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The language that MUN operates by; learning it will help a delegate look more professional and knowledgeable, and will make committee run smoothly. This guide talks about some of the different types of motions and points and when they are typically used.
What is Parliamentary Procedure?
What exactly it is: Procedure is a vital aspect of Model UN. In committee, there are very specific guidelines that must be adhered to when one wants to make an action. While rules of procedure vary from conference to conference, the following document explains the parliamentary procedure for most committees you will participate in.
Parliamentary procedure is the language through which you will communicate during the conference. The following guide is a “translation,” and explains each rule in a few different ways. First, the “context” describes what the function of the rule is. Second, the “when” explains the time that the rule is used. Third, a “comment” is provided if there is another part of the rule. And lastly, the “best used for” explains the best time for a rule to be used. Point and motions with an asterisk (*) are the most commonly used.
Motions:
Motion to Set the Agenda
Context: This is used to set the order in which the topics will be debated; there will be two speakers for and two speakers against the motion.
When: The motion is used after there has been sufficient debate upon which of the topics on the agenda is more important and will be entertained at the discretion of the chair.
Motion to Open the Speakers List
Context: This motion is used when a delegate wants to start a new speakers list; the chair will then call on delegates who want to be added to the list.
When: This is used at the beginning of the conference when a speakers list has to be opened to set the agenda; it is also used to create a new speakers list after the agenda has been set (and for every new topic up for discussion thereafter).
Motion to Close the Speakers List
Context: Closing the speakers list means that no more countries will be added to the speakers list; when all the names on the speakers list have been exhausted, then the committee immediately moves into voting procedure.
When: This motion can be used any time during formal debate.
Motion for a Moderated Caucus
Context: This motion is employed when one wants to start a moderated caucus.
When: A moderated caucus can be called for anytime during organized debate (when the chair asks if there are any points or motions on the floor), or after a previous caucus is finished.
Comment: When a delegate calls for a moderated caucus, they also must specify the length of the caucus, the length of each speaking time, and the purpose of the caucus; for example “motion for a ten minute moderated caucus with a thirty second speaking time for the purpose of discussing education within the field of child labor.”
Best used for: A moderated caucus is best used for relatively fast paced discussions about a specific sub-topic. It is sometimes used to hear the opinions of many nations in order to focus on what the committee will talk about.
Motion for an Unmoderated Caucus
Context: This motion is utilized when one wants to start an unmoderated caucus.
When: An unmoderated caucus can be called for anytime during organized debate (when the chair asks if there are any points or motions on the floor), or after a previous caucus is finished.
Comment: When a delegate calls for an unmoderated caucus, they also must specify the length of the caucus.
Best used for: An unmoderated caucus is best used for informal debate. If a delegate wishes to have a discussion with another delegate, or if a delegate wishes to collaborate with others in writing a resolution, then an unmoderated caucus would be appropriate.
Motion to Introduce Working Paper/Resolution/Amendment
Context: This motion is used when a delegate wants to introduce (meaning read it to the committee and make it an official document) a working paper/ resolution/amendment.
When: This motion is used after the dais staff has handed out the working paper/resolution/ amendment to the committee.
Comment: When you move to introduce the document, you also must specify the number (ex: motion to introduce resolution 2.3). Only a certain number of sponsors will be allowed to present the document.
Motion to Suspend the Rules and Enter a Question and Answer Session
Context: This motion is used so countries can ask questions about a working paper or draft resolution to the sponsors who presented it. The chair will select questions from the committee for the sponsors to answer until time has elapsed.
When: This motion is typically used directly after a working paper or draft resolution has been presented.
Comment: When a delegate calls for a Q/A Session, he must also specify the length, which will usually remain the same for every session.
Motion to Close Debate and Move into Voting Procedure
Context: This motion is used if a delegate wants to end debate on a topic and move into voting procedure; there will be two speakers against this motion.
When: This motion can be used any time (but it will not be taken seriously unless an ample amount of debate on the issue has occurred).
Yield to the Chair
Context: After the completion of a speakers list speech, a delegate may yield to the chair. This means that the chair will absorb the time remaining in the speech (meaning nothing will happen with any time remaining).
When: After a speech on the speakers list.
Yield to Questions
Context: After the completion of a speakers list speech, a delegate may yield to questions. This means that with the remaining time, the chair will call upon other delegates to ask the delegate giving the speech questions that must pertain to the speech that was just given.
When: After a speech on the speakers list.
Comment: The time taken for a delegate to ask the question will not be counted towards the time remaining in the speech.
Points:
Points:
As opposed to motions, which last for longer periods of time, points are usually short questions or requests.
Point of Inquiry
Context: This point is used when a delegate is unsure of or wants a clarification of a rule or committee procedure; it can also be used if a delegate has a non-substantive question (such as “point of parliamentary inquiry, would it be in order to start handing in working papers at this time?”).
When: This point can be used any time when the chair is taking points from the floor.
Point of Personal Privilege
Context: This point is used when a delegate’s ability to participate in a committee is impaired. For example, one could use this point if it is difficult to hear the speaker or it is very cold in the room.
When: This point can be used anytime, even during another delegates’ speech.
Comment: Using too many points of personal privilege can be unproductive to the committee, so use them very sparingly and only if the issue is truly impairing your ability to delegate, not just if it is a touch hot.
Point of Clarification
Context: This point is used when a delegate wants to clarify a non-substantive point (meaning grammatical, spelling, word choice, awkward phrases) in a resolution or amendment.
When: This point should be used while or directly after a resolution or amendment has been introduced.
Comment: This point is only used during the introduction of a resolution or amendment.
Point of Information
Context: This is used when a delegate has a substantive question for a speaker during formal debate.
When: This point can be used any time the chair says that questions are in order.
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