Refer to a Committee

Question 1

What is the purpose of the subsidiary motion to commit or refer?

Answer 1

To sending a pending motion to a committee so that it can be further investigated and pit in better condition for the assembly to consider at a later time.

Question 2

Name three variations of the motion to commit or refer.

Answer 2

1. Committee of the whole
2. Quasi committee of the whole
3. Consider Informally

Question 3

Is the subsidiary motion to commit or refer out of order when another member has the floor.

Answer 3

Yes

Question 4

Must the subsidiary motion to commit or refer be seconded before it is considered?

Answer 4

Yes

Question 5

When a motion is made by the direction of the committee composed of over two members, does it require a second

Answer 5

No

Question 6

Is the motion to commit or refer debatable?

Answer 6

Yes

Question 7

Can debate go into the merits of the main question?

Answer 7

No

Question 8

Is the motion to commit or refer amendable?

Answer 8

Yes

Question 9

Can an affirmative vote for the subsidiary motion to commit or refer be reconsidered

Answer 9

Yes, if the committee has not begun considering the question.

Question 10

What vote is required to adopt the motion to commit or refer?

Answer 10

Majority

Question 11

What class of motions does the motion to commit or refer belong to if made when a main motion is pending?

Answer 11

Subsidiary

Question 12

What does the term recommit mean?

Answer 12

To refer a matter a second time

Question 13

If a motion is made to refer a matter to a committee when no business is pending, what class of motions does it belong to?

Answer 13

1. It is an original Main Motion if the matter to be assigned or referred relates to a new subject.
2. It is an incidental main motion if the assignment or referral is pursuant to a subject on which the assembly has already taken some action.

Question 14

Name three privileged motions that the subsidiary motion Commit or Refer yields to

Answer 14

1. Fix the Time to which to adjourn
2. Adjourn
3. Recess
4. Raise a question of privilege
5. Call for the orders of the day

Question 15

Name two debatable, subsidiary motions that the subsidiary motion Commit or Refer takes precedence over.

Answer 15

1. Postpone Indefinitely and Amend

Question 16

If a chairman appoints a committee, who selects its chairman

Answer 16

The chairman

Question 17

If the chairman does not designate a committee chairman, and names a committee, which committee member automatically becomes the chairman?

Answer 17

The first named committee member

Question 18

Who has the power to replace members of a committee

Answer 18

The appointing authority

Question 19

What hapens to the motion to postpone indefinitely if it is pending when a Main Motion is referred to a committee?

Answer 19

It is dropped from consideration

Question 20

What happens to a pending amendment if a motion is referred to a committee?

Answer 20

It goes to the committee with the Main Motion and they are reported with it.

Question 21

Does the motion to commit or refer require a second?

Answer 21

Yes

Question 22

Is the motion to commit or refer debatable?

Answer 22

Yes

Question 23

What vote is required to adopt the motion to commit or refer?

Answer 23

Majority

Question 24

Name the two types of ordinary committees.

Answer 24

Standing committees and special committees.

Question 25

What are two other names used for special committees?

Answer 25

Select committee and ad hoc committee

Question 26

What is the difference between a standing committee and a special committee?

Answer 26

Standing committees perform a continuing function and are permanent. A special committee is a temporary committee and becomes nonexistent as soon as the committee’s task is completed.

Question 27

Where are standing committees listed

Answer 27

In the bylaws

Question 28

What are two actions that a committee can authorize if it is given full power to act?

Answer 28

1. Spend money
2. Add to its own membership

Question 29

What are three methods of appointing committees?

Answer 29

1. Election by ballot
2. Apointment by the chair
3. appointment by adoption of a motion naming members of a committee

Question 30

What are two differences between a committee of the whole and a quasi committee of the whole

Answer 30

1. A committee of the whole is suited for large assemblies and the regular presiding officer appoints the chairman and then leaves the chair
2. A quasi committee of the whole is suited to assemblies of medium size (50-100 members) and the regular presiding officer remains the chair