CP CP Motions & Voting Procedures 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which class of motions takes precedence over all other motions when raised?
- Privileged motions (Correct answer)
- Subsidiary motions
- Main motions
- Incidental motions
Correct answer: Privileged motions
Privileged motions have the highest precedence and must be addressed before any other business.
Question 2: A motion to 'table' a main motion in US parliamentary practice means to:
- Postpone it to a definite time
- Set it aside temporarily with intent to return (Correct answer)
- Kill the motion permanently
- Refer it to a committee
Correct answer: Set it aside temporarily with intent to return
In US practice, 'lay on the table' sets aside a motion temporarily so urgent business can proceed, with the intent to return.
Question 3: What vote threshold is required to adopt a motion to 'suspend the rules'?
- Simple majority
- Two-thirds vote (Correct answer)
- Three-fourths vote
- Unanimous consent
Correct answer: Two-thirds vote
Suspending the rules requires a two-thirds vote because it temporarily sets aside established procedural protections.
Question 4: Which of the following motions is NOT debatable?
- Refer to a committee
- Postpone to a definite time
- Lay on the table (Correct answer)
- Amend a main motion
Correct answer: Lay on the table
The motion to lay on the table is undebatable because it is intended to act quickly without delay.
Question 5: What is the effect of a negative vote on the motion to 'postpone indefinitely'?
- The main motion is immediately adopted
- The main motion is killed
- The main motion remains before the assembly (Correct answer)
- The main motion is tabled
Correct answer: The main motion remains before the assembly
Defeating postpone indefinitely simply keeps the main motion before the assembly for continued consideration.
Question 6: Which voting method requires members to individually state 'aye' or 'no' aloud in turn?
- Roll call vote (Correct answer)
- Division of the assembly
- Ballot vote
- Show of hands
Correct answer: Roll call vote
A roll call vote records each member's individual vote by having the secretary call names and members respond aloud.
CP CP Motions & Voting Procedures 1
Which class of motions takes precedence over all other motions when raised?