Step 4 of Making a Motion: What is required to confirm the motion, and what happens if not?

• A. It is referred to committee
• B. It is immediately discussed
• C. A second must be stated to confirm; if no second, the motion is lost
• D. The presiding officer repeats the motion

Answer: (C)

The essential idea is that a motion must be seconded to move forward and be eligible for discussion. After the motion is stated, the chair asks for a second, and that second shows at least one other member is willing to consider the proposal. If no second is offered, the motion dies for lack of a second and cannot be debated or voted on. If a second is given, the motion becomes pending, the chair may repeat the motion for clarity, and the body can then debate and eventually vote on it. This step helps ensure the assembly only spends time on proposals with some level of support.