Return To: 2024 Handbook
2024 Handbook General Assembly Rules of Procedure
Topics
1.0 Administrative 1.0 Administrative
1.1 The Secretariat. The Secretariat consists of the volunteer staff members of American Model United Nations (AMUN).
1.2 Rules Committee. The President of the General Assembly, the Senior Vice President(s) of the General Assembly, the Director of Rules and Procedures, the Director of Security Council Procedures and one other person as appointed by the Secretary-General shall compose the membership of the Rules Committee.
1.3 Credentials. All questions concerning the validity of representative credentials shall be submitted in writing to the Secretariat,
- The Secretariat has sole authority to create and distribute credentials,
- The Secretariat has sole authority to decide all questions concerning credentials, and
- Representatives must display approved credentials at all times while on the Conference premises.
1.4 Quorum/Majority. A quorum is one-fourth of the member delegations in attendance for each Committee; a majority is one-half of the member delegations in attendance for each Committee,
- A quorum must be present at all times during Committee sessions,
- A majority must be present for a substantive question to be put to a vote,
- Questions concerning quorum or majority should be directed to the Chair, and
- It is the responsibility of the Chair to ensure that a quorum is present at all times.
1.5 Committee Officers. The Secretariat shall appoint the President/Chairperson, Vice President/Vice Chairperson, and Rapporteur(s) for each Committee, and shall select any other positions necessary to help conduct the sessions of the Committees,
- Hereafter, in these rules, “Chair” will refer to both “Chairpersons” and “Presidents” and
- Hereafter, in these rules, “Committee” will refer to any Committee, Council or Commission, unless otherwise stated in the rule.
1.6 General Authority of the Chair. In addition to exercising such authority conferred upon the Chair elsewhere in these rules, the Chair shall,
- Declare the opening and closing of each session,
- Ensure the observance of the rules,
- Facilitate the discussions of the Committee and accord the right to speak,
- Advise the Committee on methods of procedure that will enable the body to accomplish its goals, and
- Rule on points and motions, and subject to these rules, have complete control of the proceedings of the Committee and the maintenance of order at its meetings.
- During the course of the session, the Chair may propose Suspension of the Meeting (rule 7.1), Adjournment of the Meeting (rule 7.2), Closure of Debate (rule 7.4), and Limits on Debate (rule 7.9).
The Chair is under the direct authority of the Rules Committee and may be directed to inform the body on matters of procedure or the body’s topical competence if such action is deemed necessary by the Rules Committee.
1.7 Absence of Chair. If the Chair is absent during any part of a Committee Session, the Chair will designate a member of the AMUN Secretariat, usually the Vice Chair, to chair the session with the same authority.
1.8 Number of Accredited Representatives. Each delegation is allowed two representatives per Committee on which it is a member, plus one Permanent Representative,
- This excludes the Special Committee to the General Assembly, which only allows one representative plus one Permanent Representative.
1.9 Selection of Agenda Topics. Agenda topics shall be selected by the Secretariat prior to the start of the conference. Once selected, these topics are fixed for the duration of the conference.
1.10 Observer Status. Those delegations recognized as having Observer Status by AMUN shall be accorded all rights in the Committee except the following,
- They may not vote,
- They may not make or second the following motions:
- Adjournment of the Meeting (rule 7.2),
- Adjournment of Debate (rule 7.3),
- Closure of Debate (rule 7.4), and
- Decision of Competence (rule 7.7).
1.11 State of Palestine. In addition to the rights and privileges otherwise afforded to Observer States, the State of Palestine is accorded the right to be seated among Member States in alphabetical order. The State of Palestine may also,
- Co-sponsor resolutions and amendments
- Move for all procedural motions, including moving resolutions and amendments to the floor (7.13 and 7.14)
The State of Palestine is NOT accorded the right to vote on substantive matters. This rule only applies in the General Assembly and its subsidiary bodies.
2.0 General Rules 2.0 General Rules
2.1 Statements by the Secretariat. The Secretary-General or any member of the Secretariat may make verbal or written statements to a Committee at any time.
2.2 Diplomatic Courtesy. All participants in the AMUN Conference must accord Diplomatic Courtesy to all credentialed representatives, Secretariat Members, Faculty Advisors, Observers and Hotel staff at all times,
- Representatives who persist in obvious attempts to disrupt the session shall be subject to expulsion from the Committee by the Chair,
- The Secretariat reserves the right to expel any representative or delegation from the Conference, and
- This decision is not appealable.
2.3 Speeches. No representative may address the Committee without obtaining the permission of the Chair,
- Delegations, not representatives, are recognized to speak; more than one representative from the same delegation may speak when the delegation is recognized,
- Speakers must keep their remarks germane to the subject under discussion,
- A time limit may be established for speeches (rule 7.9),
- At the conclusion of a substantive speech, representatives will be allowed to answer questions concerning their speech,
- A delegation that desires to ask a question of the speaker should signify by raising a Point of Inquiry (rule 6.3),
- All questions and replies are made through the Chair,
- A speaker who desires to make a motion may do so after speaking and accepting Points of Inquiry, but prior to yielding the floor, and
- By making a motion the speaker yields the floor.
2.4 Recognition of Speakers. Delegations wishing to speak on an item before the body will signify by raising their placards,
- The exception to this rule occurs on any Point of Order (rule 6.1), Information (rule 6.2), or Inquiry (rule 6.3), at which time a representative should raise their placard and call out “Point of ___________” to the Chair,
- Points will be recognized in the order of their priority,
- Motions may not be made from Points of Order (rule 6.1), Information (rule 6.2), or Inquiry (rule 6.3), or from any procedural speeches, except,
- A motion to Appeal the Decision of the Chair (rule 7.6), may be made when recognized for a Point of Order.
- The Chair shall recognize speakers in a fair and orderly manner, and
- Speakers’ lists will not be used.
2.5 Right of Reply. The Chair may accord a Right of Reply to any representative if a speech by another representative contains unusual or extraordinary language clearly insulting to personal or national dignity,
- Requests for a Right of Reply shall be made in writing to the Chair,
- Requests shall contain the specific language which was found to be insulting to personal or national dignity,
- The Chair may limit the time allowed for a reply,
- There shall be no reply to a reply, and
- This decision is not appealable.
2.6 Withdrawal of Motions. A motion may be withdrawn by its proposer at any time before voting on it has begun,
- Seconds to a motion may also be withdrawn,
- A withdrawn motion or second may be reintroduced by another delegation.
2.7 Dilatory Motions. The Chair may rule out of order any motion repeating or closely approximating a recent previous motion on which the Committee has already rendered an opinion,
- This decision is not appealable.
3.0 Rules That Relate to the Rules 3.0 Rules That Relate to the Rules
3.1 Rule Priority and Procedure. The rules contained in this handbook are the official rules of procedure of the American Model United Nations and will be used for all Committee sessions. These rules take precedence over any other set of rules.
