Parliamentary Procedure Chart
A simplified chart showing common points and motions listed in order of precedence. For a more detailed explanation, please see the Guide to Parliamentary Procedure.
Shown in Order of Precedence
|
Point or Motion
|
Description
|
Debatable?
|
Interrupt Speaker?
|
Requires Second?
|
Decision
|
|
Point of Order
|
Used to point out misuse of rules/procedure
|
No
|
Yes
|
No
|
Ruling of Chair
|
|
Point of Personal Privilege
|
Used to point out factor hindering personal comfort
|
No
|
Yes
|
No
|
Ruling of Chair
|
|
Point of Inquiry
|
Used to ask question to speaker or to chair about rules or proceedings
|
No
|
No
|
No
|
Ruling of Chair
|
|
Motion to Open Debate
|
Opens the conference/session and the primary speakers list
|
No
|
No
|
Yes
|
Simple Majority
|
|
Motion to Set the Agenda
|
Determines which topics are considered by the body and the order in which they are addressed
|
Yes – 2 Speakers For, 2 Against
|
No
|
Yes
|
Simple Majority
|
|
Motion to Adjourn the Session
|
Adjourns the body and ends the conference
|
No
|
No
|
Yes
|
Simple Majority
|
|
Motion to Suspend the Meeting
|
Temporarily suspends the session
|
No
|
No
|
Yes
|
Simple Majority
|
|
Motion to Enter Unmoderated Caucus
|
Suspends the session for a set amount of time for caucusing
|
No
|
No
|
Yes
|
Simple Majority
|
|
Motion to Enter Moderated Caucus
|
Suspends the rules of procedure for a set amount of time for rapid discussion moderated by chair
|
No
|
No
|
Yes
|
Simple Majority
|
|
Motion to Table the Topic
|
Ends debate on the current topic temporarily and changes the order of topics to be considered
|
Yes – 2 Speakers For, 2 Against
|
No
|
Yes
|
2/3 Majority
|
|
Motion to Close Debate
|
Closes debate on a specific topic and brings all resolutions on the floor to a vote
|
Yes – 2 Speakers For, 2 Against
|
No
|
Yes
|
Simple Majority
|
|
Motion to Divide the Question
|
Made during voting procedure-divides a resolution into separate items to vote on
|
Yes – 2 Speakers For, 2 Against
|
No
|
Yes
|
Simple Majority
|
|
Motion for a Roll Call Vote
|
Made during voting procedure-requires the chair to conduct a roll-call vote
|
No
|
No
|
Yes
|
Only Requires Second
|
|
Motion to Adopt by Consensus
|
Made during voting procedure-requests that the body adopt a resolution by consensus
|
No
|
No
|
Yes
|
No Delegation can Vote “No” (May Abstain)
|
|
Motion to Appeal the Decision of the Chair
|
Appeals a procedural decision of the Chair to the body – use with extreme prudence
|
No
|
No
|
Yes
|
Simple Majority
|
|
Motion to Introduce an Unfriendly Amendment
|
Formally introduces an amendment that has already been approved by the Chair with the proper number of signatories
|
No
|
No
|
Yes
|
Simple Majority
|
|
Motion to Introduce a Working Paper
|
Formally introduces a working paper that has already been approved by the Chair with the proper signatories and sponsors
|
No
|
No
|
Yes
|
Simple Majority
|
|
Motion to Limit Debate
|
Limits the speaking time in general debate to a specified speaking time
|
Yes – 2 Speakers For, 2 Against
|
No
|
Yes
|
Simple Majority
|
|
Motion to Reconsider
|
Brings a previously tabled topic or resolution back to the floor
|
Yes – 2 Speakers For, 2 Against
|
No
|
Yes
|
2/3 Majority
|