Robert’s Rule Reference

Robert’s Rules of Order Motions Chart
Based on Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised (10th Edition)

**Part 1: Main Motions.** These motions are listed in order of precedence.
A motion can be introduced if it is higher on the chart than the pending motion.
PURPOSE:	YOU SAY:	INTERRUPT?	2ND?	DEBATE?	AMEND?	VOTE?
Close meeting	I move to adjourn	No	Yes	No	No	Majority
Take break	I move to recess for …	No	Yes	No	Yes	Majority
Register complaint	I rise to a question of privilege	Yes	No	No	No	None
Make follow agenda	I call for the orders of the day	Yes	No	No	No	None
Lay aside temporarily	I move to lay the question on the table	No	Yes	No	No	Majority
Close debate	I move the previous question	No	Yes	No	No	2/3
Limit or extend debate	I move that debate be limited to …	No	Yes	No	Yes	2/3
Postpone to a certain time	I move to postpone the motion to …	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Majority
Refer to committee	I move to refer the motion to …	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Majority
Modify wording of motion	I move to amend the motion by …	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Majority
Kill main motion	I move that the motion be postponed indefinitely	No	Yes	Yes	No	Majority
New business before assembly	I move that [or “to”] …	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Majority

**Part 2, Incidental Motions.** No order of precedence. These motions arise incidentally and are decided immediately.
PURPOSE:	YOU SAY:	INTERRUPT?	2ND?	DEBATE?	AMEND?	VOTE?
Enforce rules	Point of Order	Yes	No	No	No	None
Submit matter to assembly	I appeal from the decision of the chair	Yes	Yes	Varies	No	Majority
Suspend rules	I move to suspend the rules	No	Yes	No	No	2/3
Avoid main motion altogether	I object to the consideration of the question	Yes	No	No	No	2/3
Divide motion	I move to divide the question	No	Yes	No	Yes	Majority
Demand a rising vote	I move for a rising vote	Yes	No	No	No	None
Parliamentary law question	Parliamentary inquiry	Yes	No	No	No	None
Request for information	Point of information	Yes	No	No	No	None

BerkshireRealtors