3.2 Precedence of Rules. Proceedings in the Committees and General Assembly sessions of AMUN shall be conducted under the following precedence of rules;
- AMUN Rules of Procedure,
- AMUN General Assembly (GA) & Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Order of Precedence of the Rules Short Form,
- Rulings by the Rules Committee,
- Historical usage of the AMUN Rules of Procedure,
- Historical usage of the United Nations Rules of Procedure,
- The Charter of the United Nations.
3.3 The Order of Precedence of Procedural Motions.The order of precedence of procedural motions is listed in both the General Assembly (GA) and Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Precedence Short Forms and in these rules under Section 7, “Procedural Motions In Order of Priority.”
3.4 Rule Changes. The Rules Committee reserves the right to make changes to these rules at any time. Should a change occur, it will be communicated to the representatives in a timely manner.
4.0 Draft Proposals & Amendments 4.0 Draft Proposals & Amendments
4.1 Definition of Draft Resolutions. A draft resolution is a written proposal consisting of at least one preambular and one operative clause.
4.2 Draft Resolutions. Draft resolutions may be submitted to the Committee Secretariat for approval at any time during the Conference,
- For a draft resolution to be considered, it must be organized in content and flow, be in the proper format, have a minimum of 35 percent of the delegations in attendance listed as sponsors, and have the signature of the Rapporteur,
- The final required number of sponsors will be determined by the Rules Committee at conference registration in conjunction with the Director of Rapporteur Procedures. Rapporteurs shall remain apprised of the required number and shall make that information available to all representatives.
- After acceptance by the Rapporteur(s), draft resolutions shall be processed in the order in which they are received and distributed to all delegations as soon as feasible.
A draft resolution that has been distributed may be proposed when the Committee considers the agenda topic that is the subject of the draft resolution.
- Only one draft resolution may be considered on the floor at any time during formal debate,
- Once a draft resolution is on the floor for discussion, additional sponsors may only be added to that draft resolution with the consent of the original sponsors,
- Once a vote has been taken on a contested amendment to a draft resolution, no sponsors may be added or removed,
- Friendly amendments (rule 4.4) do not limit the addition of sponsors as noted above, and
- See also Closure of Debate (rule 7.4), Consideration of Draft Resolutions (rule 7.13) and Consideration of Amendments (rule 7.14).
4.3 Definition of Amendments. An amendment to a draft resolution is a written proposal that adds to, deletes from, or revises any part of a draft proposal.
4.4 Amendments. All amendments must be signed by 15 percent of the delegations in attendance,
- The final required number of sponsors will be determined by the Rules Committee in conjunction with the Director of Rapporteur Procedures at conference registration and announced at the opening of each committee session,
An amendment is submitted on an official amendment form to the Rapporteurs for approval.
- Amendments will be approved if they are legible, organized in content and flow, and in the proper format,
- Approved amendments will be assigned an identification letter by the Rapporteurs, and
- Typographical errors in a resolution will be corrected by the Rapporteurs and announced to the body.
One or more amendments may be considered on the floor at any given time (see also Closure of Debate (rule 7.4) and Consideration of Amendments (rule 7.14)).
An amendment will be considered “friendly” if all sponsors of the draft resolution or report are also sponsors of the amendment,
- A friendly amendment becomes part of a draft proposal upon the announcement that it is accepted by the dais,
- A vote is not required to add a friendly amendment to a draft resolution,
- A dais member shall announce the acceptance of a friendly amendment on the first opportunity at which no speaker has the floor, and
- Friendly amendments cannot be accepted after a vote has been taken on a contested amendment or after closure of debate on the resolution has been moved.
4.5 Withdrawal of Sponsorship. Sponsorship of a resolution or amendment may be withdrawn at any time before entering into voting procedure on the item,
- Sponsorship of a resolution may not be withdrawn after a vote has been taken on a contested amendment,
- If a draft resolution or amendment falls below the number of sponsors required for consideration, additional sponsors may be added to that proposal with the consent of the original sponsors, and
- If a draft resolution or amendment falls below the required number of sponsors, it is automatically removed from consideration.
5.0 Voting 5.0 Voting
5.1 Voting Rights. Each Member State is accorded one vote in each Committee on which it is represented,
- No representative or delegation may cast a vote on behalf of another Member State.
5.2 Simple Majority. Unless otherwise specified in these rules, decisions in the Committee shall be made by a majority vote of those Members present and voting. If there is an equal division between yes and no votes, the motion fails.
5.3 Adoption by Consensus. The adoption of draft resolutions and amendments by consensus is desirable when it contributes to the effective and lasting settlement of differences, thus strengthening the authority of the United Nations,
- Any representative may request the adoption of a report, amendment or draft resolution by consensus at any time after closure of debate has passed,
- The Chair shall then ask whether there is any objection to consensus and then shall ask if any Member States wish to abstain from consensus,
- Delegations abstaining from consensus will be officially recorded,
- If there is no objection, the proposal is approved by consensus, and
- If any representative objects to consensus, voting shall occur as otherwise stated in these rules.
5.4 Method of Voting. The Committee shall normally vote by a show of raised placards,
- Any delegation may request a roll call vote on substantive matters, unless adopted by consensus,
- The Chair may grant a request by a delegation for a roll call vote on any substantive matter, and the Chair’s decision on such a request is not subject to appeal,
- When applicable, roll shall be called in English alphabetical order beginning with a member selected at random by the Vice Chair,
- Representatives shall reply “yes,” “no,” “abstain” or “abstain from the order of voting,”
- A member may abstain from the order of voting once during a roll call; a second abstention from the order of voting will be recorded as an abstention.
5.5 Conduct During Voting. Immediately prior to a vote, the Chair shall describe to the Committee the item to be voted on, and shall explain the consequences of a “yes” or a “no” vote. Voting shall begin upon the Chair’s declaration that “we are now in voting procedure” and end when the results of the vote are announced,
- Following Closure of Debate, and prior to entering voting procedure, the Chair shall pause briefly to allow delegations the opportunity to make any relevant motions,
- Relevant motions prior to a vote include:
- Suspension of the Meeting (rule 7.1),
- Adjournment of the Meeting (rule 7.2),
- Decision of No Action (rule 7.5) (Only available in GA Plenary),
- Decision of Competence (rule 7.7),
- Division of the Question (rule 7.10), or
- Important Question (rule 7.12) (Only available in GA Plenary), and
- Relevant requests prior to a vote include:
- Adoption by Consensus (rule 5.3),
- Request for a roll call vote (rule 5.4), and
- Once in voting procedure, no representative shall interrupt the voting except on a Point of Order or Point of Information concerning the actual conduct of the vote.
5.6 Changes of Votes. At the end of a roll call vote, but before Rights of Explanation (rule 5.7) are granted and the subsequent announcement of the vote, the Vice Chair will ask for any vote changes. Any delegation that desires to change its recorded vote may do so at that time.
5.7 Rights of Explanation. Rights of Explanation are permitted on all substantive votes after voting. The Chair may limit time for Rights of Explanation. Limits on Rights of Explanation should be no less than 30 seconds.
