Who owns the motion up to the completion of Step 3?

• A. The presiding officer
• B. The assembly
• C. The maker of the motion
• D. The secretary

Answer: (C)

The person who brings a motion to the group has control over it in the early stage. That mover is responsible for presenting the idea and explaining it to the assembly, and they can explain, modify, or withdraw the motion before it is formally placed on the floor for consideration. This ownership lasts through the initial steps up to the point when the motion has been seconded and the chair states the question.

Why this is the best choice is that, until the motion is seconded and then stated by the chair, the maker retains exclusive control over the motion and its presentation. The presiding officer, the assembly, or the secretary do not own or command the motion at this stage; once the motion is properly on the floor, it becomes the assembly’s matter to decide.