Rules Related to Motions

Objective: Present an idea for consideration or action

Appropriate motions: Main motion or Resolution; Consider subject informally

Objective: Improve a pending motion

Appropriate motions: Amend; Division of the question

Objective: Regulate or cut-off debate

Appropriate motions: Limit or extend debate; Previous question (vote immediately)

Objective: Delay a decision

Appropriate motions: Refer to committee; Postpone definitely; Postpone indefinitely (kills motion)

Objective: Suppress a proposal

Appropriate motions: Object to consideration; Postpone indefinitely; Withdraw a motion

Objective: Meet an emergency

Appropriate motions: Question of privilege; Suspend rules; Lay on the table

Objective: Gain information on a pending motion

Appropriate motions: Parliamentary inquiry; Request for information; Question of privilege; Request to ask member a question

Objective: Question the decision of the chair

Appropriate motions: Point of order; Appeal from decision of chair

Objective: Enforce rights and privileges

Appropriate motions: Division of assembly; Division of question; Parliamentary inquiry; Point of order; Appeal from decision of chair

Objective: Consider a question again

Appropriate motions: Resume consideration; Reconsider; Rescind

Objective: Change an action already taken

Appropriate motions: Reconsider; Rescind; Amend motion previously adopted

Objective: Terminate a meeting

Appropriate motions: Adjourn; Recess

Find out more about the Table of Rules related to motions

These actions were based on a table in Alice Sturgis’s The Standard Code of Parliamentary Procedure (3rd edition), but modified for motions in Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised.