Committee Mechanics

Consider reading this document for a more in-depth understanding of the flow of debate and committee procedure. Feel free to reference this while in committee. You can also watch this video to gain a basic understanding of the flow of the committee. We will cover all of this briefly at the conference, so don't worry if you need a refresher.

Points

Points are used to discuss something outside of substantive debate.  They are more personal and don’t require a vote. Here are the most common points:

Point of Order - these are used to correct a procedural error.

• Ex: The chair forgot Roll Call.

Point of Inquiry - Used to ask the Dais a question regarding Parliamentary Procedure.

Point of Personal Privilege - Used to express a personal concern.

• Ex: The room is too warm, your placard broke, or you cannot hear the speaker.

Point of Information - Used to ask a delegate a question so they may clarify a speech.

• Not always permitted and used only during the speakers list

How to raise a Point in Committee

1 – Raise your placard and wait for the chairs to call on you

2 – State the point that you are going to raise and what you would like to say

Ex: “Point of Order, we forgot roll call at the start of debate”

Motions

Motions are the primary way a delegation can influence the flow of debate. Motions allow the committee as a whole to use voting power to “steer” the committee in the direction they want, without gross inefficiencies. Most require just a simple majority (½) to pass*.

Motion to open debate - used to begin committee. 

• Ex “Motion to open debate”

Motion to open the speakers list - used to open the speakers list. 

• Ex “Motion to open the speakers list”

Motion for a moderated caucus - used to suggest a moderated (mod) caucus on a particular topic. Specifies total time, speaking time, and topic. 

• Ex “motion for a 10-1 moderated caucus on funding international donut manufacturing”

Motion for an unmoderated caucus - used to suggest an unmoderated (unmod) caucus. Specifies time. 

• Ex “Motion for a 13 minute un-mod”

Motion to introduce working paper - used to request to present a resolution paper and allow questions about it. 

• Ex “Motion to introduce working paper”

Motion to move into voting bloc - used after working papers have all been introduced to vote on each paper. 

• Ex “Motion to move into voting bloc” requires 2/3 majority vote

* Chairs may rule a motion “dilatory” – meaning that it is not the appropriate time during committee for this motion. Motions ruled dilatory are automatically vetoed and do not get voted on.

Conference Procedure Example (you don’t need to memorize this)

Roll Call & Opening Debate

At the very beginning of the first committee session, the chair will call the names of the delegations expected to be present. Delegations will respond by saying “present”. Delegations may also say “present and voting” if they are certain they want to vote. After roll call, the chair will open the floor to points and motions. A motion to open debate must be made by a delegation for the committee to progress.

Speakers List

After debate is opened, a delegate will motion to open the Speaker’s List. This is each delegate’s first opportunity to give a speech on their topic. Once this motion is raised and voted on, the speakers list will be opened. Delegations may raise their placards to request to be added to the speakers list. Not all delegations will be given the opportunity to speak immediately. The speaking time for each delegate will be around 1 minute. Speeches given during the primary speakers list should make clear your delegation's stance on the committee topic and may be pre-written.

Caucus

After the speakers list is exhausted or paused at the chairs discretion, the floor will be opened to motions for moderated caucuses and unmoderated caucuses. It is expected for 2 to 3 moderated caucuses to be completed before moving on to an unmoderated caucus. 

Moderated Caucus

A motion for a moderated caucus includes the total time and the speaker time. Motions for moderated caucuses generally sound like “motion for a <total time> - <speaker time> moderated caucus on <topic>”. Topics should be significantly less broad than the greater committee topic, and the total time must be divisible by the speaker time. 3-5 motions are expected before any are voted on. A delegation may ask the delegate who proposed a motion to amend their motion. A request for amendment would sound like: “would the delegation of <first country> be amenable to <requested change>”.

Unmoderated Caucus

After several mods, the committee will shift to a combination of mods and unmods. Unmoderated caucuses are your opportunity to talk directly to other delegates. A delegate will “motion for a <time> unmoderated caucus”. If this motion passes, all delegates may get up from their chairs, walk around the room, and converse and collaborate with other delegates.  Make use of this time to form allies and alliances!