6.0 Points of Procedure in Order of Priority 6.0 Points of Procedure in Order of Priority
6.1 Point of Order. During the discussion of any matter, a representative may rise to a Point of Order if the representative believes that the Committee is proceeding in a manner contrary to these rules,
- The representative must call out their point and will be recognized immediately by the Chair and the point ruled on,
- A representative rising to a Point of Order may not speak substantively on any matter,
- If a representative’s ability to participate in the Committee’s deliberations is impaired for any reason, the representative may rise to a Point of Order,
- A Point of Order may interrupt a speaker, and
- See also Speeches (rule 2.3).
6.2 Point of Information. A Point of Information is raised to the Chair if a representative wishes to obtain a clarification of procedure or a statement of the matters before the Committee,
- The representative must call out their point to be recognized,
- A Point of Information may not interrupt a speaker, and
- See also Speeches (rule 2.3).
6.3 Point of Inquiry. During substantive debate, a representative may question a speaker by rising to a Point of Inquiry,
- Questions must be directed through the Chair and may be made only after the delegation has concluded their remarks, but before the delegation has yielded the floor,
- The representative must call out their point to be recognized,
- A Point of Inquiry may not interrupt a speaker, and
- See also Speeches (rule 2.3).
7.0 Procedural Motions in Order of Priority 7.0 Procedural Motions in Order of Priority
7.1 Suspension of the Meeting. During the discussion of any matter, a representative may move to suspend the meeting. Suspending a meeting recesses it for the time specified in the motion,
- This motion requires a second,
- This motion is not debatable,
- The Chair may request that the delegation making the motion modify the time of suspension, and
- If the motion passes, upon reconvening the Committee will continue its business from the point at which the suspension was moved.
7.2 Adjournment of the Meeting. The motion of adjournment means that all business of the Committee has been completed for the year, and that the Committee will not reconvene until the next annual session,
- This motion requires a second,
- This motion is not debatable,
- The Chair may refuse to recognize a motion to adjourn the meeting if the Committee still has business before it, and
- This decision is not appealable.
7.3 Adjournment of Debate. During the discussion of any draft resolution, or amendment, a representative may move for adjournment of debate,
- This motion requires a second,
- Two delegations may speak in favor of the motion, and two opposed; the motion shall then be put to a vote,
- An item upon which debate has been adjourned must pass a vote of Reconsideration before it may be brought back to the floor for consideration (rule 7.11), and
- The effect of this motion, if passed, removes the item from consideration and allows the Committee to move on to another draft resolution or amendment.
7.4 Closure of Debate. A representative may move to close debate on a draft resolution or amendment before the Committee at any time during the discussion of item. The effect of this motion, if passed, is to bring a draft resolution or amendment that is on the floor to a vote,
- This motion requires a second,
- Two delegations may speak against closure; the motion shall then be put to a vote,
- Representatives should specify whether the motion for closure applies to an amendment or a draft resolution,
- If closure passes on a draft resolution, all amendments on the floor will be voted on in the reverse order from which they were moved to the floor, and
- After voting on all amendments is completed, the draft resolution shall be voted upon in accordance with these rules.
At the conclusion of voting procedure, the draft resolution or amendment being voted on is removed from consideration, regardless of whether the proposal passes or fails. Debate then continues on the current agenda topic.
7.5 Decision of No Action. Applicable only in the General Assembly Plenary (rule 8.3).
7.6 Appealing a Decision of the Chair. Rulings of the Chair are appealable unless otherwise specified in these rules,
- This motion requires a second,
- Two delegations may speak in favor of the motion and two opposed; the motion shall then be put to a vote,
- An appeal must be made immediately following the ruling in question,
- This motion may be made by a delegation that has been recognized through a Point of Order,
- The Chair shall put the question as follows: “Shall the decision of the Chair be upheld?” A “yes” vote supports the Chair’s decision; a “no” signifies objection,
- The decision of the Chair shall be upheld by a tie, and
- Rulings by the Chair on the following rules or motions are not appealable:
- Diplomatic Courtesy (rule 2.2),
- Right of Reply (rule 2.5),
- Dilatory Motions (rule 2.7),
- Granting of a roll call vote (rule 5.4),
- Adjournment of the Meeting (rule 7.2), and
- Any time a ruling by the Chair is a direct quotation from these Rules of Procedure.
7.7 Decision of Competence. A motion calling for a decision on the competence of the Committee to discuss or adopt a draft resolution or amendment as outlined in the United Nations Charter is in order at any time prior to entering voting procedure,
- This motion requires a second,
- Two delegations may speak in favor of the motion and two opposed; the motion shall then be put to a vote, and
- The effect is the same as Adjournment of Debate (rule 7.3) and requires a motion for Reconsideration of Proposals (rule 7.11) in order to discuss the item again.
- The Committee is always competent to discuss the topics in the agenda set by the Secretariat and listed in the AMUN Handbook (rule 1.9).
7.8 Consideration of Agenda Topics. Agenda topics will be considered in the order in which they appear in the AMUN Handbook, unless that order is altered by the passage of a motion for Consideration of Agenda Topics,
- This motion requires a second, and
- This motion is not debatable.
7.9 Limits on Debate. The body may choose to limit or extend the time allotted to each delegation, or limit the number of times each delegation can speak on a proposal,
- This motion requires a second,
- Two delegations may speak in favor of the motion and two opposed; the motion shall then be put to a vote,
- The time allotted for substantive speeches shall be no less than three minutes,
- The time allotted for procedural speeches shall be no less than one minute,
- This motion may limit the number of Points of Inquiry a speaker may accept to a minimum of one, and
- A motion to limit the time of debate on an agenda topic, draft resolution or amendment is also in order.
7.10 Division of the Question. The Committee may choose to divide the question, proposing that clauses of an amendment or draft resolution be voted on separately,
- This motion requires a second,
- Two delegations may speak in favor of the motion and two opposed; the motion shall then be put to a vote,
- After a motion for Division of the Question passes, no other motion for Division of the Question is in order on that amendment or draft resolution,
- Those clauses or paragraphs of the amendment or draft resolution which are approved shall then be put to a vote as a whole,
- The motion may be made at any point in deliberations once the relevant amendment or resolution is introduced to the floor, and
- If division causes the draft resolution to no longer be in the proper format (rules 4.1 and 4.3), the proposal as a whole is rejected.
7.11 Reconsideration of Proposals. A motion for Reconsideration of Proposals is in order on an amendment or draft resolution which has passed or failed when put to a final vote. The motion is also in order for proposals on which Adjournment of Debate has passed (rule 7.3), on proposals on which a Decision of No Action was decided (rule 7.5) and on proposals upon which the Committee has decided it was not competent to discuss or adopt (rule 7.7),
- This motion requires a second and a two-thirds majority vote for passage,
- Two delegations may speak opposed to the motion, and
- If the motion passes, the issue is brought back before the body for debate and may be voted on again.
7.12 Important Question. Applicable only in the General Assembly Plenary (rule 8.4).
7.13 Consideration of Draft Resolutions. A draft resolution may be moved to the floor by a motion for Consideration of Draft Resolutions,
- This motion requires a second,
- The motion is not debatable,
- Only one draft resolution may be on the floor at any time,
- If a draft resolution is on the floor and a motion to consider a different draft resolution passes, the previous draft resolution, and any amendments, may be returned to the floor with a motion for Consideration of Draft Resolutions, and
- If the motion passes, the delegation motioning for consideration will be allowed to speak first on the draft resolution, if desired.
