Important Differences Between Motion and Resolution

Motion

A motion is a proposal or suggestion made by a member of a group or organization, such as a company or government body, that is intended to bring about a specific action or decision. The motion is usually made during a meeting or gathering of the group, and is usually put to a vote to determine whether or not it should be adopted. If a motion is passed, it becomes an actionable item for the group or organization to take.

Examples of Motion

Some examples of motions that might be made in different types of groups or organizations include:

• In a business meeting, a motion to approve a new marketing campaign
• In a government legislative session, a motion to pass a new bill into law
• In a school board meeting, a motion to build a new gymnasium
• In a non-profit organization meeting, a motion to allocate funds to a specific project
• In a shareholder meeting, a motion to elect new board members
• In a court case, a motion to suppress evidence

Types of Motion

There are several types of motions that can be made in a group or organization. Some common types include:

1. Main motion: This is the most common type of motion, and is used to bring a specific proposal or action before the group for consideration and a vote.
2. Amendment: This type of motion is used to change or modify a main motion that has already been made.
3. Subsidiary motion: This type of motion is used to decide how to handle a main motion or amendment. Examples include postponing, referring to a committee, or laying on the table.
4. Privileged motion: This type of motion is used to address urgent or important matters that require immediate attention. Examples include adjourning a meeting, raising a point of order or calling for the question.
5. Incidental motion: This type of motion is used to address a specific issue that arises during a meeting. Examples include asking for permission to speak, requesting a roll call vote, or asking for a reading of the minutes.
6. Reconsideration: This type of motion is used to bring a previously passed motion back for re-evaluation and a new vote.

Nature of Motion

The nature of a motion refers to the purpose or intent behind the proposal, and can vary depending on the specific situation and context. Some common characteristics or elements that may be present in a motion include:

• Specificity: A motion should be clear and specific, outlining the exact action or decision that is being proposed.
• Relevance: A motion should be relevant to the group or organization, and should pertain to a matter that is within the scope of their authority or responsibilities.
• Feasibility: A motion should be feasible and realistic, and should be able to be carried out by the group or organization.
• Timeliness: A motion should be timely, and should address an issue or matter that is currently important or urgent.
• Support: A motion should have the support of the member(s) making it and others as well.
• Impact: The motion should be evaluated in terms of the impact it would have on the group or organization if it were to be passed.

Resolution

A resolution is a formal statement expressing the opinion or will of a group or organization, usually passed by a vote. It is often used to make a decision or take a specific action on a particular matter. A resolution can be binding or non-binding, depending on the group or organization and the nature of the resolution.

Resolutions can be written or oral, and they can be passed by a majority vote, a two-thirds vote, or a unanimous vote, depending on the group or organization’s rules.

Examples of Resolution

Some examples of resolutions that might be passed by different types of groups or organizations include:

• A resolution passed by a company’s board of directors to increase the company’s dividend payments to shareholders.
• A resolution passed by a city council to adopt a new zoning plan for a specific area.
• A resolution passed by a non-profit organization to establish a new program for providing assistance to the homeless.
• A resolution passed by a community group to establish a neighborhood watch program.
• A resolution passed by a legislative body to recognize a national holiday.
• A resolution passed by a student government to create a new club on campus.

Types of Resolution

There are several types of resolutions that can be passed by a group or organization, including:

1. Simple Resolution: A simple resolution is used to make a statement or express the opinion of a group or organization on a specific matter. It is not legally binding and is typically used to address internal matters such as changes to bylaws or rules of the organization.
2. Concurrent Resolution: A concurrent resolution is used to make a statement or express the opinion of both chambers of a bicameral legislature, such as the US Congress. It is not legally binding and is typically used to address matters of legislative procedure or to express sympathy or congratulations.
3. Joint Resolution: A joint resolution is similar to a concurrent resolution but it is legally binding, it is used to make laws and it requires the approval of the President or Governor.
4. Legislative Resolution: A legislative resolution is used by a legislative body, such as a city council or state legislature, to make laws or pass regulations. It is legally binding and requires the approval of the governing body.
5. Executive Resolution: An executive resolution is used by an executive branch of government, such as the President or Governor, to make decisions or take actions within their authority. It is legally binding and has the force of law.
6. Commemorative Resolution: A commemorative resolution is used to honor or recognize an individual, group, or event. It is not legally binding and is typically used to express appreciation or recognition.

