Rules & Procedure
Quick reference for points, motions, and flow of debate. Confirm with your committee’s specific rules.
Points
| Point | When | Interrupts? |
|---|---|---|
| Point of Order | Procedure mistake (e.g. wrong speaker, wrong motion) | Yes |
| Point of Information | Question to the speaker (usually in Q&A after speech) | No |
| Point of Personal Privilege | Physical need (temperature, audibility, safety) | Yes |
| Point of Parliamentary Inquiry | Question about rules or process | No (usually) |
Common Motions
| Motion | Purpose | Vote |
|---|---|---|
| Set the agenda | Choose which topic to discuss first | Simple majority |
| Open the speakers’ list | Begin formal debate; delegates speak in order | Majority |
| Moderated caucus | Time limit per speaker; topic or question set by chair | Majority |
| Unmoderated caucus | Informal discussion (lobbying, drafting) | Majority |
| Close the speakers’ list | No more names added to the list | 2/3 or majority (committee-specific) |
| Extend time for (e.g. moderated caucus) | Add time to current activity | Majority |
| Table the resolution / motion | Pause debate on it | Majority |
| Move to voting procedure | Vote on resolution(s) | 2/3 to close debate, then voting |
| Division of the question | Vote on operative clauses separately | Majority |
| Roll-call vote | Record each country’s vote by name | Request, then majority to adopt |
Caucus Types
- Moderated caucus: Chair calls on speakers; short time (e.g. 1–2 min); specific topic or question. Use for focused debate.
- Unmoderated caucus: No formal speaking order; delegates move and talk freely. Use for lobbying, merging resolutions, drafting.
Typical Flow of Debate
- Roll call
- Setting the agenda (if two topics)
- Opening the speakers’ list; opening speeches
- Alternating moderated and unmoderated caucuses; lobbying and merging
- Resolution(s) introduced; debate and amendments
- Motion to close debate / move to voting procedure
- Voting on resolution (and possibly division of the question)
Voting
- For: Yes
- Against: No
- Abstain: No vote (sometimes not allowed on substantive resolutions)
- Pass: Skip your turn in roll-call (then vote when called again)
Substantive resolutions usually require simple majority. Procedural motions per committee rules (often majority; closing debate often 2/3).