Table of Rules Relating to Robert's 86 Parliamentary Motions

. . . Plus 2 . . .

from Robert's Rules of Order, Newly Revised, 10th Ed. [RONR]
Formatted for PDA by Willliam J. Puette, Ph.D.

  Adjourn
  Agenda: Adopt, Amend
  Agenda: change or depart from
  Amend pending motion
  Amend adopted motion
  Amend amendment
  Appeal, debateable
  Appeal, undebateable
  Ballot
  Blank, create
  Blank, fill
  Bylaws: Adopt, amend
  Call of the House
  Commit/Refer
  Consider Informally
  Consider by Paragraph
  Continue Speak, after indecorum
  Correct Minutes
  Counted Vote, order
  Debate, to end/close
  Debate, to limit or extend
  Discharge Committee
  Division of Assembly
  Division of Question
  Excuse from a Duty
  Executive Session
  Fix time to adjourn to
  Fix time effective
  Information, Point of
  Lay on table
  Main Motion
  Minutes, approve
  Minutes, correct
  Minutes, dispense
  Minutes, expunge
  Nominate
  Nominations, close/reopen
  Object to consideration
  Orders of the Day, Call for
  Order, Point of
  Parliamentary inquiry
  Postpone indefinitely
  Postpone definitely
  Postpone & make special order
  Postpone event
  Previous Question
  Proviso
  Question of Privilege rising to
  Questions of Privilege, motions
  Quorum, to obtain
  Ratify
  Read a Paper
  Recess
  Reconsider: move to, call up
  Reconsider: -in committee
  Report, adopt or accept
  Rescind
  Special Order
  Special Rule: adopt, amend, suspend
  Standing Rule: adopt, amend, suspend
  Suspend Rules of Order
  Table
  Take from Table
  Take up motion out of order
  Voting
  Withdraw
1. Main Motion or Question (§10)
Privileged Motion (RONR, 32, 99-103)
FORM: "I move that ..."
"I move the adoption of the following resolution: 'Resolved, That...'"
  • Not in order when another has the floor
  • Must be seconded.
  • Debatable
  • Amendable
  • Majority vote required to adopt except as explained on RONR, 98-99
  • Can be reconsidered
2. Adjourn, ordinary case in societies (§21)
Privileged Motion (RONR, 118-19, 490-491)
FORM: "I move to adjourn."
  • Not in order when another has the floor
  • Must be seconded.
  • Not Debatable
  • Not Amendable
  • Majority vote required to adopt
  • Cannot be reconsidered
3. Adjourn at or to a future time, or in advance of a time already set, or when the assembly will thereby be dissolved (§8, §10, §21)
Main Motion (RONR, 81, 225-234)
FORM: "I move to adjourn at 4 P.M."
"I move that the meeting adjourn to meet at 8 P.M. Tuesday."
"I move to adjourn."
"I move to adjourn sine die."
  • Not in order when another has the floor
  • Must be seconded.
  • Debatable
  • Amendable
  • Majority vote required to adopt
  • Cannot be reconsidered
4. Adopt, accept, or agree to a report (§10, §51)
Incidental Main/Main Motion (RONR, 118-19, 490-491)
FORM: "I move that the report be adopted."
  • Not in order when another has the floor
  • Must be seconded.
  • Debatable
  • Amendable
  • Majority vote required to adopt
  • Can be reconsidered
In rare instances after an assembly has received a report, it may have occasion to adopt the (entire) report; an affirmative vote on such a motion has the effect of the assembly's endorsing every word of the report - including the indicated facts and the reasoning-as its own statement (see also pp. 118-19). Unlike motions to take the action recommended in a report as described above, a motion "to adopt the report" should be made by someone other than the reporting member and requires a second. Adoption of an entire report is seldom wise except when it is to be issued or published in the name of the whole organization. [RONR, 490]
5. Adopt bylaws or constitution, initially in forming a society (§10, §54, §56)
Main Motion (RONR, 552-553, 575)
FORM: "On behalf of the committee appointed to draw up bylaws, I move the adoption of the bylaws submitted by the committee."
  • Not in order when another has the floor
  • Must be seconded though In practice, motion is usually made by the reporting member of a committee, in which case it does not require a second.
  • Debatable
  • Amendable
  • Majoroty vote required to adopt
  • Only negative vote can be reconsidered
6. A Adopt revised bylaws or constitution (§35, §54, §57)
Main/Bring Back Motion (RONR, 552-553, 575)
FORM: "On behalf of the committee on revision of the bylaws, I move that, as a substitute for the present bylaws, the bylaws submitted by the committee be adopted with the following provisos:.."