7.14 Consideration of Amendments. To bring an amendment to the floor for discussion, a delegation must first be recognized by the Chair,
- No second is required. Upon recognition of this motion by the Chair, the amendment will be under consideration by the body,
- The Secretariat will present the amendment to the body, and
- The delegation motioning for consideration will be allowed to speak first on the amendment, if desired.
8.0 Rules Relating Only to the General Assembly Plenary Sessions 8.0 Rules Relating Only to the General Assembly Plenary Sessions
This section of the rules applies to the General Assembly Plenary session, which will convene at the same time as the main Committees.
8.1 Interchangeability of Rules. All Committee rules apply to the conduct of business in the General Assembly Plenary.
8.2 Quorum. The General Assembly Plenary will observe the quorum requirements of rule 1.4.
8.3 Decision of No Action. During the discussion of any draft resolution or amendment, a representative may move that the body take no action on that matter,
- This motion requires a second,
- Two delegations may speak in favor of the motion and two opposed; the motion shall then be put to a vote,
- The effect is the same as adjourning debate (rule 7.3) and requires a motion for Reconsideration (rule 7.11) in order to discuss the item again, and
- This motion is in order during the General Assembly Plenary sessions.
8.4 Important Question. An Important Question in the General Assembly requires a two-thirds majority vote of all Members present and voting for passage. Amendments to draft resolutions dealing with Important Questions also require a two-thirds majority vote for passage. Decisions on Important Questions are applicable only to the General Assembly. When discussed in committees, these issues are debated and voted upon utilizing normal committee rules. Such questions shall include:
- Recommendations with respect to maintenance of international peace and security (only when the Security Council fails to act),
- Admission of new members to the United Nations,
- Suspension of rights and privileges of membership,
- Expulsion of Member States,
- Questions in relationship to the Trusteeship system, and
- Budgetary questions.
Draft resolutions which fall into these categories are automatically Important Questions, and will be designated as such by the President of the General Assembly. Determination of additional categories of Important Questions may be made by a simple majority vote of the Members present and voting before a vote is taken on any part of a proposal dealing with the subject,
- The motion must refer to a specific draft resolution for the body to consider as an Important Question,
- The motion requires a second,
- Two delegations may speak in favor of the motion and two opposed; the motion shall then be put to a vote.
- This motion is in order only in the General Assembly Plenary sessions.
8.5 Security Council Priority Relating to Issues Concerning the Maintenance of International Peace and Security. The Security Council, as established in the United Nations Charter, shall have priority over the General Assembly on issues that pertain to the maintenance of international peace and security. Issues of this type, while under discussion in the Security Council, shall be seized from General Assembly action. Any General Assembly draft resolution pertaining to a seized issue cannot be put to a final vote until the Security Council has completed its deliberations on the subject,
- General Assembly draft resolutions that deal with a seized issue may be discussed and amended, but no final vote on the draft resolution may be taken,
- If no resolution has been adopted, the Security Council will be considered to have completed its deliberations on a seized issue once that agenda topic is no longer under discussion,
- The Council may declare itself actively seized on a topic by stating this in a resolution; this seizure will prevent the General Assembly from taking action until a two-hour time period has elapsed,
- General Assembly representatives will be kept informed by the Secretary-General of any seized issues, and
- Note that this rule applies to only the General Assembly Plenary sessions.
8.6 Applications for Admission of New Member States. Any State which desires to become a member shall submit an application to the Secretary-General prior to the start of the Conference and at a date communicated by the AMUN Secretariat. Applications shall contain a declaration, made in a formal instrument, that the State in question accepts the obligations contained in the United Nations Charter,
- The Secretary-General shall inform the Security Council and the General Assembly of any applications.
8.7 Consideration of Applications and Decisions Thereon. If the Security Council recommends the application of a State for membership, the General Assembly may consider whether the applicant is a peace-loving State and is able and willing to carry out the obligations contained in the United Nations Charter,
- Any draft resolution on admission is automatically an Important Question,
- If the Security Council does not recommend the applicant State for membership, or if it postpones consideration of the application, the General Assembly may, after full consideration of the special report of the Security Council, send the application back to the Council, together with a full record of the discussion of the General Assembly, for further consideration and recommendation, and
- Note that this motion is in order only in the General Assembly Plenary sessions.
8.8 Notification of the Decision and Effective Date of Membership. The Secretary-General shall inform the applicant State of the decision of the General Assembly. If the application is approved, membership shall become effective on the date on which the General Assembly takes its decision on the application.
General Assembly Short Form
Download a PDF version of these short form rules optimized for printing.
Rule
Second?
Debatable?
Vote Required
Description
6.1
Point of Order
No
No
None
Point out a misuse of the rules
6.2
Point of Information
No
No
None
Ask any question of the Chair, or gain a clarification
6.3
Point of Inquiry
No
No
None
Ask a question of a speaker at the end of their speech, prior to the Delegation’s yielding the floor
7.1
Suspension of the Meeting
Yes
No
Simple Majority
Recess the meeting for a specific period of time
7.2
Adjournment of the Meeting
Yes
No
Simple Majority
End the meeting for the year
7.3
Adjournment of Debate
Yes
2 Pro
2 Con
Simple Majority
Remove from consideration any proposal on the floor without a vote on the content of that proposal
7.4
Closure of Debate
Yes
2 Con
Simple Majority
End debate on any proposal on the floor and bring it to an immediate vote
7.5
Decision of No Action
Yes
2 Pro
2 Con
Simple Majority
Only in GA Plenary sessions; signify that no action will be taken on the matter
7.6
Appealing a Decision of the Chair
Yes
2 Pro
2 Con
Simple Majority
Challenge a ruling made by the Chair
7.7
Decision of Competence
Yes
2 Pro
2 Con
Simple Majority
Question whether the UN body is competent to act on a certain issue within the Charter and international law
7.8
Consideration of Agenda Topics
Yes
No
Simple Majority
Change the order in which agenda items are discussed
7.9
Limits on Debate
Yes
2 Pro
2 Con
Simple Majority
Impose (or repeal) a limit on the length of any form of debate
7.10
Division of the Question
Yes
2 Pro
2 Con
Simple Majority
Divide a draft resolution or amendment into two or more clauses, or divide a report into two or more paragraphs, each to be voted on separately after Closure of Debate
7.11
Reconsideration of Proposals
Yes
2 Con
2 / 3 Majority
Reconsider an item on which debate has been adjourned or upon which a vote has been taken
7.12
Important Question
Yes
2 Pro
2 Con
Simple Majority
Only in GA Plenary sessions; requires a 2/3 majority vote to adopt a draft resolution or amendment
7.13
Consideration of Draft Resolutions
Yes
No
Simple Majority
Bring a draft resolution to the floor for discussion
7.14
Consideration of Amendments
No
No
None
Bring an amendment to the floor for discussion
Topics
1.0 Administrative 1.0 Administrative
1.1 The Secretariat. The Secretariat consists of the volunteer staff members of American Model United Nations (AMUN).
1.2 Rules Committee. The President of the General Assembly, the Senior Vice President(s) of the General Assembly, the Director of Rules and Procedures, the Director of Security Council Procedures and one other person as appointed by the Secretary-General shall compose the membership of the Rules Committee.
