← back to chapter

Referencing the content of Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised with contrasts noted in the minority report

Meeting Mechanics · Chapter 2

Main motions, seconds, and debate

Do - moving business

Why this chapter matters

The core move every learner needs: make a motion, get it before the assembly, debate it, and vote it.

Chapter outline

  1. How a main motion reaches a vote
  2. What a member should do before debating

Vocabulary (6)

main motion
A motion that brings new business before the assembly.
second
An indication that another member wants the motion considered.
debate
Member discussion on the merits of a pending motion.
maker of the motion
The member who introduces the motion.
pending question
The motion currently before the assembly for action.
vote
The assembly's formal decision on the pending question.

Sequence practice (2 puzzles on Parliamentor)

How a main motion reaches a vote

Practice the flow until you can explain it without the screen.

  1. A member obtains recognition
  2. The member makes the motion
  3. Another member seconds when required
  4. The chair states the motion
  5. Members debate
  6. The chair puts the question
  7. The chair announces the result
What a member should do before debating

Practice the flow until you can explain it without the screen.

  1. Wait for recognition
  2. Address the chair
  3. Speak to the motion
  4. Yield when done

Quick fire sample (6 of 6 on Parliamentor)

Which term best matches this definition: A motion that brings new business before the assembly.
  1. main motion
  2. second
  3. debate
  4. maker of the motion
Which term best matches this definition: An indication that another member wants the motion considered.
  1. main motion
  2. debate
  3. maker of the motion
  4. second
Which term best matches this definition: Member discussion on the merits of a pending motion.
  1. second
  2. maker of the motion
  3. debate
  4. main motion
Which term best matches this definition: The member who introduces the motion.
  1. debate
  2. maker of the motion
  3. main motion
  4. second
Which term best matches this definition: The motion currently before the assembly for action.
  1. pending question
  2. main motion
  3. second
  4. debate
Which term best matches this definition: The assembly's formal decision on the pending question.
  1. main motion
  2. second
  3. debate
  4. vote

Some topics in this course differ across field references. See when sources disagree on Parliamentor before you teach from this sheet alone.

Full scored drills are on Parliamentor at /courses/meeting-mechanics/chapters/02/print/. Answers are not marked on this sheet.