Division of a question
In parliamentary procedure, a motion for division of a question is used to separate a motion into a set of motions.
History
The concept of a division of a question dates back to at least 1640, when the Lex Parliamentaria noted, "If a Question upon a Debate contains more Parts than one, and Members seem to be for one Part, and not for the other; it may be moved, that the same may be divided into two, or more Questions: as Dec. 2, 1640, the Debate about the Election of two Knights was divided into two Questions."[1]
Explanation and use
Vote required | Majority |
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A motion for division of a question is used to split a motion into separate motions which are debated and voted on separately.
According to Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised (RONR), this motion is applicable when each of the different parts, although relating to a single subject, is capable of standing as a complete proposition without the others.[2] The motion is made by saying, for instance, "I move to divide the resolution so as to consider separately...."[3]
A motion to divide the question is not required when a single motion seeks approval of a series of propositions or resolutions on different subjects. Any member may obtain separate discussion and voting on any of the unrelated propositions or resolutions by making a demand for separate consideration, at any time before the unified motion is put to a vote.[4]
Examples
In the
In the European Parliament, the division of a question is known as split voting and may be requested by a political group or at least 40 members, when "the text to be put to the vote contains two or more provisions or references to two or more points[...]".[6] The members of parliament will consequently vote on each provision separately.
Related motions
This differs from the motion to divide a question which splits the motion into two or more independent motions that are taken up in sequence. Each new motion is deliberated and voted upon before taking up the next part.
Division of the question is not to be confused with
References
- ^ Petyt, George. Lex Parliamentaria. p. 169.
- ISBN 978-0-306-82020-5.
- ^ Robert 2011, pp. 275–276
- ^ Robert 2011, pp. 274–275
- ISBN 0-406-11471-4.
- ^ Rules of Procedure of the European Parliament (WebCite Archive)
- ^ Robert 2011, p. 278
- ^ Robert 2011, p. 280