and Classification of Motions
Unit 2.Characteristics of Motions
Teaching and Online lecture, Independent study, ppt, pdf
Learning Synchronous and Asynchronous
Activities
Assessment Recitation during synchronous
Methods Seatwork and Activities to answers
References/ Parliamentary Procedures, Antonio Orendain,
Readings Parliamentary Procedures, by Fajardo, R. ,
WWW.Slidesahre>Teacher Rhina
The Standard Code of Parliamentary Procedures by Alice Sturgis
UNIVERSIDAD DE MANILA
COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES
Department of Political Science
Module 3
Nature and Classifications of Motion
Objectives: This Module aims to teach the learners the nature and classifications of motions
and its usage. Learning the nature and different classifications will enable to
apply and perform properly during deliberations.
Expected Outcomes: At the end of the session, the learner is expected to:
1. Know the nature of different motions
2. Learn to classifications of different motions
3. Differentiate Motion from resolution and when to use motion or
resolution
Unit 1 Nature and Classifications of Motion
Motion
A motion is a method for doing business in a deliberative assembly that is mandated by parliamentary
law. A formal request that the assembly adopt a particular viewpoint or take a specific action on a topic
before it.
The phrase "I move that," which is identical to "I propose that," is used to identify a motion.
There are, however, some movements that are in the type of requests or demands but are not
introduced by the phrase when delivered.
Motion and Resolution Distinguished
In most cases, a motion is made orally. If the suggestion is very important, or if the language is
particularly long and complex, it should be made in writing in the form of a resolution.
A resolution is a written major motion defined by the phrase "Resolved, that," which comes before the
proposal's thought or subject.
Motions are classified in several ways.
Motions are divided into basic classes based on their general goals, such as:
1. Main Motion
There are two types of main motions: general and particular main motions.
General Main Motions -Specific Main Motions- are those that, in fact, present a proposition
before the assembly for consideration in the same way that general main motions do, but which
have been given special names due to their long and frequent 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
● Unlike general main motions, which, as a rule, require only a majority vote, certain
specific main motions, require a two-thirds vote for their adoption unless the constitution
or rules of the organization itself provide otherwise.
● Again, unlike general main motions, certain specific main motions are not debatable and
some may be proposed even if someone has the floor.
● Like general main motions, all specific main motions are subject to the application of all
other motions except to take from the table and to reconsider and have entered on the
minutes.
1. 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.
● Subsidiary motions are so called because they are dependent on the main or principal
motion to which they may be applied for purposed of modification or disposition.
The motions falling under this group, arranged in the order of their precedence, are:
1. To lay on the table
2. To call for the previous question
3. To modify the limits of debate
4. To postpone definitely
5. To commit or refer to a committee
6. To amend (other than constitutions, by-laws, and rules already adopted)
7. To postpone indefinitely.
● All subsidiary motions may be amended except the motions to lay on the table, to
postpone indefinitely, and to call for the previous question.
● Subsidiary motions generally require only a majority vote.
2. Privileged Motions
● Motions under this class have the characteristics of main motions and, as a matter of fact,
they are treated as such if they are proposed when no business is pending before the
assembly.
● The privileged motions, arranged in the order of their rank are:
1. To fix the time to which to adjourn
2. To adjourn (if unqualified)
3. To take a recess
4. To raise a question of privilege
5. To call for orders of the day
● As the term “privilege” implies, any of the motions under this class may be presented
even if any other kind of motion or question is pending before the assembly.
● Two of these privileged motions- to rise to a question of privilege and to call for orders of
the day- may even be made while someone has the floor.
3. Incidental Motions
Motions belonging to this group have very few characteristics in common but have been so
classed because all of them arise only incidentally out of the business or proceedings of the
assembly.
There are twelve motions under this class, namely:
1. To suspend the rules
2. To withdraw or modify 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 a division of the assembly
9. To ask for the division of the question
10. To read papers
11. Motions relating to nominations
12. Motions relating to voting
● Incidental motions have no fixed rank but they take precedence over the question from
which they arise, whether such question is main, subsidiary or privileged.
● All incidental motions yield to privileged motions and with the exceptions of an appeal
from the decision of the Chair, they are not debatable.
● Incidental motions cannot be amended except when they relate to the division of a
question or to the method of voting.
Unit 2 Characteristics of Motion
Objectives: This Module aims to teach the learners the characteristics of motion Learning
the characteristics of motion will enable them to apply it and use it correctly.
Expected Outcomes: At the end of the session, the learner is expected to:
1. Know the characteristics of different motions
2. Learn to apply it properly based on the characteristics.
3. Differentiate one motion from the other Motions with the same class and
rank.