1.3 Credentials. All questions concerning the validity of representative credentials shall be submitted in writing to the Secretariat,
- The Secretariat has sole authority to create and distribute credentials,
- The Secretariat has sole authority to decide all questions concerning credentials, and
- Representatives must display approved credentials at all times while on the Conference premises.
1.4 Quorum/Majority. A quorum is one-fourth of the member delegations in attendance for each Committee; a majority is one-half of the member delegations in attendance for each Committee,
- A quorum must be present at all times during Committee sessions,
- A majority must be present for a substantive question to be put to a vote,
- Questions concerning quorum or majority should be directed to the Chair, and
- It is the responsibility of the Chair to ensure that a quorum is present at all times.
1.5 Committee Officers. The Secretariat shall appoint the President/Chairperson, Vice President/Vice Chairperson, and Rapporteur(s) for each Committee, and shall select any other positions necessary to help conduct the sessions of the Committees,
- Hereafter, in these rules, “Chair” will refer to both “Chairpersons” and “Presidents” and
- Hereafter, in these rules, “Committee” will refer to any Committee, Council or Commission, unless otherwise stated in the rule.
1.6 General Authority of the Chair. In addition to exercising such authority conferred upon the Chair elsewhere in these rules, the Chair shall,
- Declare the opening and closing of each session,
- Ensure the observance of the rules,
- Facilitate the discussions of the Committee and accord the right to speak,
- Advise the Committee on methods of procedure that will enable the body to accomplish its goals, and
- Rule on points and motions, and subject to these rules, have complete control of the proceedings of the Committee and the maintenance of order at its meetings.
- During the course of the session, the Chair may propose Suspension of the Meeting (rule 7.1), Adjournment of the Meeting (rule 7.2), Closure of Debate (rule 7.4), and Limits on Debate (rule 7.9).
The Chair is under the direct authority of the Rules Committee and may be directed to inform the body on matters of procedure or the body’s topical competence if such action is deemed necessary by the Rules Committee.
1.7 Absence of Chair. If the Chair is absent during any part of a Committee Session, the Chair will designate a member of the AMUN Secretariat, usually the Vice Chair, to chair the session with the same authority.
1.8 Number of Accredited Representatives. Each delegation is allowed two representatives per Committee on which it is a member, plus one Permanent Representative,
- This excludes the Special Committee to the General Assembly, which only allows one representative plus one Permanent Representative.
1.9 Selection of Agenda Topics. Agenda topics shall be selected by the Secretariat prior to the start of the conference. Once selected, these topics are fixed for the duration of the conference.
1.10 Observer Status. Those delegations recognized as having Observer Status by AMUN shall be accorded all rights in the Committee except the following,
- They may not vote,
- They may not make or second the following motions:
- Adjournment of the Meeting (rule 7.2),
- Adjournment of Debate (rule 7.3),
- Closure of Debate (rule 7.4), and
- Decision of Competence (rule 7.7).
1.11 State of Palestine. In addition to the rights and privileges otherwise afforded to Observer States, the State of Palestine is accorded the right to be seated among Member States in alphabetical order. The State of Palestine may also,
- Co-sponsor resolutions and amendments
- Move for all procedural motions, including moving resolutions and amendments to the floor (7.13 and 7.14)
The State of Palestine is NOT accorded the right to vote on substantive matters. This rule only applies in the General Assembly and its subsidiary bodies.
2.0 General Rules 2.0 General Rules
2.1 Statements by the Secretariat. The Secretary-General or any member of the Secretariat may make verbal or written statements to a Committee at any time.
2.2 Diplomatic Courtesy. All participants in the AMUN Conference must accord Diplomatic Courtesy to all credentialed representatives, Secretariat Members, Faculty Advisors, Observers and Hotel staff at all times,
- Representatives who persist in obvious attempts to disrupt the session shall be subject to expulsion from the Committee by the Chair,
- The Secretariat reserves the right to expel any representative or delegation from the Conference, and
- This decision is not appealable.
2.3 Speeches. No representative may address the Committee without obtaining the permission of the Chair,
- Delegations, not representatives, are recognized to speak; more than one representative from the same delegation may speak when the delegation is recognized,
- Speakers must keep their remarks germane to the subject under discussion,
- A time limit may be established for speeches (rule 7.9),
- At the conclusion of a substantive speech, representatives will be allowed to answer questions concerning their speech,
- A delegation that desires to ask a question of the speaker should signify by raising a Point of Inquiry (rule 6.3),
- All questions and replies are made through the Chair,
- A speaker who desires to make a motion may do so after speaking and accepting Points of Inquiry, but prior to yielding the floor, and
- By making a motion the speaker yields the floor.
2.4 Recognition of Speakers. Delegations wishing to speak on an item before the body will signify by raising their placards,
- The exception to this rule occurs on any Point of Order (rule 6.1), Information (rule 6.2), or Inquiry (rule 6.3), at which time a representative should raise their placard and call out “Point of ___________” to the Chair,
- Points will be recognized in the order of their priority,
- Motions may not be made from Points of Order (rule 6.1), Information (rule 6.2), or Inquiry (rule 6.3), or from any procedural speeches, except,
- A motion to Appeal the Decision of the Chair (rule 7.6), may be made when recognized for a Point of Order.
- The Chair shall recognize speakers in a fair and orderly manner, and
- Speakers’ lists will not be used.
2.5 Right of Reply. The Chair may accord a Right of Reply to any representative if a speech by another representative contains unusual or extraordinary language clearly insulting to personal or national dignity,
- Requests for a Right of Reply shall be made in writing to the Chair,
- Requests shall contain the specific language which was found to be insulting to personal or national dignity,
- The Chair may limit the time allowed for a reply,
- There shall be no reply to a reply, and
- This decision is not appealable.
2.6 Withdrawal of Motions. A motion may be withdrawn by its proposer at any time before voting on it has begun,
- Seconds to a motion may also be withdrawn,
- A withdrawn motion or second may be reintroduced by another delegation.
2.7 Dilatory Motions. The Chair may rule out of order any motion repeating or closely approximating a recent previous motion on which the Committee has already rendered an opinion,
- This decision is not appealable.
3.0 Rules That Relate to the Rules 3.0 Rules That Relate to the Rules
3.1 Rule Priority and Procedure. The rules contained in this handbook are the official rules of procedure of the American Model United Nations and will be used for all Committee sessions. These rules take precedence over any other set of rules.
3.2 Precedence of Rules. Proceedings in the Committees and General Assembly sessions of AMUN shall be conducted under the following precedence of rules;
- AMUN Rules of Procedure,
- AMUN General Assembly (GA) & Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Order of Precedence of the Rules Short Form,
- Rulings by the Rules Committee,
- Historical usage of the AMUN Rules of Procedure,
- Historical usage of the United Nations Rules of Procedure,
- The Charter of the United Nations.
