MAIN MOTIONS
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etc., substituting the word "motion" for "resolution" throughout.
Preamble. When it is desired to give a reason for adopting a resolution, the reason is given in a preamble, each clause of which begins with the word "Whereas," as shown in the first drill, page 20. [See R. O. R.,[1] pp. 33–36, for fuller information on resolutions.]
Main Motions in the form of Subsidiary Motions. It is impossible to have a subsidiary motion unless there is another motion pending to which it is subsidiary. Therefore if a motion is made in the form of a subsidiary at a time when no question is pending, it is a main motion. For example, the following are main motions: to amend an existing by-law or standing rule; to appoint a committee to perform a duty not connected with any question pending before the assembly; to postpone an event, such as a lecture, the date of which has been previously fixed; to limit debate at a time when no question is pending. This last motion is open to debate the same as any other main motion, though if made while another question is pending it is an undebatable subsidiary motion.
Improper Main Motions. A motion must not be frivolous or use language that would not be allowed in debate. Nor should it be in a negative form where this may be avoided. The objection to the negative form is the danger of confusion in the minds of some as to the effect of the double negative if the motion is voted down (rejected). Thus, a motion "that we do not instruct our delegates" etc., is frivolous; a motion "that we instruct our delegates not to vote for the proposed amendment to the by-laws," is allowable though it would be better to instruct them "to vote against the" etc. So a motion "that we disapprove" etc. is better form than "that we do not approve." A main motion is not in order which is prac-
- ↑ R. O. R. is used to designate Robert's Rules of Order Revised.
