Notes and Comments on Robert's Rules, Fourth Edition

Division of a Question (Divide a Motion)

83 Division of a Question (Divide a Motion) To what motions may the motion to divide a question be applied? Robert’s states that the motion to divide a motion applies to main motions and their amendments, although for most situations the division will apply to main motions (271). For all practical purposes, the answer is main motions. What limitation applies to the making of the motion to divide a motion? The main motion must be divisible. The answer sounds obvious, but this requirement is often overlooked. The rule is that a motion cannot be divided if each division cannot stand by itself. “A motion cannot be divided unless each part presents a proper question for the assembly to act upon if none of the other parts is adopted” (272). For example, the motion “I move we assess each member $50 and give that money to the political action committee” is not divisible because the second half, “give that money to the political action committee,” cannot stand alone. If the first part, “assess each member $50,” is rejected, there is no second part. What vote is required to divide a motion? If all of the parts of the motion relate to the same subject, then the motion to divide requires a majority vote (110, 272). If any of the parts of the motion relate to different subjects (such as a committee report with a series of independent resolutions offered in one motion), then the motion must be divided at the demand of a single member. So, remember the distinction: same subject, majority vote; different subjects, demand of one member. What is the procedure involved in dividing a motion? Although it is possible to disagree on the ways in which a particular motion might be divided, the motion to divide a motion usually involves little formality and is arranged by unanimous consent. 84 Notes and Comments on Robert’s Rules Consideration by Paragraph or Seriatim What does “consider seriatim” mean? To consider seriatim means to consider a motion part by part. (Literally , seriatim means “in a series,” so a motion could be considered by sentence, paragraph, or section.) What is the difference between the motion to divide and the motion to consider by paragraph or seriatim? When a motion is divided, it becomes two (or more) main motions that are separate in every way. When a motion is considered part by part, it remains on the floor as one main motion. Thus, in effect, there are two differences: 1. If a motion is divided, the assembly debates and votes on each division separately. If the parts of the motion are considered individually (seriatim), no vote is taken until all parts have been discussed. When considering by part, amendments are voted on as they arise, but no part as amended is voted on at that time. 2. If a motion is divided, a motion to Postpone Indefinitely, Refer, Postpone, or Lay on the Table applies only to the main motion that is being discussed. If the assembly is considering the motion part by part, any motion to Postpone Indefinitely, Refer, Postpone, or Lay on the Table applies to the entire series (279). When would an assembly consider a “motion by paragraph”? The motion to consider by paragraph is helpful when adopting or revising bylaws, when considering planks in a platform, or when a committee recommendation consists of several parts (276–77). As stated earlier, seriatim means in a series; thus, the division need not necessarily be by paragraph. What is the procedure for Consideration by Paragraph? If the assembly agrees to consider a motion by paragraph, follow these guidelines: 1. The member who moved the adoption of the document (such as the chair of the bylaws committee), the secretary, or the chair reads the first subdivision, which is then explained by its proponent. 85 Division of a Question (Divide a Motion) 2. The chair then asks, “Is there debate or amendment to this part?” A member may speak twice on each part. Thus, debate during consideration seriatim is an exception to the rule of twice on each motion (277). 3. When there is no further debate or amendment to the first part, steps 1 and 2 are repeated for each succeeding part. 4. After all parts have been considered, the chair opens the entire document to amendment. At this time, additional parts may be inserted, parts may be struck, or...