ROBERT'S
RULES OF ORDER
Rules to Remember
An orderly conduct of debate and decision making is governed by rules. They are intended to ensure peaceful deliberation in which members of an assembly who so desire have the opportunity to speak and express their point of view. The most commonly used rules for MUNA are listed in the following grid and explained in some detail later in this section.
MUNA Roles of Procedure at a glance
| Motion | Purpose | Debate | Vote |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reconsider | To reconsider an approved motion | None | Majority |
| Rescind | To rescind an approved motion | Yes | 2/3 |
| Lay on the Table | To postpone decision of motions | No | Majority |
| Adjourn | To adjourn the meeting | No | Majority |
| Previous Question | To cut off debate and vote | No | 2/3 |
| Appeal the Chair | Appeal against Chair's decision | yes | Majority |
| Point of Order | Correct an error in procedure | None | None |
| Point of Information | Seek information of a matter under discussion | None | None |
| Suspend Rules | Set aside agenda and discuss another issue | None | 2/3 |
| Suspension of Meeting | Suspension of Recess meeting | None | Majority |
This is an adaptation of the Short Form on the website of the National Model United Nations www.nmun.org
1. MAIN MOTIONS
It is not always possible to do this but, generally speaking, main motions should be prepared in writing with one copy for the secretary and another for the chair person. There are three steps in the introduction of a motion.
a. Motion moved
b. Motion seconded
c. Motion stated by the Chair - alterations and modifications may be made in the motion before it is stated in final form by the Chair unless a written version has already been distributed to the assembly.
A main motion may be withdrawn, unless someone objects, by its mover at any time before voting on it has commenced. To do so, a motion for the withdrawal of the motion must be made. Such a motion requires no second. It is non-debatable, cannot be amended, and requires a majority
Parliamentary courtesy requires that a person who introduces a main motion should be allowed to speak first and last in the debate. This includes persons introducing resolutions while giving committee reports.
Main motions may be re-visited under the following conditions.
a. Reconsider a motion. A main motion can be reconsidered. This can be done only at the same meeting (or the following meeting if it meets the next day) where the motion was first considered. The motion to reconsider must be moved by someone who voted on the prevailing side on the main motion. A motion to reconsider the main motion must be seconded, cannot be amended, and requires a simple majority
b. Renew a motion. A main motion that fails to pass may be brought up again at any future meeting.
c. Rescind or Repeal a motion. A main motion that has been passed may be rescinded at any future meeting. The motion to rescind must be seconded, is debatable, and requires a 2/3 majority if notice of the motion to rescind was not given at the preceding meeting or in the call for the meeting.
2. AMENDMENTS
An amendment may directly conflict with the spirit or intent of the original main motion, but it must have a direct bearing upon the subject of the main motion.
A proposed amendment can also be amended, but an amendment to an amendment cannot be amended.
Types of amendments:
a. Adding words
b. Striking out words
c. Striking out certain words and inserting other words
d. Substituting a different motion on the same subject
e. Dividing the motion into two or more motions, and voting on each separately
3. POSTPONING DECISIONS ON MOTIONS
There are three ways of putting off voting on a motion.
a. Lay on the table. The motion to lay on the table must be seconded, is non-debatable, cannot be amended, and requires a majority vote. A tabled motion must be un-tabled during the same meeting, or at the next meeting, or it dies. It can be brought up again at a later meeting as a renewed motion. The motion to take from the table must be seconded, is non-debatable, and requires a majority vote. Tabling an amendment has the effect of also tabling the main motion.
b. Postpone to a certain time. This motion to lay on the table can be amended in terms of the time. The amendment must be seconded, is limited to short debate, and requires majority vote.
c. To refer to committee. Such a motion must be seconded, is debatable, can be amended, and requires a majority vote.
4. MOTION TO ADJOURN
This motion is in order at any time. It must be seconded, is non-debatable, cannot be amended, and requires a majority vote.
5. MOVING THE PREVIOUS QUESTION
This motion cuts off debate. It must be seconded, is non-debatable, cannot be amended, and requires a 2/3 vote to pass.
If an amendment to a main motion is being debated, and the previous question is moved, the call for the previous question can be to either (a) end debate on the amendment only, or (b) to end debate on both the amendment and the main motion. The person moving the previous question should clarify her/his intent.
6. VOTING
Normal voting procedure is by voice, by show of hands, or by roll call. Voting by secret ballot on a motion requires the approval of the assembly.
7. DIVISION OF THE HOUSE
A division of the house, or a roll call vote, may be called for by anyone if he/she doubts the judgment of the chair in counting voice votes or show of hands.
8. APPEAL A DECISION OF THE CHAIR
Any member of an assembly may appeal a decision of the Chair, but the appeal must be made only at the time when the ruling is made. The appeal must be seconded, is debatable, and requires a majority vote. A successful appeal overrules the Chair.
9. OBTAINING THE FLOOR
No one may speak without being recognized by the Chair. Those wishing to speak must make a written request to the Chair. Speakers must always address the Chair.
10. POINT OF ORDER
A Point of Order has precedence over any other business. If one believes that something is out of order, or that a speaker is speaking improperly, or straying from the topic at hand, one may raise a Point of Order. This may be done at any time and may interrupt the person who has the floor.
11. POINT OF INFORMATION
If one is unclear about the business being conducted, one may raise a Point of Information. In so doing, one seeks and not gives information. This may be done at any time but, unlike a Point of Order, a speaker may not be interrupted.
12. QUORUM
A meeting may start without a quorum, but no official business may be conducted. If the quorum is lost during the course of a meeting, no further business may be conducted.
13. A motion to suspend the rules is intended to set aside the current business of the assembly so as to enable it to discuss a new or important issue not on the agenda. The object of the suspension must be specified, and nothing can be done under the suspension. Such a motion must be seconded, it is non debatable, cannot be amended, and requires a 2/3 majority for approval.
14. Suspension of the meeting is a motion that seeks to recess the meeting for a specified period of time. Such a motion needs a second, is non debatable and requires a simple majority for approval.