Charting Knowledge of Subsidiary Motions

 Is it Tuesday already?

Wow! We are already six weeks into developing our parliamentary procedure knowledge. Just last Tuesday we started to skim the surface of motions, and began to dive deep into subsidiary motions on Thursday.

Today we just applied our knowledge of subsidiary motions to our first chart quiz, and mock meeting. I am amazed with how fast we are grasping concepts and implementing them into practices.

Since we survived our first chart quiz and mock meeting, I believe this calls for a moment of review.

Question 1: What is a subsidiary motion?

Answer 1: Subsidiary motions are motions that "assist the assembly in treating or disposing of a man motion (and sometimes other motions) (RONR p.62, ln. 34-35). The SEVEN subsidiary motions allow for business to proceed once a main motion has been stated. 

Question 2: What are the seven subsidiary motions?

Answer 2: LCLPRAP:

MOTION	2nd ?	Debate?	Amend?	Vote?
(L)ay On the Table	Yes	NO	NO	Majority
(C)all Previous Question	Yes	NO	NO	2/3
(L)imit/Extend Debate	Yes	NO	Yes	2/3
(P)ostpone Definitely	Yes	Yes	Yes	Majority
(R)efer to Committee	Yes	Yes	Yes	Majority
(A)mend	Yes	Yes	Yes	Majority
(P)ostpone Indefinitely	Yes	Yes	NO	Majority

This chart is identical to the quiz form we were provided. Basically, we had to identify all seven subsidiary motions. In addition,we noted that all seven subsidiary motions required a Second. However, not all of seven subsidiary motions allowed debate and/or amendments. Lastly, we noted that the motions to Call Previous Question and Limit/Extend Debate required a 2/3rds vote because it is taking away the right for members to debate; therefore, requires more than just the majority! 

Although we acted out a mock meeting with subsidiary motions, it is beneficial to check out other resources that provide an example in action. Watch subsidiary motions in action preform by Girls Scouts of Green and White Mountains.

We are charting our knowledge one quiz at a time! With the first chart quiz knocked-out, we are anxious for the next one.  

Also last week we began discussion on the notion of precedence. It is important to note that motions have several layers. Therefore, precedence makes it essential to focus and vote on the top priority motion first. The main motion is lower in precedence than all of the subsidiary motions.

Continue to follow us as we knockout more chart quizzes and mock meetings!

Halee Wasson

Agricultural and Extension Education

2018 Student Teacher Candidate 

Twitter Handle: @wasson_halee