Model United Nations

Flow of Debate, Points & Motions, Procedures

Rules of Procedure: Key Termso Delegate: A representative of a country in a committee.

o Dais: Leads each committee at a MUN conference.

Typically consists of Chair, Rapporteur and Director.

o Roll Call: Identifies which delegations are present in the

committee.

o Formal Debate: Delegates make speeches, answer

questions, and introduce and debate resolutions.

o Informal Debate: Delegates can talk freely among

themselves on the topic, forming ideas for solutions and

creating resolutions.

o Caucusing: A break in formal debate to facilitate

discussion on the topic.  Most of the work at a MUN

conference is done during a caucus.

• Moderated Caucus: Allows delegates to debate in a

less formal setting while still addressing the entire

committee.

• Unmoderated Caucus: Allows delegates to meet

informally to discuss and negotiate draft resolutions

Common MotionsSecond

Required? Vote to Pass Notes What to Say?

Motion to Set Speaking Time Yes Simple

MajorityUsed to set or change the speaking time.

[Your Country Name] motions to set the speaking time at [suggest time].Ex. Haiti motions to set the speaking time at one minute.

Motion to Suspend Meeting Yes Simple

Majority Motions

[Your Country Name] motions to suspend the meeting for [purpose] for [length of time]. Ex. Haiti motions to suspend the meeting for an unmoderated caucus for 15 minutes.

Motion to Close Debate Yes

Used to stop debate on a topic and move into voting procedure.

[Your Country Name] motions to close debate on Topic [topic name]

Motion to Adjourn Meeting Yes Simple

MajorityUsed to end the committee session.

[Your Country Name] motions to adjourn the meeting.

Common Points

Points Second Required? Vote to Pass Notes What to Say?

Point of Inquiry

No No Vote Required

Used when a delegate has questions regarding the procedure of debate.

Raise placard and say “Point of Inquiry” (Wait until the Chair recognizes you, and then you can ask your question).

Point of Order

Used when a delegate believes an error in procedure has been made

Raise placard and say “Point of Order” (Wait until the Chair recognizes you, and then you can ask your question).

Common Points

Points Second Required? Vote to Pass Notes What to Say?

Point of Information

No No Vote Required

Used when a delegate needs further information regarding something that has been stated (the meaning of an acronym used in a speech, etc.)

Raise placard and say “Point of Information” (Wait until the Chair recognizes you, and then you can ask your question).

Point of Personal Privilege

Used when a delegate experiences personal discomfort (i.e. can’t hear, too hot/cold, etc.) .

Raise placard and say “Point of Personal Privilege” (Wait until the Chair recognizes you, and them make your request).

Flow of Debate

Roll Call

Debate

Close of Debate

Voting Procedures