Motions in Parliament
A motion is a proposal that is put forward for discussion or decision in a meeting. In Parliament, motions are used to initiate debate on a particular issue, to propose a change to the law, or to express the will of the House on a matter of public importance.
Motions can be introduced by any Member of Parliament, and they must be seconded by another Member before they can be debated. Once a motion has been debated, it is put to a vote. If the motion is passed, it becomes a resolution of the House. If the motion is defeated, it is lost.
There are two main types of motions: substantive motions and procedural motions. Substantive motions are motions that propose a change to the law or that express the will of the House on a matter of public importance. Procedural motions are motions that are used to manage the business of the House.
Types of Motions
There are many different types of motions that can be introduced in Parliament. Some of the most common types of motions include:
- Adjournment motions: These motions are used to bring the sitting of the House to a close. They can be moved by any Member of Parliament, and they must be seconded by another Member.
- Questions: These motions are used to ask the Government questions about its policies and activities. They can be asked by any Member of Parliament, and they must be answered by a Minister.
- Debates: These motions are used to initiate debate on a particular issue. They can be moved by any Member of Parliament, and they must be seconded by another Member.
- Resolutions: These motions are used to express the will of the House on a matter of public importance. They can be moved by any Member of Parliament, and they must be seconded by another Member.
- Bills: These motions are used to introduce new laws into Parliament. They can be introduced by any Member of Parliament, and they must be passed by both Houses of Parliament before they can become law.
How to Introduce a Motion
To introduce a motion, a Member of Parliament must first give notice of the motion to the Clerk of the House. The notice must state the title of the motion, the name of the Member who is moving the motion, and the name of the Member who is seconding the motion.
Once the notice has been given, the motion can be debated on a future sitting day. The debate on the motion will be opened by the Member who is moving the motion, and it will then be open to debate by other Members of Parliament.
After the debate has concluded, the motion will be put to a vote. If the motion is passed, it becomes a resolution of the House. If the motion is defeated, it is lost.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a motion?
A motion is a proposal that is put forward for discussion or decision in a meeting. In Parliament, motions are used to initiate debate on a particular issue, to propose a change to the law, or to express the will of the House on a matter of public importance.
What are the different types of motions?
There are many different types of motions that can be introduced in Parliament. Some of the most common types of motions include:
- Adjournment motions
- Questions
- Debates
- Resolutions
- Bills
How do I introduce a motion?
To introduce a motion, a Member of Parliament must first give notice of the motion to the Clerk of the House. The notice must state the title of the motion, the name of the Member who is moving the motion, and the name of the Member who is seconding the motion.
Once the notice has been given, the motion can be debated on a future sitting day. The debate on the motion will be opened by the Member who is moving the motion, and it will then be open to debate by other Members of Parliament.
After the debate has concluded, the motion will be put to a vote. If the motion is passed, it becomes a resolution of the House. If the motion is defeated, it is lost.
What happens if a motion is passed?
If a motion is passed, it becomes a resolution of the House. This means that the House has agreed to the proposal that was contained in the motion.
What happens if a motion is defeated?
If a motion is defeated, it is lost. This means that the House has not agreed to the proposal that was contained in the motion.
MCQs
- What is a motion?
(A) A proposal that is put forward for discussion or decision in a meeting.
(B) A law that is passed by Parliament.
(C) A person who is elected to represent a