The 13 Ranking Motions
Motions are listed in the order of their rank, with the highest ranking at the top. After a motion has been stated by the chair and is pending, only higher ranking motions are in order.
Privileged Motions
Fix the time to which to adjourn …………..S, A, M
Adjourn…………………………………………..........S, M
Recess…………………………………………….........S, A, M
Raise a Question of Privilege
Call for the Orders of the Day
Subsidiary Motions
Lay on the Table………………………………......S, M
Previous Question (close debate)………....S, 2/3
Limit or Extend Limits of Debate……….....S, A, 2/3
Postpone to a Certain Time……………….....S, D, A, M
Commit or Refer………………………………......S, D, A, M
Amend……………………………………………........S, D, A, M
Postpone Indefinitely (kill)………………........S, D, M
Main Motion........................ S, D, A, M
S: requires a second | D: is debatable | A: can be amended | M: requires a majority vote | 2/3: requires a 2/3 vote
Handling a Main Motion
Member rises and addresses the chair.
Chair recognizes member.
Member makes motion.
Another member seconds motion.
Chair states motion.
Members debate motion.
Chair puts question and members vote.
Chair announces result of vote.
Methods of Amending a Motion
To insert or to add a word, consecutive words, or a paragraph.
To strike out a word, consecutive words, or a paragraph.
To strike out and insert words, or to substitute for at least a paragraph.
Presented as a service by the Tennessee Alpha Unit of NAP.