3.3 The Order of Precedence of Procedural Motions.The order of precedence of procedural motions is listed in both the General Assembly (GA) and Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Precedence Short Forms and in these rules under Section 7, “Procedural Motions In Order of Priority.”
3.4 Rule Changes. The Rules Committee reserves the right to make changes to these rules at any time. Should a change occur, it will be communicated to the representatives in a timely manner.
4.0 Draft Proposals & Amendments 4.0 Draft Proposals & Amendments
4.1 Definition of Draft Resolutions. A draft resolution is a written proposal consisting of at least one preambular and one operative clause.
4.2 Draft Resolutions. Draft resolutions may be submitted to the Committee Secretariat for approval at any time during the Conference,
- For a draft resolution to be considered, it must be organized in content and flow, be in the proper format, have a minimum of 35 percent of the delegations in attendance listed as sponsors, and have the signature of the Rapporteur,
- The final required number of sponsors will be determined by the Rules Committee at conference registration in conjunction with the Director of Rapporteur Procedures. Rapporteurs shall remain apprised of the required number and shall make that information available to all representatives.
- After acceptance by the Rapporteur(s), draft resolutions shall be processed in the order in which they are received and distributed to all delegations as soon as feasible.
A draft resolution that has been distributed may be proposed when the Committee considers the agenda topic that is the subject of the draft resolution.
- Only one draft resolution may be considered on the floor at any time during formal debate,
- Once a draft resolution is on the floor for discussion, additional sponsors may only be added to that draft resolution with the consent of the original sponsors,
- Once a vote has been taken on a contested amendment to a draft resolution, no sponsors may be added or removed,
- Friendly amendments (rule 4.4) do not limit the addition of sponsors as noted above, and
- See also Closure of Debate (rule 7.4), Consideration of Draft Resolutions (rule 7.13) and Consideration of Amendments (rule 7.14).
4.3 Definition of Amendments. An amendment to a draft resolution is a written proposal that adds to, deletes from, or revises any part of a draft proposal.
4.4 Amendments. All amendments must be signed by 15 percent of the delegations in attendance,
- The final required number of sponsors will be determined by the Rules Committee in conjunction with the Director of Rapporteur Procedures at conference registration and announced at the opening of each committee session,
An amendment is submitted on an official amendment form to the Rapporteurs for approval.
- Amendments will be approved if they are legible, organized in content and flow, and in the proper format,
- Approved amendments will be assigned an identification letter by the Rapporteurs, and
- Typographical errors in a resolution will be corrected by the Rapporteurs and announced to the body.
One or more amendments may be considered on the floor at any given time (see also Closure of Debate (rule 7.4) and Consideration of Amendments (rule 7.14)).
An amendment will be considered “friendly” if all sponsors of the draft resolution or report are also sponsors of the amendment,
- A friendly amendment becomes part of a draft proposal upon the announcement that it is accepted by the dais,
- A vote is not required to add a friendly amendment to a draft resolution,
- A dais member shall announce the acceptance of a friendly amendment on the first opportunity at which no speaker has the floor, and
- Friendly amendments cannot be accepted after a vote has been taken on a contested amendment or after closure of debate on the resolution has been moved.
4.5 Withdrawal of Sponsorship. Sponsorship of a resolution or amendment may be withdrawn at any time before entering into voting procedure on the item,
- Sponsorship of a resolution may not be withdrawn after a vote has been taken on a contested amendment,
- If a draft resolution or amendment falls below the number of sponsors required for consideration, additional sponsors may be added to that proposal with the consent of the original sponsors, and
- If a draft resolution or amendment falls below the required number of sponsors, it is automatically removed from consideration.
5.0 Voting 5.0 Voting
5.1 Voting Rights. Each Member State is accorded one vote in each Committee on which it is represented,
- No representative or delegation may cast a vote on behalf of another Member State.
5.2 Simple Majority. Unless otherwise specified in these rules, decisions in the Committee shall be made by a majority vote of those Members present and voting. If there is an equal division between yes and no votes, the motion fails.
5.3 Adoption by Consensus. The adoption of draft resolutions and amendments by consensus is desirable when it contributes to the effective and lasting settlement of differences, thus strengthening the authority of the United Nations,
- Any representative may request the adoption of a report, amendment or draft resolution by consensus at any time after closure of debate has passed,
- The Chair shall then ask whether there is any objection to consensus and then shall ask if any Member States wish to abstain from consensus,
- Delegations abstaining from consensus will be officially recorded,
- If there is no objection, the proposal is approved by consensus, and
- If any representative objects to consensus, voting shall occur as otherwise stated in these rules.
5.4 Method of Voting. The Committee shall normally vote by a show of raised placards,
- Any delegation may request a roll call vote on substantive matters, unless adopted by consensus,
- The Chair may grant a request by a delegation for a roll call vote on any substantive matter, and the Chair’s decision on such a request is not subject to appeal,
- When applicable, roll shall be called in English alphabetical order beginning with a member selected at random by the Vice Chair,
- Representatives shall reply “yes,” “no,” “abstain” or “abstain from the order of voting,”
- A member may abstain from the order of voting once during a roll call; a second abstention from the order of voting will be recorded as an abstention.
5.5 Conduct During Voting. Immediately prior to a vote, the Chair shall describe to the Committee the item to be voted on, and shall explain the consequences of a “yes” or a “no” vote. Voting shall begin upon the Chair’s declaration that “we are now in voting procedure” and end when the results of the vote are announced,
- Following Closure of Debate, and prior to entering voting procedure, the Chair shall pause briefly to allow delegations the opportunity to make any relevant motions,
- Relevant motions prior to a vote include:
- Suspension of the Meeting (rule 7.1),
- Adjournment of the Meeting (rule 7.2),
- Decision of No Action (rule 7.5) (Only available in GA Plenary),
- Decision of Competence (rule 7.7),
- Division of the Question (rule 7.10), or
- Important Question (rule 7.12) (Only available in GA Plenary), and
- Relevant requests prior to a vote include:
- Adoption by Consensus (rule 5.3),
- Request for a roll call vote (rule 5.4), and
- Once in voting procedure, no representative shall interrupt the voting except on a Point of Order or Point of Information concerning the actual conduct of the vote.
5.6 Changes of Votes. At the end of a roll call vote, but before Rights of Explanation (rule 5.7) are granted and the subsequent announcement of the vote, the Vice Chair will ask for any vote changes. Any delegation that desires to change its recorded vote may do so at that time.
5.7 Rights of Explanation. Rights of Explanation are permitted on all substantive votes after voting. The Chair may limit time for Rights of Explanation. Limits on Rights of Explanation should be no less than 30 seconds.
6.0 Points of Procedure in Order of Priority 6.0 Points of Procedure in Order of Priority
6.1 Point of Order. During the discussion of any matter, a representative may rise to a Point of Order if the representative believes that the Committee is proceeding in a manner contrary to these rules,
- The representative must call out their point and will be recognized immediately by the Chair and the point ruled on,
- A representative rising to a Point of Order may not speak substantively on any matter,
- If a representative’s ability to participate in the Committee’s deliberations is impaired for any reason, the representative may rise to a Point of Order,
- A Point of Order may interrupt a speaker, and
- See also Speeches (rule 2.3).
