What should be done if a member wishes to propose a motion after one has already been made?

What should be done if a member wishes to propose a motion after one has already been made?

• A. They should wait for the first motion to conclude
• B. They must second the first motion
• C. They can interrupt with their own motion
• D. They should ask the chairman for permission

Answer: (A)

When a member wishes to propose a motion after another motion has already been made, the appropriate course of action is to wait for the first motion to conclude. In parliamentary procedure, only one main motion can be considered at a time. Therefore, until the first motion is either passed or defeated, no new main motion can be introduced. This is a fundamental aspect of orderly debate, as it allows members to focus on one issue at a time and ensures that discussions remain organized and clear. While it may seem reasonable to propose a new motion, doing so without concluding the first one would disrupt the flow of the meeting and could lead to confusion among members. Hence, waiting for the first motion to conclude ensures that proper procedure is followed and that all members have the opportunity to contribute to the discussion on the current motion before moving on to new business.

When a member wishes to propose a motion after another motion has already been made, the appropriate course of action is to wait for the first motion to conclude. In parliamentary procedure, only one main motion can be considered at a time. Therefore, until the first motion is either passed or defeated, no new main motion can be introduced. This is a fundamental aspect of orderly debate, as it allows members to focus on one issue at a time and ensures that discussions remain organized and clear.

While it may seem reasonable to propose a new motion, doing so without concluding the first one would disrupt the flow of the meeting and could lead to confusion among members. Hence, waiting for the first motion to conclude ensures that proper procedure is followed and that all members have the opportunity to contribute to the discussion on the current motion before moving on to new business.