Structure of Debate and Parliamentary Procedure

Flow of Debate

Step 1: Roll Call

Chair calls on each country. Delegates say “present.”

Step 2: Speakers ListFormal: Speakers ListDelegates raise their placards to be included on the speakers list. This determines the order in which they deliver their speeches.*You want to be close to the top!

Speeches: Focus on stating country positions and offering recommendations for action.“Thank you Honorable Chair...” (beginning and ending)    Say your country’s position (how the issue affects your country, past decisions, facts)    Offer ideas for resolutions*Convince the other delegations that your ideas are the best!

Step 3: Debate

Informal:Moderated vs. unmoderated caucuses:During moderated caucuses, the Chair calls on delegates one-by-one so that each can address the committee in short speeches.

During unmoderated caucuses, the committee breaks for a limited time so that delegates can meet with each other and discuss ideas.

Step 3 Continued: Moderated and Unmoderated Caucuses

• Moderated Caucus:– Purpose is to focus on possible solutions and ways to

compromise– Delegations make short impromptu speeches about their

ideas

• Unmoderated Caucus:– Purpose is to form alliances and write resolutions with

other countries– Find delegates who shared a similar position during a

moderated caucus or from the speaker’s list– Begin drafting resolutions

Step 4: Resolutions• After countries state their positions in

moderated caucuses, during unmoderated caucuses, delegates talk to other delegates to form blocs (groups of supporters). Delegates write resolutions and try to convince more countries to support them.

• You absolutely MAY NOT bring pre-written resolutions to the conference.

Step 5: Closure of Debate

You can close the debate in two ways:

1.Exhaust the Speakers List (i.e. every country on the Speakers List has given a speech) *this automatically moves the committee to a vote

1.Make a motion to close the debate on a topic (only if a draft resolution exists!)

“Honorable Chair, the delegation from _________ moves to close debate.”

Step 6: Voting

1. Delegates offer and attach amendments to the resolutions. Everyone votes on these amendments.

2. All delegations vote on resolutions.

Chair performs a Group or Roll Call vote.

Review of Structure

• Speakers List

• Moderated and Unmoderated Caucuses: this is how the debate is facilitated!

• Resolutions

• Amendments

• Voting

What is “parliamentary procedure”?

Body of rules and customs governing meetings and operations of the United Nations.

These are the terms you must use to engage in proper debate.

Motions and PointsMotions and Points are made by delegates to run the meeting.

• Motion - a formal proposal by a country, usually followed by a vote.

            *Ex. “Honorable Chair, the country of Sweden                    moves to ____________”

• Point - a question or comment  by a country related to the structure of the meeting.

*Ex. “Honorable Chair, the country of Sweden has a point of personal privilege; we cannot hear the speaker.”

Useful MotionsMotion to open the Speakers List Allows delegates to sign up for the Speakers List

Vote required? Yes, simple majority

Motion to set the speakers’ time States the time allowed for speeches (10 sec - 30 min)

Vote required? Yes, simple majority

Motion to suspend debate (for the purpose of holding a caucus, etc.) Allows delegates to enter into moderated and/or

unmoderated caucuses for a SET TIME Vote required? Yes, simple majority

More Useful MotionsMotion to table debate Pauses debate on a topic to discuss another

topic. *You can return to the first topic later. Vote required? Yes, 2/3 majority

Motion to close debate Stops debate and begins a vote

Vote required? Yes, 2/3 majority

Motion to adjourn the meeting Ends the session for a specific reason: lunch,

etc. Vote required? Yes, simple majority

Useful PointsPoint of orderUsed to tell the Chair that he/she has made an          error in the running of the committee.            Vote? No, decision of Chair.

Point of inquiryUsed to ask the Chair a question about the rules of procedure.            Vote? No.

Point of personal privilegeUsed to tell the Chair about a specific problem of the delegate (i.e. can’t hear, room is too hot, etc.)            Vote? No.

More Useful PointsPoint of informationUsed to ask a question of a speaker during formal debate.        Vote? No, decision of delegate who is speaking.

Appeal to the Chair’s decisionUsed when a delegate thinks the Chair has incorrectly decided a point or motion.        Vote? Yes, 2/3 majority.

HW for tomorrow: Come in with a draft of your

introductory speech. In class on Tuesday, we will

do a simulation of the speakers list portion of

the debate.