  • Not in order when another has the floor
  • Must be seconded though In practice, motion is usually made by the reporting member of a committee, in which case it does not require a second.
  • Debatable
  • Amendable
  • Vote required to adopt as provided in existing bylaws. (In absence of such provision, (a) Previous notice and two-thirds; or (b) majority of entire membership)
  • Only negative vote can be reconsidered
7. Adopt special rules of order (§2, §10)
Main Motion (RONR, 15-17, 378)
FORM: "In accordance with notice given at the last meeting, I move that the following resolution be adopted as a special rule of order: 'Resolved, That...'"
  • Not in order when another has the floor
  • Must be seconded
  • Debatable
  • Amendable
  • (a) Previous notice and two-thirds vote required to adopt; or (b) majority of entire membership
  • Only negative vote can be reconsidered
8. Adopt ordinary standing rules (§2, §10)
Main Motion (RONR, 18)
FORM: "I move that the following resolution be adopted as a standing rule: 'Resolved, That..'."
  • Not in order when another has the floor
  • Must be seconded
  • Debatable
  • Amendable
  • Majority vote required to adopt
  • Can be reconsidered
9. Adopt parliamentary standing rules in a convention (§10, §59)
Main Motion (RONR, 599-601)
FORM: "By direction of the Committee on Standing Rules, I move the adoption of the Standing Rules of the Convention as just read."
  • Not in order when another has the floor
  • Must be seconded though In practice, motion is usually made by the reporting member of a committee, in which case it does not require a second.
  • Debatable
  • Amendable
  • Two-thirds vote required to adopt
  • Only negative vote can be reconsidered
10. Adopt agenda or program (§10, §41, §59)
Main Motion (RONR, 360-363, 610-612)
FORM: "By direction of the Program Committee, I move the adoption of the Convention Program as printed."
  • Not in order when another has the floor
  • Must be seconded though In practice, motion is usually made by the reporting member of a committee, in which case it does not require a second.
  • Debatable
  • Amendable
  • Majority vote required to adopt
  • Only negative vote can be reconsidered
11. Amend a pending motion (§12)
Subsidiary Motion (RONR, 125-160)
FORM: "I move to amend by adding..."
"I move to amend by inserting the word...before the word..."
"I move to amend by striking out the second paragraph."
"I move to amend by striking out 'concrete' and inserting 'blacktop.'"
I move to substitute for the pending resolution the following resolution: "Resolved, That..."
  • Not in order when another has the floor
  • Must be seconded
  • Debatable, If motion to be amended is debatable
  • Amendable
  • Majority vote required to adopt
  • Can be reconsidered
12. Amend an amendment of a pending motion (§12)
Subsidiary Motion (RONR, 126, 128, 130, 507)
FORM: "I move to insert in the pending amendment the word...before the word..."
"I move to amend the pending amendment by..."
  • Not in order when another has the floor
  • Must be seconded
  • Debatable, If motion to be amended is debatable
  • Not Amendable
  • Majority vote required to adopt
  • Can be reconsidered
13. Amend Something Previously Adopted, general case, including ordinary standing rules (§35)
Incidental Main Motion (RONR, )
FORM: "I move to amend the resolution relating to..., adopted at the September meeting, by ..."
  • Not in order when another has the floor
  • Must be seconded
  • Debatable
  • Amendable
  • (a) Majority with notice required to adopt; or (b) two-thirds; or (c) majority of entire membership
  • Only a negative vote can be reconsidered
14. Amend parliamentary standing rules in a convention, when they are not pending (§35, §59)
Main/Bring Back Motion (RONR, 601)
FORM: "I move to amend Standing Rule No. 6 by..."
  • Not in order when another has the floor
  • Must be seconded
  • Debatable
  • Amendable
  • Two-thirds vote required to adopt; or majority of all having convention voting rights who have been registered
  • Only a negative vote can be reconsidered
15. Amend adopted agenda or program with reference to items not yet reached (§35, §41, §59)
Main/Bring Back Motion (RONR, 351-353, 360)
FORM: "I move to amend the agenda [or "program"] by..."
  • Not in order when another has the floor
  • Must be seconded unless motion is made by the reporting member of a committee, in which case it does not require a second.
  • Debatable
  • Amendable
  • Two-thirds required to adopt; or majority of all having convention voting rights who have been registered, though often by unanimous consent after Program Committee’s recommendation
  • Only a negative vote can be reconsidered
16. Amend bylaws or constitution, when not pending (§35, §57)
Main/Bring Back Motion (RONR, 573-580)
FORM: "In accordance with notice given, I move adoption of the following amendment to the bylaws..."
