How to Use Motions

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Motions are the engine of parliamentary procedure. Every decision a group makes under Robert's Rules starts with a motion. Understanding how motions work is the most important skill for any meeting participant.

The Six Steps of a Motion

1. A member makes a motion. The member obtains the floor (is recognized by the chair) and says: "I move that [proposal]."
2. Another member seconds the motion. A different member says: "I second the motion." This shows at least two people want to discuss the topic. The seconder doesn't need to be recognized by the chair.
3. The chair states the question. The chair repeats the motion so everyone knows exactly what's being considered: "It is moved and seconded that [proposal]. Is there any discussion?"
4. Members debate the motion. Members speak for or against the motion. Each speaker must be recognized by the chair. Members address the chair, not each other.
5. The chair puts the question to a vote. When debate is finished, the chair says: "The question is on the adoption of the motion that [proposal]. All those in favor say 'Aye.' Those opposed say 'No.'"
6. The chair announces the result. "The ayes have it and the motion is adopted" or "The noes have it and the motion is lost."

Types of Motions

Robert's Rules defines four categories of motions, each with different rules about when they can be made and how they are handled:

Main Motions

A main motion introduces a new item of business. It can only be made when no other motion is pending. Example: "I move that we allocate $500 for the annual picnic."

Subsidiary Motions

These motions are applied to another motion to change how it is handled. They include:

• Amend — change the wording of a pending motion
• Refer to Committee — send the matter to a committee for study
• Postpone — delay action to a specific time
• Limit Debate — set time limits on discussion
• Previous Question — end debate and vote immediately (requires two-thirds)
• Lay on the Table — set aside temporarily

Privileged Motions

These address urgent matters unrelated to the pending business:

• Adjourn — end the meeting
• Recess — take a break
• Question of Privilege — address comfort, safety, or rights

Incidental Motions

These arise from the business at hand and must be decided before proceeding:

• Point of Order — call attention to a rule violation
• Appeal — challenge the chair's ruling
• Suspend the Rules — temporarily set aside a rule (requires two-thirds)
• Division — request a counted vote

Quick Reference

For a complete table showing which motions require a second, are debatable, amendable, and what vote is required, see the Chart of Motions.

To practice using motions in a simulated meeting, try the Interactive Tutorial, or ask the AI Parliamentarian for help with specific scenarios.

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The Complete Text of Robert's Rules of Order Revised (1915)

Read the full public-domain text of Robert's Rules of Order Revised by General Henry M. Robert online — the foundational manual of parliamentary procedure, organized below by section.