Process of Resolution

The process of passing a resolution typically involves several steps:

1. Introduction: A member of the group or organization proposes the resolution by introducing it to the body. The proposal can be made in writing or verbally.
2. Discussion: The proposal is then open for discussion and debate among the members of the group or organization. This allows members to ask questions, provide feedback, and offer amendments or changes to the resolution.
3. Voting: After the discussion, the resolution is put to a vote. The rules of the group or organization will dictate the voting process. Some groups or organizations require a majority vote, while others require a two-thirds vote, or a unanimous vote.
4. Passage: If the resolution receives the required number of votes, it is considered passed. The resolution can be passed by voice vote, roll call vote, or secret ballot.
5. Implementation: Once the resolution is passed, it is implemented as directed. This might involve carrying out a specific action, making a decision, or adopting a new policy.
6. Recording: The resolution is recorded in the minutes of the meeting or in the official records of the group or organization.

Nature of Resolution

The nature of a resolution refers to the purpose, intent, and content of the resolution. Resolutions can have different natures depending on the group or organization that is passing the resolution and the subject matter of the resolution.

• Policy: Resolutions that establish policies or guidelines for the group or organization. Examples include resolutions to adopt a new budget, establish a new program, or change the bylaws of the organization.
• Decision: Resolutions that make a decision on a specific matter. Examples include resolutions to approve a new business plan, vote on a merger or acquisition, or authorize the expenditure of funds.
• Action: Resolutions that authorize the group or organization to take a specific action. Examples include resolutions to construct a new building, launch a fundraising campaign, or send a delegation to a conference.
• Recognition: Resolutions that honor or recognize an individual, group, or event. Examples include resolutions to award a person or group for their service, recognize a milestone or achievement, or express condolences for a loss.
• Statement: Resolutions that express the opinion or stance of the group or organization on a specific matter. Examples include resolutions to support a specific bill, condemn a specific action, or express solidarity with a specific group.

Comparison Between Motion and Resolution

Important Differences Between Motion and Resolution

1. Purpose: A motion is a proposal or suggestion put forward for consideration by a group or organization, while a resolution is a formal statement or decision made by the group or organization.
2. Initiator: A motion can be made by any member of the group or organization, while a resolution is typically made by a specific committee or individual.
3. Timing: A motion can be made at any time during a meeting or session, while a resolution is typically made at a specific time or during a specific portion of a meeting or session.
4. Voting: A motion may or may not require a vote, while a resolution always requires a vote.
5. Withdrawal: A motion can be withdrawn by the person who made it, while a resolution, once passed, cannot be withdrawn.
6. Action: A motion may or may not require immediate action, while a resolution always requires action or implementation.
7. Formality: Motions are often less formal than resolutions, they can be made verbally or in writing, while a resolution is a formal document and is recorded in the official records of the group or organization.
8. Approval: Motions can be passed or rejected by the group or organization, while resolutions are passed or adopted by the group or organization.
9. Effect: A motion is a suggestion that may or may not be accepted, while a resolution is a formal decision that has the force of law within the group or organization.

Conclusion Between Motion and Resolution

In conclusion, motions and resolutions are both important tools that groups and organizations use to make decisions and take action. A motion is a proposal or suggestion put forward for consideration by a group or organization, while a resolution is a formal statement or decision made by the group or organization. Motions can be made by any member of the group or organization and may or may not require a vote, while resolutions are typically made by a specific committee or individual and always require a vote. Motions may or may not require immediate action, while resolutions always require action or implementation. It’s important to understand the differences between motions and resolutions in order to effectively participate in and run meetings and sessions of groups or organizations.