HomeMy WebLinkAboutSikkink's seven motion system_rev08
SIKKINK’S SEVEN MOTION SYSTEM
General Rules for a Simplified System of Parliamentary Procedure
1. The purpose of this decision making system is to allow efficient decision making
that represents a majority position. Any motion, request, discussion or proposal, which seems to have as its purpose unreasonable delay, manipulation, or the goal of serving individual
ends rather than group ends, can be ruled out of order by the chair. Such a ruling by the chair will be subject to the motion called appeal.
2. Free and open discussions are valued
in this decision making system. For that reason, most motions are discussable and the motion to restrict discussion requires a 2/3 vote in order to pass. In recognizing persons for
discussion, the chair first recognizes the person who made the motion, next recognizes other persons and always recognizes a person who has not spoken over a person who has already participated
in the discussion. As far as possible, the chair should try to alternately recognize persons representing different viewpoints.
3. In examining the chart on the following page, you
will note that five of the seven motions are amendable. However, only one amendment at a time may be considered. As soon as that amendment is passed or defeated, another amendment
may be proposed.
4. The number in front of the motion listed indicates the rank of each motion. Thus,
#1 – General motions are lowest in rank, and #7 – Restrict Debate motions are
highest in rank. Two rules apply:
You usually cannot consider two motions of the same rank at the same time, and
If a motion of one rank is being considered, a motion of the same
rank or lower
rank is usually out of order, but a motion of higher rank is in order.
While these rules generally apply, the chair may allow some flexibility in certain circumstances.
These situations almost always occur with motions #5, 6 and 7. For example, if #7 - “Restrict Discussion” is being discussed and a member wants a secret ballot vote on the matter,
Request, while lower in rank, could be used to accomplish this purpose. The chair is allowed to make all decisions on exceptions, but all such decisions are subject to appeal.
Important Note: The previous page and the chart below are taken verbatim from the existing Administrative Manual of the City of Falcon Heights, now in revision. Please note that
in the chart, the motions were put in order of rank from highest (#7) to lowest (#1).
Type of Motion/Rank
Purpose
Applies To What Situations
Needs Recognition
Needs Second
Can
Be Discussed
Amendable
Vote Required
7. Restrict Discussion (highest rank)
To stop or limit discussion
All discussable motions
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
2/3
6. Appeal
To let the
group vote on a chair’s decision
To decision of the chairperson
No
Yes
Yes
No
Majority
5. Request
Not a motion but a way to question, challenge, or seek help
Any appropriate
situation
No
No
No
No
Chair decides subject to appeal
4. Postpone
To delay action on any general motion to a future time
General motions
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Majority
3.
Refer
To have a general motion studied by a committee
General motions
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Majority
2. Meeting Termination
To recess during a meeting or to end a meeting
Made
to recess or adjourn
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Majority
1. General (lowest rank)
To bring up business for majority decisions by the group
For doing business
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Majority