In the realm of parliamentary procedure, subsidiary motions play a crucial role in facilitating efficient and organized decision-making within assemblies, such as corporate boards, legislative bodies, and community organizations. A subsidiary motion is a type of motion that is used in conjunction with a main motion to modify, postpone, or otherwise affect the main motion’s disposition. Understanding subsidiary motions is essential for effective participation in meetings and for ensuring that discussions are conducted in a fair, orderly, and productive manner.
Definition and Purpose
Subsidiary motions are designed to assist in the handling of a main motion by providing a means to amend, commit, postpone, or otherwise dispose of the main motion in a way that is not possible through the main motion alone. They are called “subordinate” or “subsidiary” because they are always related to another motion, which is often referred to as the “main motion” or “original motion.” The purpose of subsidiary motions is to provide flexibility and options for handling the main motion, thereby enabling a more nuanced and responsive approach to decision-making.
Types of Subsidiary Motions
There are several types of subsidiary motions, each serving a distinct purpose:
Amend: This motion allows for the modification of the main motion. An amendment can be made to insert, strike out, or substitute words in the main motion.
Commit: The commit motion allows the main motion to be referred to a committee for further consideration or action. This can be useful for complex issues that require detailed analysis or drafting.
Postpone to a Certain Time (or Definite Postponement): This motion delays consideration of the main motion until a later specified time or meeting. It is used when the assembly is not ready to decide on the main motion at the moment.
Postpone Indefinitely: This motion puts the main motion aside without setting a specific time for its future consideration. Essentially, it kills the main motion for the duration of the session without a direct vote on the motion itself.
Limit or Extend Limits of Debate: These motions control the length of debate on the pending question. The limit debate motion restricts the time for debate, while the extend debate motion allows for more time.
Previous Question (or Call the Question): This motion is used to bring the debate on the pending question to a close and proceed to voting. It is a way to enforce an end to the discussion.
Lay on the Table (or Table): The motion to table puts the main motion aside temporarily, allowing other business to be attended to. Unlike postpone, it does not specify when the motion will be taken up again, and it can be taken from the table at any time.
Procedure for Handling Subsidiary Motions
The procedure for handling subsidiary motions typically involves the following steps:
- Making the Motion: A member rises, addresses the chair, and makes the subsidiary motion.
- Seconding the Motion: Most subsidiary motions require a second, although some, like the motion to lay on the table, do not.
- Chair’s Decision: The chair states the motion and may provide a brief explanation of its effect.
- Debate: The subsidiary motion is debatable, except for certain motions like the previous question or lay on the table.
- Voting: The assembly votes on the subsidiary motion.
- Disposal: If adopted, the subsidiary motion affects the main motion according to its nature (e.g., amending it, postponing it).
Importance in Meetings
Subsidiary motions are essential in meetings because they provide a structured way to manage the flow of business. By offering various options to handle a main motion, they help to:
- Facilitate Efficient Debate: By allowing for the amendment or postponement of motions, subsidiary motions can prevent lengthy debates that may not lead to a productive outcome.
- Enhance Flexibility: They provide the assembly with more control over the decision-making process, enabling adjustments as needed.
- Promote Order: By following established parliamentary procedures, subsidiary motions help maintain order in the meeting, ensuring that all voices are heard and that decisions are made in a fair and transparent manner.
In conclusion, subsidiary motions are invaluable tools in the context of parliamentary procedure, enabling assemblies to conduct their business in an efficient, ordered, and democratic manner. Understanding the types of subsidiary motions and the procedures for handling them is crucial for effective participation in decision-making processes and for ensuring that the rights of all members are respected.
What is the primary purpose of subsidiary motions in parliamentary procedure?
+The primary purpose of subsidiary motions is to assist in the handling of a main motion by providing options to amend, postpone, commit, or otherwise dispose of it, thereby facilitating efficient and organized decision-making.
How do subsidiary motions enhance the effectiveness of meetings?
+Subsidiary motions enhance the effectiveness of meetings by facilitating efficient debate, providing flexibility in handling main motions, and promoting order. They offer a structured approach to managing the flow of business, ensuring productive and fair decision-making processes.
What are the steps involved in handling a subsidiary motion?
+Handling a subsidiary motion involves making the motion, seconding it (if required), the chair stating the motion, potential debate, voting, and then the disposal of the main motion according to the subsidiary motion’s effect.
