Robert's Rules of Order Part 15

MISCELLANEOUS RULES.

Order of Precedence of Motions.

The ordinary motions rank as follows, and any of them (except to amend) can be made while one of a lower order is pending, but none can supercede one of a higher order:

To Fix the Time to which to Adjourn.

To Adjourn (when unqualified).

For the Orders of the Day.

To Lie on the Table.

For the Previous Question.

To Postpone to a Certain Time.

To Commit.

To Amend.

To Postpone Indefinitely.

The motion to Reconsider can be made when any other question is before the a.s.sembly, but cannot be acted upon until the business then before the a.s.sembly is disposed of [see note 5 above], when, if called up, it takes precedence of all other motions except to adjourn and to fix the time to which to adjourn. Questions incidental to those before the a.s.sembly, take precedence of them and must be acted upon first.

Two-thirds Vote.

In Congress the only motions requiring a two-thirds vote, are to suspend or amend the Rules, to take up business out of its proper order, and to make a special order. In ordinary societies harmony is so essential, that a two-thirds vote should be required to force the a.s.sembly to a final vote upon a resolution without allowing free debate. The Table conforms to the Rules of Order, which are based upon this principle. If an a.s.sembly has adopted no Rules of Order, then a majority vote is sufficient for the adoption of any motion, except to "suspend the rules," which would require a unanimous vote.

Forms of Putting Certain Questions.

If a motion is made to Strike out certain words, the question is put in this form: "Shall these words stand as a part of the resolution?" so that on a tie vote they are struck out.

If the Previous Question is demanded, it is put thus: "Shall the main question now be put?"

If an Appeal is made from the decision of the Chair, the question is put thus: "Shall the decision of the Chair stand as the judgement of the a.s.sembly?" [convention, society, etc.].

If the Orders of the Day are called for, the question is put thus: "Will the a.s.sembly now proceed to the Orders of the Day?"

When, upon the introduction of a question, some one objects to its consideration, the chairman immediately puts the question thus: "Will the a.s.sembly consider it?" or "Shall the question be considered?" [or discussed.]

If the vote has been ordered to be taken by yeas and nays, the question is put in a form similar to the following: "As many as are in favor of the adoption of these resolutions, will, when their names are called, answer yes [or aye]--those opposed will answer no."

Various Forms of Amendments.

An Amendment may be either (1) by "adding" or (2) by "striking out"

words or paragraphs; or (3) by "striking out certain words and inserting others;" or (4) by "subst.i.tuting" a different motion on the same subject; or (5) by "dividing the question" into two or more questions, so as to get a separate vote on any particular point or points.