If several members address the chair simultaneously after a motion is made, whom should the presiding officer call on first?

If several members address the chair simultaneously after a motion is made, whom should the presiding officer call on first?

• A. The member who spoke the loudest
• B. The member who made the motion and has not debated
• C. The member who has the most experience
• D. The member who looks most prepared

Answer: (B)

The presiding officer should call on the member who made the motion and has not debated yet because parliamentary procedure prioritizes the rights of those who initiate discussion on an issue. When a motion is presented, the member who made that motion typically has the first opportunity to speak about it, allowing them to explain their reasoning or provide further detail. This helps ensure that the discussion begins with the perspective of the person who is advocating for the motion. In parliamentary procedure, recognizing the initial motion-maker is an essential aspect of maintaining order and fairness in debate. It gives the member a chance to clarify their position or answer any questions before others weigh in, fostering a more informed discussion. This practice supports the orderly flow of debate and emphasizes the importance of the motion-maker's intentions and rationale.

The presiding officer should call on the member who made the motion and has not debated yet because parliamentary procedure prioritizes the rights of those who initiate discussion on an issue. When a motion is presented, the member who made that motion typically has the first opportunity to speak about it, allowing them to explain their reasoning or provide further detail. This helps ensure that the discussion begins with the perspective of the person who is advocating for the motion.

In parliamentary procedure, recognizing the initial motion-maker is an essential aspect of maintaining order and fairness in debate. It gives the member a chance to clarify their position or answer any questions before others weigh in, fostering a more informed discussion. This practice supports the orderly flow of debate and emphasizes the importance of the motion-maker's intentions and rationale.