17. Amend special rules of order, when not pending (§2, §35)
Main/Bring Back Motion (RONR, 17, 293-299)
FORM: "In accordance with notice given, I move to amend Special Rule of Order No. 3 by..."
  • Not in order when another has the floor
  • Must be seconded
  • Debatable
  • Amendable
  • (a) Previous notice and two-thirds vote required to adopt; or (b) majority of entire membership.
  • Only a negative vote can be reconsidered
18. Appeal, general case (§24)
Incidental Motion (RONR, 247-252)
FORM: "I appeal from the decision of the chair."
  • In order when another has the floor, at time of appealed ruling
  • Must be seconded
  • Debatable*, unless it (a) relates to indecorum or a transgression of the rules of speaking; (b) relates to the priority of business; or (c) is made while the immediately pending question is undebatable
  • Not amendable
  • Majority in negative required to reverse chair's decision
  • Can be reconsidered
*When an appeal is debatable, no member is allowed to speak more than once except the presiding officer - who need not leave the chair while so speaking, but should stand. The first time the chair speaks in debate on the appeal, he is entitled to preference over other members seeking recognition. He can answer arguments against the decision or give additional reasons by speaking a second time at the close of the debate. He may announce his intention to speak in rebuttal and ask if there are others who wish to speak first. Even when the appeal is not debatable, the chair can, when stating the question on it, give the reasons for his decision without leaving the chair. [RONR, 249-50]
19. Appeal, relating to indecorum or transgression of rules of speaking, or to the priority of business, or if made while an undebatable question is pending (§24)
Incidental Motion (RONR, 247-252)
FORM: "I appeal from the decision of the chair."
  • In order when another has the floor, at time of appealed ruling
  • Must be seconded
  • Not debatable
  • Not amendable
  • Majority in negative required to reverse chair’s decision
  • Can be reconsidered
20. Ballot, to order the vote on pending question to be taken by (§30, §45)
Incidental Motion (RONR, 155-160)
FORM: "I move that the vote on the pending question be taken by ballot."
  • Not in order when another has the floor
  • Must be seconded
  • Not debatable
  • amendable
  • Majority required to adopt
  • Can be reconsidered
21. Blanks, to create by striking out (§12)
Incidental Motion (RONR, 155-160)
FORM: "I move to create a blank by striking out $10,000."
  • Not in order when another has the floor
  • Must be seconded
  • Not debatable
  • Not amendable
  • Majority required to adopt
  • Cannot be reconsidered
22. Blanks, proposals for filling (§12)
--- (RONR, 155-160)
FORM: "I suggest $20,000."
  • Can be called out when chair asks for them
  • Need no second
  • Debatable
  • Not amendable
  • After close of suggestions, the first suggestion to get a majority fills the blank
  • Can be reconsidered
23. Change or depart from adopted convention agenda or program, immediately to take up a matter out of its proper order (§25, §35)
Incidental Motion (RONR, 351-353, 361-362, 610-612)
FORM: "I move to suspend the rules and take up..."
  • Not in order when another has the floor
  • Must be seconded
  • Not debatable
  • Not amendable
  • Two-thirds; or majority of all having convention voting rights who have been registered
  • Cannot be reconsidered
24. Commit, Refer, or Recommit a pending question (§13)
Subidiary Motion (RONR, 160-171)
FORM: "I move to refer the motion to the Program Committee."
"I move that the motion be referred to a committee of three to be appointed by the chair." [For additional variations see RONR, 170]"
  • Not in order when another has the floor
  • Must be seconded
  • Debatable
  • Amendable
  • Majorty vote to adopt
  • Can be reconsidered if committee has not begun consideration of the question
25. Committee, to refer a matter that is not pending to (§10, §13)
Main or Incidental Main Motion* (RONR, 160-161)
FORM: "I move that a committee [stating number and manner of selection] be appointed to conduct a survey relating to..."
  • Not in order when another has the floor
  • Must be seconded
  • Debatable
  • Amendable
  • Majorty vote to adopt
  • Can be reconsidered If committee has not begun work on the matter
*It is an incidental main motion if the assignment or referral is pursuant to a subject on which the assembly has already taken some action; but it is an original main motion if the matter to be assigned or referred relates to a new subject. [RONR 161]
26. Consider Informally (§13, §52)
Subsidiary Motion (RONR, 160-163, 523-524)
FORM: "I move that the question be considered informally."
  • Not in order when another has the floor
  • Must be seconded
  • Debatable
  • Not Amendable
  • Majorty vote to adopt
  • Only negative vote can be reconsidered
27. Consider by Paragraph or Seriatim (§28)
Incidental Motion (RONR, 148-149, 266-270)
FORM: "I move that the resolution be considered by paragraph."