6.2 Point of Information. A Point of Information is raised to the Chair if a representative wishes to obtain a clarification of procedure or a statement of the matters before the Committee,
- The representative must call out their point to be recognized,
- A Point of Information may not interrupt a speaker, and
- See also Speeches (rule 2.3).
6.3 Point of Inquiry. During substantive debate, a representative may question a speaker by rising to a Point of Inquiry,
- Questions must be directed through the Chair and may be made only after the delegation has concluded their remarks, but before the delegation has yielded the floor,
- The representative must call out their point to be recognized,
- A Point of Inquiry may not interrupt a speaker, and
- See also Speeches (rule 2.3).
7.0 Procedural Motions in Order of Priority 7.0 Procedural Motions in Order of Priority
7.1 Suspension of the Meeting. During the discussion of any matter, a representative may move to suspend the meeting. Suspending a meeting recesses it for the time specified in the motion,
- This motion requires a second,
- This motion is not debatable,
- The Chair may request that the delegation making the motion modify the time of suspension, and
- If the motion passes, upon reconvening the Committee will continue its business from the point at which the suspension was moved.
7.2 Adjournment of the Meeting. The motion of adjournment means that all business of the Committee has been completed for the year, and that the Committee will not reconvene until the next annual session,
- This motion requires a second,
- This motion is not debatable,
- The Chair may refuse to recognize a motion to adjourn the meeting if the Committee still has business before it, and
- This decision is not appealable.
7.3 Adjournment of Debate. During the discussion of any draft resolution, or amendment, a representative may move for adjournment of debate,
- This motion requires a second,
- Two delegations may speak in favor of the motion, and two opposed; the motion shall then be put to a vote,
- An item upon which debate has been adjourned must pass a vote of Reconsideration before it may be brought back to the floor for consideration (rule 7.11), and
- The effect of this motion, if passed, removes the item from consideration and allows the Committee to move on to another draft resolution or amendment.
7.4 Closure of Debate. A representative may move to close debate on a draft resolution or amendment before the Committee at any time during the discussion of item. The effect of this motion, if passed, is to bring a draft resolution or amendment that is on the floor to a vote,
- This motion requires a second,
- Two delegations may speak against closure; the motion shall then be put to a vote,
- Representatives should specify whether the motion for closure applies to an amendment or a draft resolution,
- If closure passes on a draft resolution, all amendments on the floor will be voted on in the reverse order from which they were moved to the floor, and
- After voting on all amendments is completed, the draft resolution shall be voted upon in accordance with these rules.
At the conclusion of voting procedure, the draft resolution or amendment being voted on is removed from consideration, regardless of whether the proposal passes or fails. Debate then continues on the current agenda topic.
7.5 Decision of No Action. Applicable only in the General Assembly Plenary (rule 8.3).
7.6 Appealing a Decision of the Chair. Rulings of the Chair are appealable unless otherwise specified in these rules,
- This motion requires a second,
- Two delegations may speak in favor of the motion and two opposed; the motion shall then be put to a vote,
- An appeal must be made immediately following the ruling in question,
- This motion may be made by a delegation that has been recognized through a Point of Order,
- The Chair shall put the question as follows: “Shall the decision of the Chair be upheld?” A “yes” vote supports the Chair’s decision; a “no” signifies objection,
- The decision of the Chair shall be upheld by a tie, and
- Rulings by the Chair on the following rules or motions are not appealable:
- Diplomatic Courtesy (rule 2.2),
- Right of Reply (rule 2.5),
- Dilatory Motions (rule 2.7),
- Granting of a roll call vote (rule 5.4),
- Adjournment of the Meeting (rule 7.2), and
- Any time a ruling by the Chair is a direct quotation from these Rules of Procedure.
7.7 Decision of Competence. A motion calling for a decision on the competence of the Committee to discuss or adopt a draft resolution or amendment as outlined in the United Nations Charter is in order at any time prior to entering voting procedure,
- This motion requires a second,
- Two delegations may speak in favor of the motion and two opposed; the motion shall then be put to a vote, and
- The effect is the same as Adjournment of Debate (rule 7.3) and requires a motion for Reconsideration of Proposals (rule 7.11) in order to discuss the item again.
- The Committee is always competent to discuss the topics in the agenda set by the Secretariat and listed in the AMUN Handbook (rule 1.9).
7.8 Consideration of Agenda Topics. Agenda topics will be considered in the order in which they appear in the AMUN Handbook, unless that order is altered by the passage of a motion for Consideration of Agenda Topics,
- This motion requires a second, and
- This motion is not debatable.
7.9 Limits on Debate. The body may choose to limit or extend the time allotted to each delegation, or limit the number of times each delegation can speak on a proposal,
- This motion requires a second,
- Two delegations may speak in favor of the motion and two opposed; the motion shall then be put to a vote,
- The time allotted for substantive speeches shall be no less than three minutes,
- The time allotted for procedural speeches shall be no less than one minute,
- This motion may limit the number of Points of Inquiry a speaker may accept to a minimum of one, and
- A motion to limit the time of debate on an agenda topic, draft resolution or amendment is also in order.
7.10 Division of the Question. The Committee may choose to divide the question, proposing that clauses of an amendment or draft resolution be voted on separately,
- This motion requires a second,
- Two delegations may speak in favor of the motion and two opposed; the motion shall then be put to a vote,
- After a motion for Division of the Question passes, no other motion for Division of the Question is in order on that amendment or draft resolution,
- Those clauses or paragraphs of the amendment or draft resolution which are approved shall then be put to a vote as a whole,
- The motion may be made at any point in deliberations once the relevant amendment or resolution is introduced to the floor, and
- If division causes the draft resolution to no longer be in the proper format (rules 4.1 and 4.3), the proposal as a whole is rejected.
7.11 Reconsideration of Proposals. A motion for Reconsideration of Proposals is in order on an amendment or draft resolution which has passed or failed when put to a final vote. The motion is also in order for proposals on which Adjournment of Debate has passed (rule 7.3), on proposals on which a Decision of No Action was decided (rule 7.5) and on proposals upon which the Committee has decided it was not competent to discuss or adopt (rule 7.7),
- This motion requires a second and a two-thirds majority vote for passage,
- Two delegations may speak opposed to the motion, and
- If the motion passes, the issue is brought back before the body for debate and may be voted on again.
7.12 Important Question. Applicable only in the General Assembly Plenary (rule 8.4).
7.13 Consideration of Draft Resolutions. A draft resolution may be moved to the floor by a motion for Consideration of Draft Resolutions,
- This motion requires a second,
- The motion is not debatable,
- Only one draft resolution may be on the floor at any time,
- If a draft resolution is on the floor and a motion to consider a different draft resolution passes, the previous draft resolution, and any amendments, may be returned to the floor with a motion for Consideration of Draft Resolutions, and
- If the motion passes, the delegation motioning for consideration will be allowed to speak first on the draft resolution, if desired.
