Which classification of motions includes Point of Order, Appeal from the Decision of the Chair, and Suspend the Rules, among others?

• A. Main Motions
• B. Incidental Motions
• C. Motions to Recess
• D. Privileged Motions

Answer: (B)

In parliamentary procedure, motions are grouped by purpose. Incidental motions are those that arise to handle questions of procedure that come up while business is pending. Point of Order is used to call attention to a rule or procedure and have the chair rule on it, which is about how the meeting is conducted rather than about substantive policy. An Appeal from the Decision of the Chair lets the assembly review and potentially overturn a chair’s procedural ruling, again focusing on how the rules are applied. Suspend the Rules enables temporary lapses from a rule to allow a specific action, which is a procedural exception rather than a substantive proposal. Because each of these deals with the process and enforcement of rules during the meeting, they fit squarely in the incidental motions category.