  • Not in order when another has the floor
  • Must be seconded
  • Not Debatable
  • Amendable
  • Majorty vote to adopt
  • Cannot be reconsidered
28. Continue speaking after indecorum, to grant permission to (§23, §61)
Incidental Motion (RONR, 244-245, 626-627)
FORM: [Chair usually puts question without a motion. When done by a motion:]
"I move that the member be permitted [or "allowed"] to continue speaking."
  • Not in order when another has the floor
  • Must be seconded, if in form of a motion
  • Not Debatable
  • Not Amendable
  • Majorty vote to adopt
  • Can be reconsidered
29. Debate and amendment, to obtain immediate closing of

(See Previous Question No. 65)

30. Debate, to Limit or Extend Limits of, on a pending question (§15)
Subsidiary Motion (RONR, 183-189)
FORM: "I move that debate be limited to one speech of three minutes for each member."
[For variations in particular cases see p. 188.]
  • Not in order when another has the floor
  • Must be seconded
  • Not Debatable
  • Amendable
  • Two-thirds vote to adopt
  • Can be reconsidered, but if vote was affirmative, only unexecuted part of order
31. Debate, to Limit or Extend Limits of, for the duration of a meeting (§10, §15)
Incidental Main Motion (RONR, 96-97)
FORM: "I move that during this meeting debate be limited to five minutes for each member."
  • Not in order when another has the floor
  • Must be seconded
  • Debatable
  • Amendable
  • Two-thirds vote to adopt
  • Can be reconsidered
32. Discharge a Committee (§36)
Main/Bring Back Motion (RONR, 75, 299-304)
FORM: [For a standing committee:] "I move that the Finance Committee be discharged from further consideration of the resolution relating to..."
[For a special committee:] "I move that the committee to which was referred...be discharged."
  • Not in order when another has the floor
  • Must be seconded
  • Debatable, and debate can go into question in hands of the committee
  • Amendable
  • (a) Majority vote with notice to adopt; or (b) two-thirds; or (c) majority of entire membership
  • Only negative vote can be reconsidered
33. Discharge a Committee, when it has failed to report at prescribed time, or while assembly is considering partial report of committee (§36)
Main/Bring Back Motion (RONR, 75, 299-304)
FORM: [For a standing committee:] "I move that the Finance Committee be discharged from further consideration of the resolution relating to..."
[For a special committee:] "I move that the committee to which was referred...be discharged."
  • Not in order when another has the floor
  • Must be seconded
  • Debatable, and debate can go into question in hands of the committee
  • Amendable
  • Majority vote to adopt
  • Only negative vote can be reconsidered
34. Division of the Assembly (call for verification of a voting result by an uncounted rising vote) (§29)
Incidental Motion (RONR, 270-273)
FORM: "Division!"
"I call for a division."
  • In order when another has the floor
  • Need not be seconded
  • Not Debatable
  • Not Amendable
  • Demand of single member compels Division
  • Cannot be reconsidered
35. Count of vote on Division, to order, if chair does not do so (§4, §29, §30, §45)
Incidental Motion (RONR, 50, 271-272, 396-398, 453-454)
FORM: "I move that the vote be counted."
"I move for [or "demand"] tellers."
"I move that the vote on this motion be by counted division."
  • In order when another has the floor
  • Must be seconded
  • Not Debatable
  • Amendable
  • Majority vote to adopt
  • Cannot be reconsidered
36. Division of a Question (§27)
Incidental Motion (RONR, 261-266)
FORM: "I move to divide the resolution so as to consider separately..."
  • Not in order when another has the floor
  • Must be seconded
  • Not Debatable
  • Amendable
  • Majority vote to adopt
  • Cannot be reconsidered
37. Call for a separate vote on a resolution which is one of a series on different subjects offered by a single motion (§10, §27)
Incidental Motion (RONR, 105-106, 265, 327)
FORM: "I call for a separate vote on the third resolution."
  • In order when another has the floor
  • Need not be seconded
  • Not Debatable
  • Not Amendable
  • Demand of single member compels specified separate vote
  • Cannot be reconsidered
38. Duty, to be excused from (§32)
Incidental Motion (RONR, 277-280)
FORM: "I move [or "ask"] that I be excused from..."
"I move that the resignation be accepted."
