Motion (democracy) 465065 211197633 2008-05-09T04:56:59Z Doctorfluffy 4413627 spacing {{Unreferenced|date=April 2007}} A '''motion''' is a formal step to introduce a matter for consideration by a group. It is a common concept in the procedure of [[trade union]]s, [[students' union]]s, [[corporation]]s, and other [[deliberative assembly|deliberative assemblies]]. Motions can be [[oral]] or in writing, the written form being known as a [[resolution (law)|resolution]]. ==Proposing motions== A motion is generally proposed by an individual, usually a member of the body, for the consideration of the body as a whole. With the exception of certain incidental and privileged motions, the person making the motion, known as the ''mover'', must first be recognized by the [[chairperson|chairman]] as being entitled to speak; this process is known as ''obtaining the floor''. Once the mover has obtained the floor, the mover states the motion, normally prefixed with the phrase "I move." For instance, at a meeting of the [[board of directors]] of a corporation, a director may state "I move that the corporation delays the launch of the new product from April to July." If the motion was in writing, the mover would say "I move the resolution at the desk" or "I move the following resolution" and would then read it. Generally, once the motion has been proposed, consideration by the assembly occurs only if another member of the body immediately ''[[second (democracy)|second]]s'' the motion. ==Main motions== A main motion is a motion whose introduction brings business before the assembly. If the motion has been proposed in advance of a [[meeting|conference]] or similar assembly, it may then be [[compositing (democracy)|composited]] with other motion with related proposals. A common next step is to allow the submission of [[Bill (proposed law)|amendment]]s to the motion, which are motions in their own right. Again, these must often be seconded. The motion is then considered by the assembly. A common procedure is to first read the motion, then take votes on each amendment to it in turn. In many cases, sections of motions and amendments can be debated and voted on separately by ''taking [the motion] in [[parts (democracy)|parts]]''. Once the amendments have been voted upon, the motion, with the adopted amendments, is debated and voted upon. Depending on the nature of the motion and the assembly, it may require a [[simple majority]], a [[Supermajority|two-thirds majority]] or some other formulation in order to be adopted. If the motion is adopted, it becomes part of the assembly's [[policy]]. Motions are also used in [[debate|debating]] events and [[competition]]s that mimic [[legislature|legislative assemblies]] or other deliberative bodies. Motions in this case are often prefaced with the [[phrase]] ''This House...'', e.g. ''This House would ban smoking in public places''. ==See also== *[[Motion (parliamentary procedure)]] </br > [[nl:Motie]]