7.14 Consideration of Amendments. To bring an amendment to the floor for discussion, a delegation must first be recognized by the Chair,
- No second is required. Upon recognition of this motion by the Chair, the amendment will be under consideration by the body,
- The Secretariat will present the amendment to the body, and
- The delegation motioning for consideration will be allowed to speak first on the amendment, if desired.
8.0 Rules Relating Only to the General Assembly Plenary Sessions 8.0 Rules Relating Only to the General Assembly Plenary Sessions
This section of the rules applies to the General Assembly Plenary session, which will convene at the same time as the main Committees.
8.1 Interchangeability of Rules. All Committee rules apply to the conduct of business in the General Assembly Plenary.
8.2 Quorum. The General Assembly Plenary will observe the quorum requirements of rule 1.4.
8.3 Decision of No Action. During the discussion of any draft resolution or amendment, a representative may move that the body take no action on that matter,
- This motion requires a second,
- Two delegations may speak in favor of the motion and two opposed; the motion shall then be put to a vote,
- The effect is the same as adjourning debate (rule 7.3) and requires a motion for Reconsideration (rule 7.11) in order to discuss the item again, and
- This motion is in order during the General Assembly Plenary sessions.
8.4 Important Question. An Important Question in the General Assembly requires a two-thirds majority vote of all Members present and voting for passage. Amendments to draft resolutions dealing with Important Questions also require a two-thirds majority vote for passage. Decisions on Important Questions are applicable only to the General Assembly. When discussed in committees, these issues are debated and voted upon utilizing normal committee rules. Such questions shall include:
- Recommendations with respect to maintenance of international peace and security (only when the Security Council fails to act),
- Admission of new members to the United Nations,
- Suspension of rights and privileges of membership,
- Expulsion of Member States,
- Questions in relationship to the Trusteeship system, and
- Budgetary questions.
Draft resolutions which fall into these categories are automatically Important Questions, and will be designated as such by the President of the General Assembly. Determination of additional categories of Important Questions may be made by a simple majority vote of the Members present and voting before a vote is taken on any part of a proposal dealing with the subject,
- The motion must refer to a specific draft resolution for the body to consider as an Important Question,
- The motion requires a second,
- Two delegations may speak in favor of the motion and two opposed; the motion shall then be put to a vote.
- This motion is in order only in the General Assembly Plenary sessions.
8.5 Security Council Priority Relating to Issues Concerning the Maintenance of International Peace and Security. The Security Council, as established in the United Nations Charter, shall have priority over the General Assembly on issues that pertain to the maintenance of international peace and security. Issues of this type, while under discussion in the Security Council, shall be seized from General Assembly action. Any General Assembly draft resolution pertaining to a seized issue cannot be put to a final vote until the Security Council has completed its deliberations on the subject,
- General Assembly draft resolutions that deal with a seized issue may be discussed and amended, but no final vote on the draft resolution may be taken,
- If no resolution has been adopted, the Security Council will be considered to have completed its deliberations on a seized issue once that agenda topic is no longer under discussion,
- The Council may declare itself actively seized on a topic by stating this in a resolution; this seizure will prevent the General Assembly from taking action until a two-hour time period has elapsed,
- General Assembly representatives will be kept informed by the Secretary-General of any seized issues, and
- Note that this rule applies to only the General Assembly Plenary sessions.
8.6 Applications for Admission of New Member States. Any State which desires to become a member shall submit an application to the Secretary-General prior to the start of the Conference and at a date communicated by the AMUN Secretariat. Applications shall contain a declaration, made in a formal instrument, that the State in question accepts the obligations contained in the United Nations Charter,
- The Secretary-General shall inform the Security Council and the General Assembly of any applications.
8.7 Consideration of Applications and Decisions Thereon. If the Security Council recommends the application of a State for membership, the General Assembly may consider whether the applicant is a peace-loving State and is able and willing to carry out the obligations contained in the United Nations Charter,
- Any draft resolution on admission is automatically an Important Question,
- If the Security Council does not recommend the applicant State for membership, or if it postpones consideration of the application, the General Assembly may, after full consideration of the special report of the Security Council, send the application back to the Council, together with a full record of the discussion of the General Assembly, for further consideration and recommendation, and
- Note that this motion is in order only in the General Assembly Plenary sessions.
8.8 Notification of the Decision and Effective Date of Membership. The Secretary-General shall inform the applicant State of the decision of the General Assembly. If the application is approved, membership shall become effective on the date on which the General Assembly takes its decision on the application.
General Assembly Short Form
Download a PDF version of these short form rules optimized for printing.
| Rule | Second? | Debatable? | Vote Required | Description | |
| 6.1 | Point of Order | No | No | None | Point out a misuse of the rules |
| 6.2 | Point of Information | No | No | None | Ask any question of the Chair, or gain a clarification |
| 6.3 | Point of Inquiry | No | No | None | Ask a question of a speaker at the end of their speech, prior to the Delegation’s yielding the floor |
| 7.1 | Suspension of the Meeting | Yes | No | Simple Majority | Recess the meeting for a specific period of time |
| 7.2 | Adjournment of the Meeting | Yes | No | Simple Majority | End the meeting for the year |
| 7.3 | Adjournment of Debate | Yes | 2 Pro 2 Con |
Simple Majority | Remove from consideration any proposal on the floor without a vote on the content of that proposal |
| 7.4 | Closure of Debate | Yes | 2 Con | Simple Majority | End debate on any proposal on the floor and bring it to an immediate vote |
| 7.5 | Decision of No Action | Yes | 2 Pro 2 Con |
Simple Majority | Only in GA Plenary sessions; signify that no action will be taken on the matter |
| 7.6 | Appealing a Decision of the Chair | Yes | 2 Pro 2 Con |
Simple Majority | Challenge a ruling made by the Chair |
| 7.7 | Decision of Competence | Yes | 2 Pro 2 Con |
Simple Majority | Question whether the UN body is competent to act on a certain issue within the Charter and international law |
| 7.8 | Consideration of Agenda Topics | Yes | No | Simple Majority | Change the order in which agenda items are discussed |
| 7.9 | Limits on Debate | Yes | 2 Pro 2 Con |
Simple Majority | Impose (or repeal) a limit on the length of any form of debate |
| 7.10 | Division of the Question | Yes | 2 Pro 2 Con |
Simple Majority | Divide a draft resolution or amendment into two or more clauses, or divide a report into two or more paragraphs, each to be voted on separately after Closure of Debate |
| 7.11 | Reconsideration of Proposals | Yes | 2 Con | 2 / 3 Majority | Reconsider an item on which debate has been adjourned or upon which a vote has been taken |
| 7.12 | Important Question | Yes | 2 Pro 2 Con |
Simple Majority | Only in GA Plenary sessions; requires a 2/3 majority vote to adopt a draft resolution or amendment |
| 7.13 | Consideration of Draft Resolutions | Yes | No | Simple Majority | Bring a draft resolution to the floor for discussion |
| 7.14 | Consideration of Amendments | No | No | None | Bring an amendment to the floor for discussion |