  • In order when another has the floor
  • Must be seconded if motion is made by member to be excused; no, if made by another member
  • Debatable
  • Amendable
  • Majority vote to adopt
  • Only negative vote can be reconsidered
39. Effect, fix time for taking (§10, §12, §57)
Main/Subsidiary/Incidental Motion (RONR, 578-579). See also proviso No. 66
FORM: "I move that the amendment to the...take effect as of.."
  • Not in order when another has the floor
  • Must be seconded
  • Debatable
  • Amendable
  • Majority vote to adopt
  • Can be reconsidered
40. Extend time for consideration of pending question, or time until scheduled adjournment or recess (§18)
Incidental Motion (RONR, 215)
FORM: "I move that the time for consideration of the pending resolution be extended for twenty minutes."
"I move to suspend the rules which interfere with continuing the consideration of the motion."
"I move that the time until the recess be extended ten minutes."
  • In order when another has the floor when orders of the day are announced or called for
  • Must be seconded
  • Not Debatable
  • Not Amendable
  • Two-thirds vote to adopt
  • Cannot be reconsidered
41. Fix the Time to Which to Adjourn, if moved while a question is pending (§22)
Privileged Motion (RONR, 234-239)
FORM: "I move that when this [or, "the"] meeting adjourns, it adjourn to meet next Tuesday at 8 P.M"
  • Not in order when another has the floor
  • Must be seconded
  • Not Debatable
  • Amendable
  • Majority vote to adopt
  • Can be reconsidered
42. Fix the Time to Which to Adjourn, if moved while no question is pending (§10, §22)
Incidental Main Motion (RONR, 234-239)
FORM: [Same form as No. 41)
  • Not in order when another has the floor
  • Must be seconded
  • Debatable
  • Amendable
  • Majority vote to adopt
  • Can be reconsidered
  • Cannot object to it's consideration (RONR 97)
43. Information, Point of (§33)
Incidental Motion (RONR, 282-283)
FORM: "I rise to a point of information."
"Point of information!"
"Will the member yield for a question?"
  • In order when another has the floor
  • Need not be seconded
  • Not Debatable
  • Not Amendable
  • Is not voted on
  • Cannot be reconsidered
44. Lay on the Table (§17)
Subsidiary Motion (RONR, 201-210)
FORM: "I move that the motion be laid on the table."
  • Not in order when another has the floor
  • Must be seconded
  • Not Debatable
  • Not Amendable
  • Majority vote to adopt
  • Only negative vote can be reconsidered
45. Minutes, to approve (when done by a motion) (§10, §48)
Main Motion (RONR, 343-344, 456-458)
FORM: [Normally done by unanimous consent. When done by a motion:]
"I move that the minutes be approved as read" [or "as corrected"].
  • Not in order when another has the floor
  • Must be seconded
  • Debatable
  • Amendable
  • Majority vote to adopt
  • Can be reconsidered
46. Minutes, to correct before adoption (when done by a motion) (§12, §48)
Subsidiary Motion (RONR, 343, 456)
FORM: [Usually suggested informally and done by unanimous consent except in cases of disagreement. When done by a motion:]
"I move to amend the minutes by..."
  • Not in order when another has the floor
  • Must be seconded
  • Debatable
  • Amendable
  • Majority vote to adopt
  • Can be reconsidered
47. Minutes, to correct after approval
(RONR, 293-297)
(See Amend Something Previously Adopted , No. 13.)

48. Minutes, to dispense with reading of (§48)
Incidental Motion (RONR, 456-457)
FORM: "I move that the reading of the minutes be dispensed with."
  • Not in order when another has the floor
  • Must be seconded
  • Not Debatable
  • Not Amendable
  • Majority vote to adopt
  • Cannot be reconsidered
49. Nominations, to make (§46)
(RONR, 416-424)
FORM: "I nominate George Beall."
  • Not in order when another has the floor
  • Need not be seconded
  • Debatable
  • Not Amendable
  • Majority for election unless bylaws provide otherwise
  • Election cannot be reconsidered after person elected learns of it, and has not declined
50. Nominations, to close (§31)
Incidental Motion (RONR, 275-277)
FORM: "I move that nominations be closed."
  • Not in order when another has the floor
  • Must be seconded
  • Not Debatable
  • Amendable
  • Two-thirds vote to adopt
  • Cannot be reconsidered
51. Nominations, to reopen (§31)
Incidental Motion (RONR, 275-277)
FORM: "I move that nominatins for ... be reopened."
  • Not in order when another has the floor
  • Must be seconded
  • Not Debatable
  • Amendable
  • Majority vote to adopt
  • Only negative vote can be reconsidered
52. Nominations, motions relating to (except to close or reopen nominations) made while election is pending (§31)
Incidental Motion (RONR, 275-277)
FORM: "I move that candidates for service on the committee be nominated from the floor."