Unit 2 Characteristics of Motion
➢ The rules governing each motion are, for the most part, dictated by common sense and
are self-explanatory. These rules can be better understood and therefore, properly applied,
by knowing the basic characteristics of each motion, like the following:
1. Whether a motion can be made while someone has the floor;
2. Whether it requires a second;
3. Whether it is debatable;
4. Whether it can be amended;
5. The vote it requires;
6. The order of its precedence;
7. To what other motions it can apply;
8. What motions may apply to it; and
9. Whether it can be renewed.
Can the Motion Interrupt a Speaker? Generally, all motions can be made only while no
one has the floor because, as a rule, once a speaker is recognized, he is entitled to the floor so
long as he does not violate the rules of speaking. There are, however, there are certain
motions which, because of their urgency, may interrupt a speaker.
The motions which require immediate attention are those which affect the rights and
privileges of a member or the organization itself They are:
1. Questions of Privilege
➢ A question of privilege involves the convenience, comfort, right, or security of the
organization, or any of its members
2. Point of Order
➢ A point of order may interrupt a speaker to bring to the attention of the Chair any matter
involving an error in procedure or non-compliance with, or in violation of, the rules of
the organization.
3. Point of Parliamentary Inquiry
➢ Parliamentary inquiries and requests for information are attended to promptly if they are
pertinent to the pending question or if they affect matters which must be decided even
before the completion of a speech or the disposition of a pending question.
4. Point of Information
➢ The other set motions which can interrupt a speaker, because of the time limit prescribed
for their proposal and disposition, are the motions to:
1. Reconsider a Question
2. Object to the consideration of a question
3. Divide the country
4. Appeal from the decision of the Chair
5. Call for orders of the day
➢ A motion to reconsider must be made on the day the vote was taken on the question
sought to be reconsidered or, in the case of a convention, as its next meeting or business
day.
➢ Discussion of a question may be objected to at any time after its presentation to the
assembly but before any substantial progress has been made in its deliberation or before
any other motion has been applied to it.
➢ Motion to divide the assembly or to appeal from the decision of the Chair should be made
immediately after the result of a vote or decision of the Chair has been announced.
Does the Motion Require a Second?
As a rule , all motions require a second, but there are some which do not because they are
not motion s in the sense that they offer a proposal they are classified as motion for
convenience only.
Motions Constituting a Demand or Request
1. Division of the Assembly
2. Division of a question
3. Point of Order
4. Point of Information
5. Point of Parliamentary Inquiry
6. Reading of Papers
Motions Constituting an Assertion of a Right or Privilege
1. Objection to the consideration of a question
2. Call for order of the day
3. Question of Privilege
4. Withdrawal of a Motion
5. Change of Vote
Is the Motion Debatable?
➢ Motions may be debatable or not. The motions which can be debated upon are those that
consist of substantive propositions requiring consideration by the assembly, while the
undebatable ones are those which are procedural in character and are generally decided
by the Chair.
Debatable motions are subdivided into two classes:
1. Those that are entitled to a Full Debate- Full debate opens the motion or question
to a discussion of all its aspects.
Motions which are fully debatable:
1. Main Motion
2.To amend
3.To postpone indefinitely
4.To appeal
5. To reconsider
6.Te rescind or repeal
2. Those that Allowed only a Limited Discussion- Limited debate confines the
discussion only to certain debatable phases of the question.
➢ Main motions are subject to full debate because they present matters of business which
require thorough examination and deliberation by the assembly.
➢ The effect of a motion to postpone indefinitely, it to suppress or reject the question to
which the motion is applied without the benefit of a vote on the question itself.
➢ The motion to reconsider applies to main motions and amendments, while the motion to
rescind is applicable only to main motion.
Can the Motions Be Amended?
➢ Main motions and motions to amend are fully amendable in the sense that every aspect of
each proposition can be modified to suit individual preferences.
➢ In the following motions, however, amendments are restricted to the variable details of
each proposition as correspondingly indicated:
1. To fix the time to which to adjourn- duration, effectivity, and place of adjournment.
2. To postpone definitely- duration of postponement and kind of order to be created by
the postponement.
3. To modify the limits of debate – time element and manner of limiting or extending
debate.
4. To take a recess- duration and effectivity of recess.
5. To refer to a committee- kind of committee, its composition, and instructions to be
given it.
What Vote is Required?
➢ Subject to the rules of each organization, all motions generally require a majority vote for
their adaptation.
➢ The following motions, as a rule, require a two-thirds vote
1. To call for the previous question
➢ : To modify the limits of debate
2. To suspend the rules
3. To object to the consideration of a question
4. To amend adopted constitution, by-laws, rules of order, and standing rules.
➢ The motions for the previous question and to limit debate are both intended to restrict the
right of debate
➢ . A two-thirds vote is needed to suspend the rules because it involves a deviation from the
rules of the organization.
