Rules and ProcedureTHSMUN 2015

Roll Call(ACTIVITY ON ROLL CALL)

TWO TYPES: •Present •Present and Voting ( Cannot abstain)

Note that no delegate can abstain from voting on procedural matters.

Setting the Agenda (valid only if multiple agendas

are present)How to raise the motion?“The country of [name] moves to place [topic A] first on the agenda, followed by [topic B] and then [topic C].”

Three delegations then speak for and three speak against the motion. Simple majority decides whether the motion is passed or not

The motion to establish the General Speaker’s List (GSL) follows the motion to set the agenda. The default individual speaker’s time in the GSL is 90 seconds.

GSL

1a. When the session begins, speeches focus on stating country positions and offering recommendations for action

2a. After blocs have met, speeches focus on describing bloc positions to the entire body.

3a. Delegates now make statements describing their draft resolutions to the committee.

4a. Delegates try to garner more support through formal speeches and invite others to offer their ideas.

5a. Delegates make statements supporting or disagreeing with specific draft resolutions.

6a. Delegates present any amendments they have created.

Informal Debate: Moderated and Unmoderated Caucus

1b. After several countries state their positions, the committee breaks for caucuses (often in blocs) to develop regional positions.2b. Writing begins as countries work together to compose draft resolutions.3b. Countries and groups meet to gather support for specific draft resolutions.4b. Delegates finalize draft resolutions.5b. Draft-resolution sponsors build greater support for their resolution and look to incorporate others’ ideas through friendly amendments.How to raise a motion?

• The delegate of Moldova would like to raise a motion to move into a moderated caucus on the topic xyz for total time p minutes and individual speakers time z seconds. •The delegate of Moldova would like to raise a motion to move into an unmoderated caucus for a total time period of 10 minutes.

Closure of Debate

Once the resolution has been amended, the committee automatically moves to voting. Also, once a delegate feels that his or her country’s position is clear to others and that there are enough draft resolutions on the floor, he or she may make a motion to proceed into voting procedure by moving for the closure of debate.

Voting Procedures

Once a motion to close debate has been approved, the committee moves into voting procedure. Amendments are voted on first, then resolutions. Once all of the resolutions are voted on, the committee moves to the next topic on the agenda.

Tips for Effective Caucusing

• Enter the caucus with a plan in mind• Find delegates in your regional bloc• Provide ideas• Negotiate• Listen to others ideas • Do not interrupt• Record ideas• Be resourceful• Have one-on-one conversations• Stay calm• Use time effectively• Show respect• Provide constructive critique• Establish connections with other delegates

Motions:

Motion to open speakers list: Allows delegates to begin formal debate and establish the GSL. Motion to suspend debate: Used to move into a moderated/unmoderated caucus

Motion to adjourn meeting: Ends committee session until next sessionMotion to adjourn debate/table debate: Puts all the committees work on a particular topic on hold

Motion to table the agenda: This motion tables the agenda being discusseda

POINTS:Point of Order: Is used when the delegate believes the chair has made an error in the running of committee.May also be used to point out a factual fallacy in the speech of another delegate at the chairs discretion. (after the speech is over)

Point of Inquiry: Made when the floor is open to the chair regarding rules of procedure.

Point of personal Privilege: A delegate may raise this point to express personal discomfort. (can be asked at all times)

Point of Information: A delegate may raise a point of information in order to pose a question to another delegate(AFTER their speeches)

YIELDING TIMEIf one does not exceed the time limit of the GSL/PSL speech, one can yield their time in different ways. 1) Yield time to the chair: The remaining time will be given to the

chair for his proceedings 2) Yield to points of information: Delegates can ask the speaker

questions regarding their speech. 3) Yield time to another delegate: The remaining time will be given

to another delegate. This delegate can then address committee.

CRISIS: Often in committees, there is an unprecedented occurence of a crisis. This could be related to any two countries or be a matter of worldwide emergency as well.

Once a crisis occurs and has been shared, the committee tables debate and begins discussion on the crisis.

In a crisis a Provisional Speakers List is established similar to a GSL. Countries can add their names to the list and speak about the issue at hand. This is not based on prerequisite research.

How can a crisis be solved? •A resolution can be made with solutions on the problem at hand. •Countries give press releases about their stance on the problem and what they will do to solve the issue•Based on the chairs discretion, the crisis may not be solved due to time constraint in committee.

Substantive and Procedural Voting

SUBSTANTIVE: Things that are related to the topic being discussed. Could be a vote on draft resolutions, amendments etc.

PROCEDURAL: Having to do with the way a committee is run. Delegates cannot abstain from voting on such matters.

ACTIVITY: Ask delegates to think of procedural and substantive matters that could be voted on in committee.