  • Not in order when another has the floor
  • Must be seconded
  • Not Debatable
  • Amendable
  • Majority vote to adopt
  • Can be reconsidered
53. Nominations, motions relating to, made while election is not pending (§10, §46)
Main Motion (RONR,416-424)
  • Not in order when another has the floor
  • Must be seconded
  • Debatable
  • Amendable
  • Majority vote to adopt
  • Can be reconsidered
54. Objection to Consideration of a Question (§26)
Incidental Motion (RONR, 258-261)
FORM: "I object to the consideration of the question."
  • In order when another has been assigned the floor, until debate has begun or a subsidiary motion has been stated by chair
  • Need not be seconded
  • Not Debatable
  • Not Amendable
  • Two-thirds against consideration sustains objection
  • Only the negative vote (sustaining objection) can be reconsidered
*Can be applied to original main motions (p. 95) and to positions and communications that are not from a superior body. It cannot be applied to incidental main motions. [RONR 259]
55. Order, to make a special, when question is not pending (§10, §41)
Main Motion (RONR, 354-360)
FORM: "I move that the following resolution be made a special order for 3 P.M.: Resolved, That... ."
(to make a pending question a special order see No. 63)
  • Not in order when another has the floor
  • Must be seconded
  • Debatable
  • Amendable
  • Two-thirds vote to adopt
  • Can be reconsidered
56. Orders of the Day, to Call for (§18)
Privileged Main (RONR, 211-216)
FORM: "I call for the orders of the day."
  • In order when another has the floor
  • Need not be seconded
  • Not Debatable
  • Not Amendable
  • Must be enforced on demand of one member unless set aside by a two-thirds vote (see p. 215)
  • Cannot be reconsidered
57. Orders of the day, to proceed to (18) (§18)
(RONR, 215, 224)
CHAIR: "Will the assembly proceed to the orders of the day?"
  • Chair at his discretion puts this question when orders of the day are due to be taken up or are called for
  • Not Debatable
  • Not Amendable
  • Two-thirds in negative required to refuse to proceed to orders of the day
  • Cannot be reconsidered
58. Orders of the day, when pending (§10, §18, §41)
Main Motion (RONR, 98-99, 211-216)
  • In order when another has the floor
  • Need not be seconded
  • Debatable
  • Amendable
  • Majority vote to adopt, except as explained on pages 98-99
  • Can be reconsidered
59. Order, Point of, Question of, or Calling a Member to (§23)
Incidental Motion (RONR, 240-247)
FORM: "Point of order."
"I rise to a point of order."
"I call the member to order."
60. Parliamentary Inquiry (§33)
Incidental Motion (RONR, 281-282)
FORM: "I rise to a parliamentary inquiry."
"Parliamentary inquiry, Mr. President."
  • In order when another has the floor
  • Need not be seconded
  • Not Debatable
  • Not Amendable
  • Is not voted on, but is responded to by chair
61. Postpone Indefinitely (§11)
Subsidiary Motion (RONR, 121-124)
FORM: "I move that the resolution be postponed indefinitely."
  • Not in order when another has the floor
  • Must be seconded
  • Debatable, and debate can go into main question vote
  • Not Amendable
  • Majority vote to adopt
  • Only affirmative vote can be reconsidered
62. Postpone to a Certain Time, or Definitely, applied to a pending question (§14)
Subsidiary Motion (RONR, 172-183)
FORM: "I move tto postpone the question to the next meeting."
  • Not in order when another has the floor
  • Must be seconded
  • Debatable
  • Amendable
  • Majority vote to adopt, unless it makes the question a special order
  • Can be reconsidered
63. Postpone a pending question to a certain time and make it a special order (§14)
Subsidiary Motion (RONR, 177-183)
FORM: "I move that the resolution be postponed until 3 P.M. and made a special order."
(to make a question that is not pending a Special Order, see No. 55)
  • Not in order when another has the floor
  • Must be seconded
  • Debatable
  • Amendable
  • Two-thirds vote to adopt
  • Can be reconsidered
64. Postpone an event or action previously scheduled (§35)
Main/Bring Back (RONR, 99, 116)
FORM: "I move that the dinner previously scheduled for September 15 be postponed until October 17."
  • Not in order when another has the floor
  • Must be seconded
  • Debatable
  • Amendable
  • (a) Majority with notice; or (b) two-thirds; or (c) majority of entire membership vote
  • Only negative vote can be reconsidered
65. Previous Question (immediately to close debate and the making of subsidiary motions except the motion to Lay on the Table) (§16)
Subsidiary (RONR, 189-201)
FORM: "I move to add the following to the motion: provided that this shall not take effect until..."
