Parliamentary Motions and Order of Events in a Meeting to Pass an Ordinance for Classroom Use

Steps for a Motion

This publication is presented for "Classroom Use Only." Its intended use is to stimulate and aid in discussion and role playing within a classroom setting.

One member of the council:

addresses the chair
waits for recognition
makes the motion

A second member of the council:

seconds the motion

The presiding officer:

states the motion
calls for remarks
takes the vote
states the results

Parliamentary Motions

The following text for a simulation describes the process for passing an ordinance. It is for a council-mayor form of government, but the process would be the same for any other municipal government.

Motion	Purpose	Second	Interrupt a speaker
to adjourn to	dismiss meeting	yes	no
to call for a roll call	to see where an ordinance stands	yess	no
to rise a point of order	to ask a question or correct a parliamentary error	no	yes
to table a motion	to delay action	yes	no
the previous question	to force an immediate vote	yes	no

Order of Events

Below is an outline of the way business should be carried out in your council. Students can fill in the blanks with your ordinance number and choose the appropriate responses as the meeting goes on.

Mayor gives the call to order: "This meeting of the city council will now come to order. Please join me in the pledge of allegiance to the flag."

The Clerk 'I'reasurer calls the roll: "Council Member_____, Council Member _______, Council Member ______,...."

Council Members should answer in the affirmative when called: "Yea"

Mayor: Either, "At the time of adjournment, the old business before the body was ________________________.

Or, "Since we have no old business, the chair will now entertain a motion to consider new business.

Council member: "Mr. or Mrs. Mayor I move to consider Ordinance ____________.

Mayor: "Is the motion seconded?"

Mayor: "'I'he motion has been made and seconded to take up Ordinance __________. Will the Clerk Treasurer please read the ordinance?"

Clerk Treasurer reads: "____________"

Mayor: "Is there any discussion on the ordinance proposal?" The mayor should recognize council members who wish to speak on the proposal then citizens. The mayor may also choose to alternate speeches between the negative and affirmative. This should proceed until debate seems at an end.

Mayor: "Are you ready for the question?"

Council Member: "I move the previous question"

Mayor: "Is there a second?"

Mayor: "All those in favor of Ordinance __________ indicate so by saying 'Yea' when your name is called, All

those opposed indicate by saying 'Nay'.

Clerk Treasurer call roll and records the votes: "Ordinance passes/is defeated by a vote of affirmative; _ negative ___."

Mayor: "Is there any new business?" The above order is followed until business is complete or the class is over. Remember that a motion to adjourn is necessary before the session comes to a close.