Being familiar with parliamentary procedure is an essential element to succeeding at any Model UN conference. The following is a general list of points and motions used at most conferences along with a brief explanation of each. Some conferences may employ slightly different rules, so always be sure to check the conference handbook for any changes.
Point of Order: This
point may be raised when you feel that a delegate or the Chair is not
abiding by correct parliamentary procedure (as laid out for the
conference). A point of order is allowed to interrupt the speaker.
Point of Personal Privilege: This
point is used to indicate personal discomforts or impediments to
debate. It may be raised during the debate if, for example, you cannot
hear the speaker or feel uncomfortably hot or cold. This point is
allowed to interrupt a speaker, but may not refer to the content of any
speech or working paper.
Point of Inquiry: This point may be raised after a speaker yields to questions. It is used to ask a question of the speaker relating to the
speech just given. It may also be used to ask the chair a questions
regarding parliamentary procedure during a normal session.
Motion to Open Debate: This
is the first motion of the conference and is made to move into formal
debate and open the primary speakers list. If there are multiple topics
on the agenda, the body will first debate on the order they are to be
discussed until there is a motion to set the agenda. All delegates
wishing to be added to the speakers list
should raise their placards at the request of the chair or send a note
to the dais. Speaking time during debate may be limited with a Motion to
Limit Debate (see below).
Motion to Set the Agenda: This motion is made with a
specific topic mentioned to be debated first and the other second. Two
speakers for, two against, and requires a simple majority to pass.
Motion to Adjourn the Session: This motion adjourns the committee
sessions for good. It will only be entertained by the chair at the end
of the last committee session. This motion requires a second, is not
debatable, and needs a simple majority to pass.
Motion to Suspend the Meeting: This motion suspends the body between sessions. This motion requires a second, is not debatable, and needs a simple majority to pass.
Motion to Enter Unmoderated Caucus: This
motion temporarily suspends the meeting for a specified amount of time.
Use it to create resolutions, talk to other delegates, or anything else
you may need to do. It requires a second, is not debatable, and needs a
simple majority to pass.
Motion to Enter Moderated Caucus: This
motion brings the body into a moderated debate on the issue on the
floor for a specified amount of time. The moderating officer will then
recognize speakers for a specified amount of time, who cannot yield to
anyone but the Chair at the end of their speech. This motion requires a
second, is not debatable, and needs a simple majority to pass. This
motion may not be made once debate has been closed.
Motion to Table the Topic: This
motion tables a topic (ending debate on the topic) until it is reopened
with a Motion to Reconsider. This motion requires a second, is
debatable (two speeches in favor and two against), and needs a
two-thirds majority to pass.
Motion to Divide the Question: This
motion may be made to request that the resolution be divided in a
manner specified by the motioner (it can be by every other letter, by
prime numbers, or even by every ten words). These clauses will then be
voted on individually. This motion requires a second, is debatable (2
speeches pro/2 con), and needs a simple majority to pass. If the motion
passes, the body then votes on the operative clauses as they were
divided out. If an operative clause fails to receive a majority vote, it
is left out of the resolution.
Motion for a Roll Call Vote: This
motion requests that the Chair conduct a roll-call vote on the
resolution. This motion only requires a second to be accepted.
Motion to Limit Debate: This motion COLOR: white" lang=EN>Motion to Adopt by Consensus: This motion requests that the body adopt the resolution by consensus, meaning that no delegation would be casting a “no” vote if
the resolution were to be voted upon normally. A delegation may
abstain, but should one delegation object, the motion is out of order.
Motion to Appeal the Decision of the Chair: This
motion appeals a decision of the Chair to the body. This motion
requires the consent of the Chair and may be deemed out of order. If
accepted by the Chair, the Chair and the Delegate shall each be given
one minute to present their argument to the body. This motion needs a
simple majority to pass. If passed, the decision of the Chair is
repealed.
Motion to Introduce an Unfriendly Amendment: This
motion brings an amendment that has already been submitted to the Chair
with the appropriate number of signatories to the floor for general
debate and a vote when debate is closed on the resolution. No second is
required. It is only for unfriendly amendments, for friendly amendments
are just considered automatically part of the resolution.
Motion to Introduce a Working Paper: This
motion brings a working paper that has already been approved by the
Chair with the appropriate number of signatories to the floor for
general debate. It requires a second, is not debatable, and needs a
simple majority to pass.
Motion to Limit Debate: This
motion sets the amount of time a delegate has the floor during normal
debate (excluding moderated caucuses). It may also be used to change the
set speaking time.
Motion to Reconsider: This
motion is used to bring a resolution or topic that has been previously
tabled back to the floor. It requires two speakers in favor and two
against and needs a two-thirds majority to pass.