  • Not in order when another has the floor
  • Must be seconded
  • Not Debatable
  • Not Amendable
  • Two-thirds vote to adopt
  • Can be reconsidered; but if vote was affirmative, only before any vote has been taken under it
66. Proviso (§10, §12, §57)
Main/Subsidiary if an amendment/Incidental (RONR, 578-579)
FORM: "I move to add the following to the motion: provided that this shall not take effect until..."
  • Not in order when another has the floor
  • Must be seconded
  • Debatable
  • Amendable
  • Majority vote to adopt
  • Can be reconsidered
67. Question of Privilege, to Raise while regular introduction as main motion is not in order (§19)
Privileged Motion (RONR, 216)
FORM: "I rise to a question of privilege."
  • In order when another has the floor, but should not interrupt a person who has begun to speak, unless unavoidable
  • Need not be seconded, but if the question of privilege thereby raised is in the form of a motion, the motion must be seconded
  • Not Debatable
  • Not Amendable
  • Admissibility of question is ruled upon by chair
  • Cannot be reconsidered
68. Question of privilege (a) when brought up while an ordinary main motion is in order; and (b) when pending (irrespective of how brought up) (§10, §19)
Main Motion (RONR, 216)
FORM: "I move that the open portion of this meeting be declared ended and that our guests be excused."
  • Not in order when another has the floor
  • Must be seconded
  • Debatable
  • Amendable
  • Majority vote to adopt [except as explained in RONR on pp 98-99]
  • Can be reconsidered
69. Ratify, or confirm (§10)
Incidental Main Motion (RONR, 119)
FORM: "I move that the action of the Executive Board on ... be ratified "
  • Not in order when another has the floor
  • Must be seconded
  • Debatable
  • Amendable
  • Majority vote to adopt [except as explained in RONR on pp 98-99]
  • Can be reconsidered
70. Read Paper, Request to (§33)
Incidental Motion (RONR, 280-288)
FORM: "I move that the member [or I] be permitted [or allowed] to read ..."
  • If not granted by unanimous consent, can be moved by person requesting permission or by another while the former has the floor
  • Must be seconded if motion is made by person requesting permission; not necesary if made by another member
  • Not Debatable
  • Not Amendable
  • Majority vote to adopt
  • Can be reconsidered
71. Recess, when question is pending (§20)
Privileged Motion (RONR, 222-225)
FORM: "I move to recess for ... minutes"
  • Not in order when another has the floor
  • Must be seconded
  • Not Debatable
  • Amendable
  • Majority vote to adopt
  • Cannot be reconsidered
72. Recess, when no question is pending (§10, §20)
Incidental Main Motion (RONR, 222-225)
FORM: "I move to recess for .... minutes"
  • Not in order when another has the floor
  • Must be seconded
  • Debatable
  • Amendable
  • Majority vote to adopt
  • Cannot be reconsidered
73. Reconsider (§37)
Bring Back Motion (RONR, 304-324)
FORM: "I move to reconsider the vote on the motion relating to ..."
"I move to recnsider the vote on the amendment striking out ... and inserting ..."
  • In order when another has been assigned the floor, but not after he has begun to speak. [the making of it is in order when another question is pending -even after a vote to adjourn if chair has not yet declared adjournment]
  • Must be seconded
  • Debatable If motion to be reconsidered is debatable, in which case debate can go into that question
  • Not Amendable
  • Majority vote to adopt
  • Cannot be reconsidered
*In a session of one day ... [it] can be made only on the same day the vote to be reconsidered was taken. In a convention or session of more than one day, a reconsideration can be moved only on the same day the original vote was taken or on the next succeeding day within the session... [RONR 305]
74. Reconsider, in a committee (§37)
Bring Back Motion
FORM: "I move to reconsider the vote on the motion relating to ..."
"I move to recnsider the vote on the amendment striking out ... and inserting ..."
  • Not in order when another is speaking
  • does not need to be seconded
  • Debatable If motion to be reconsidered is debatable, in which case debate can go into that question
  • Not Amendable
  • Two-thirds vote to adopt; but majority if every committee member who voted with prevailing side is present or was notified
  • Cannot be reconsidered
*The time limits [described above for #73] do not apply to standing or special committees [RONR 305]
75. Reconsider, call up motion to (§37)
Bring Back Motion (RONR, 312-313)
FORM: "I call up the motion to reconsider the vote..."
  • Not in order when another has the floor.
