Subsidiary What?

 

This week in AEE 297A we delved further into our Roberts Rules of Order...

 ... and focused on Subsidiary Motions! So, if your anything like me you are probably wondering what exactly this is!

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). Whew, that is a mouthful. So basically, the SEVEN subsidiary motions allow for business to proceed once a main motion has been stated.

So, what are the seven subsidiary motions?

Well, it is helpful to remember LCLPRAP: A table of the subsidiary motions is detailed below

MOTION	2nd ?	Debate?	Amend?	Vote?
Lay On the Table	Yes	NO	NO	Majority
Call Previous Question	Yes	NO	NO	2/3
Limit/Extend Debate	Yes	NO	Yes	2/3
Postpone Definitely	Yes	Yes	Yes	Majority
Refer to Committee	Yes	Yes	Yes	Majority
Amend	Yes	Yes	Yes	Majority
Postpone Indefinitely	Yes	Yes	NO	Majority

This chart helps us to remember that all seven subsidiary motions require a Second, however, not all of them allow debate and/or amendments. Additionally, the motions to Call Previous Question and Limit/Extend Debate require a 2/3rds vote because it is taking away the right for members to debate, and thus requires more than just the majority!

We also discussed the notion of precedence and pending motions. Just as in solitaire, motions have several layers and it is essential to focus and vote on the top priority motion first. The main motion is lower in precedence than all of the subsidiary motions.

So there you have it, from tables and solitaire we get subsidiary motions!

Thanks for reading,

Cheers,

Sarabeth

Session 5 - The Fun One! - Feb 12

Session Recap

Chart Quizzes

• Chart quiz grades are posted on Angel.
• If you did not pick yours up after class, we'll have them next week too. 
• If you want to retake a quiz, please let either Katie or I know, and we'll set something up.
• Some things to remember:
• Be exact when naming motions
• Mark "weird" votes.   
• ex. Call for the Orders of the Day-No vote, but need 2/3 negative to set aside
• Think through why things are the way they are.    
• ex. There is nothing to amend on adjourn, therefore it is not amendable. 
• If you need help, want to clarify anything, etc. just ask!

Group Videos

• You guys did a fantastic job and were very productive with your videos! I'm proud of you all!
• Make sure as we learn more motions, you work on the two motions your group did not get to yesterday.
• Have either Katie or I check over your scripts before you film.