➢ A two-thirds vote is required to create a special order because it can interrupt any other
business before the assembly when its designated hour arrives except when the pending
business is another special order.
What Motions Can Apply to the Pending Motion?The following rules generally determine
what motions can be applied to a motion pending before the assembly:
1. All motions can be applied to main motions and amendments except to object to the
consideration of a question which cannot be applied to amendments and to committee
reports.
2. All motions capable of modification can be amended.
3. All debatable motions are subject to the motions for the previous question and to
modify the limits of debate.
4. Only main motions and amendments can be referred to a committee.
5. Only main motions can be postponed.
6. The motion to object to the consideration of a question can be applied only to main
motion.
7. Every decision of the Chair can be appealed from.
8. Every motion can be withdrawn.
To What Motions Can it Apply? The following is a summary of the respective functions of the
different classes of motions and their applicability to other motions:
1. Main motions propose subjects for the consideration of the assembly. They cannot be
applied to other motions.
2. Specific main motions are essentially main motions but are identified by specific
names and governed by special rules.
3. Subsidiary motions modify or dispose of main motions. They do not apply to
privileged and incidental motions except to appeals in certain cases.
4. Privileged motions involve questions related to the prerogatives of the organization
and its members.
5. Incidental motions generally pertain to the conduct of business.
Can the Motion Be Renewed? Once a motion is declared lost, it cannot be renewed at the same
meeting unless there has been a substantial change in parliamentary situation, that is, the
occurrence of any change in the business that would create a new situation thereby giving
probable cause for the assembly to adopt a different stand on the question sought to be renewed.
Some motions cannot be renewed at all the same meeting because, once defeated, the possibility
of the assembly changing its mind on the question would be remote even after a change in
parliamentary situation.
Activity: RUBRIC . Answers the following with Yes or No.
RANK Does Can it Is it Is it Is it Can How
it interru amen debat rene its man
Need pt the ded? able? wabl vote y
a speake e? be vote
Seco r? Recon is
nd? sidere requ
d? ired
?
Privilege Motions Yes No Yes No Yes Yes Maj
1. To fix the time to which ority
to adjourn
2. To adjourn (if Yes No No No Yes No Maj
unqualified) ority
3. To take a recess Yes No Yes No Yes No Maj
ority
4. To raise a question of No Yes No No Yes No No
privilege Vote
5. To call for orders of the No Yes No No No N/A n/a
day
1.
Subsidiary Motions Yes No No No No Affir 2/3
1. To lay on the table mativ
e
votes
only
2. To call for the previous Yes No No No No Affir 2/3
question mativ
e
votes
only
3. To modify the limits of Yes No Yes No Yes No 2/3
debate
4. To postpone definitely Yes No Yes Yes Yes Yes Maj
ority
5. To commit or refer to a Yes No Yes Yes Yes Yes Maj
committee ority
6. To amend (other than Yes No Yes Yes No Yes Maj
constitutions, by-laws, ority
and rules already
adopted)
7. To postpone indefinitely Yes No Yes Yes Yes Yes 2/3
Main Motions
General Main motion
Specific Main motions Yes No No No No No Maj
1. To take from the ority
table
2. To reconsider Yes No No Yes No No 2/3
3. To ratify Yes No Yes Yes No Maj
ority
4. and have entered Yes No No No No No Maj
on the minutes ority
5. To rescind Yes No Yes Yes No No Maj
ority
6. To expunge Yes No Yes Yes No No Maj
ority
or
2/3
7. To adopt a report No No No No No No Maj
ority
8. To amend Yes No No Yes No No Maj
(questions ority
already adopted)
Yes No No No No No Maj
9. To adjourn (if ority
qualified)
10. To create special No No No No No No Maj
orders ority
Incidental Motions Yes No No No Yes No 2/3
1. To suspend the rules
2. To withdraw or modify No No No No No Negati Maj
a motion ve ority
Vote
Only
3. To object to the No Yes No No Yes No 2/3
consideration of a
question
4. To raise a point of order No Yes No No No No n/a
5. To raise a parliamentary No Yes No No No Negati n/a
inquiry ve
Vote
Only
6. To raise a point of No No No No No n/a n/a
information
7. To appeal from the Yes No No Yes No Yes Maj
decision of the Chair ority
8. To call for a division of No No No No No No Maj
the assembly ority
9. To ask for the division Yes No No No No No Maj
of the question ority
10. To read papers No No No No No No Maj
ority
Cons
ent
11. Motions relating to Yes No No No No No Maj
nominations ority
12. Motions relating to Yes No No No No No Maj
voting ority
Cons
ent