  • does not need to be seconded
*...as long as its suspending effect lasts it can be called up and acted ypon, when no question is pending, at any regular or adjourned meeeting, or at any special meeting if announced in the call of that meeting. [RONR 312]
Should the present meeting adjourn without taking up the motion to Reconsider, the measure propsed to be reconsidered would be killed unless an adjouned meeting or special meeting were held to consider it [RONR 313]
76. Rescind & Expunge from the Minutes (§35)
Main/Bring Back Motion (RONR, 299)
FORM: "I move that the entry relating to ... be rescinded and expunged from the minutes"
  • Not in order when another has the floor
  • Must be seconded
  • Debatable
  • Amendable
  • Majority of the entire membership
  • Only negative vote can be reconsidered
77. Rescind, Repeal, or Annul (§35)
Main/Bring Back Motion (RONR, 293-299)
FORM: "I move that the resolution relating to ... adopted on [date] be rescinded"
  • Not in order when another has the floor
  • Must be seconded
  • Debatable
  • Amendable
  • (a) Majority vote to adopt with notice; or (b) two-thirds; or (c) majority of entire membership
  • Only negative vote can be reconsidered
78. Refer

(See Commit, Committee No. 24 and 25)

79. Substitute

(See Amend a pending motion, No. 11.)

80. Suspend the rules (as applied to rules of order) (§25)
Incidental Motion (RONR, 252-258)
FORM: "I move to suspend the standing rule ..."
  • Not in order when another has the floor
  • Must be seconded
  • Not Debatable
  • Not Amendable
  • Two-thirds vote to adopt except where rule protects a minority of less than one third (see p. 253)
  • Cannot be reconsidered
81. Suspend ordinary standing rules, or standing rules in a convention (§25, §59)
Incidental Motion (RONR, 273-275)
FORM: "I move to suspend the standing rule ..."
  • Not in order when another has the floor
  • Must be seconded
  • Not Debatable
  • Not Amendable
  • Majority vote to adopt
  • Cannot be reconsidered
82. Take from the Table. (§34)
Bring Back Motion (RONR, 289-293)
FORM: "I move to take from the table the motion relating to..."
  • Not in order when another has the floor
  • Must be seconded
  • Not Debatable
  • Not Amendable
  • Majority vote to adopt
  • Cannot be reconsidered
83. Take up a question out of its proper order

(See Suspend the Rules [as applied to rules of order], No. 80; cf. also No. 23)

84. Voting, motions relating to, if made while subject is pending. (§30)
Incidental motion (RONR, 273-275)
FORM: "I move that the vote on this question be taken by rising and be counted."
  • Not in order when another has the floor
  • Must be seconded
  • Not Debatable
  • Amendable
  • Majority vote to adopt, except two-thirds for motion to close polls
  • To close polls, cannot be reconsidered; to reopen polls, only negative vote can be reconsidered; all others can be reconsidered
85. Voting, motions relating to, if made while no question is pending (§10, §30, §45, §46)
Main motion (RONR, 273-275)
FORM: "I move that the vote on this question be taken by rising and be counted."
  • Not in order when another has the floor
  • Must be seconded
  • Debatable
  • Amendable
  • Majority vote to adopt
  • Can be reconsidered
86. Withdraw or Modify a Motion, to grant maker permission to, after motion has been stated by the chair (§33)
Incidental motion (RONR, 283-286)
FORM: "I move that the member [or "I"] be permitted [or "allowed"] to withdraw the motion."
  • If not granted by unanimous consent, can be moved by person requesting permission, or by another while the former has the floor
  • In order when another has the floor, if motion is made by person requesting permission; not, if made by another member
  • Not Debatable
  • Not Amendable
  • Majority vote to adopt
  • only Negative vote can be reconsidered on withdrawal; but a modification can be reconsidered
S-1.Motion to Obtain a Quorum (§40)
privileged motions (RONR, 357) -similar to Call of the House
  • Not in order when another has the floor
  • Must be seconded
  • Not Debatable
  • Amendable
  • Majority vote to adopt
  • Can be reconsidered
Motoins to obtain a quorum are treated as privileged motions that take precedence over a motion to Recess. [RONR, 337]
S-2.Call of the House (§40)
privileged motions (RONR, 357, 339-340, 446)
FORM: "As it appears there is no longer a quorum, I request the Chair order a Call of the House."
  • Not in order when another has the floor
  • Must be seconded
  • Not Debatable
  • Amendable
  • Majority vote to adopt
  • Can be reconsidered
... can be ordered in assemblies having the power to compel attendance. [RONR, 337]

When a quorum is not present, this motion should take precedence over everything except a motion to Adjourn. [RONR, 339]