Resolution Type

In parliamentary and diplomatic practice, resolution type refers to how a proposed text is categorized based on who adopts it, what effect it has, and the procedure it follows. The category matters because it determines voting thresholds, binding force, and downstream implementation.

At the United Nations, the most common distinction is between General Assembly resolutions and Security Council resolutions. General Assembly resolutions are recommendatory under the UN Charter and reflect the collective view of member states. Security Council resolutions can be binding on all member states when adopted under Chapter VII of the Charter, which deals with threats to peace, breaches of peace, and acts of aggression. Resolutions adopted under Chapter VI, by contrast, concern the pacific settlement of disputes and are generally not considered legally binding in the same sense.

Within Model UN and many real bodies, delegates also distinguish between:

• Substantive resolutions — addressing the topic on the agenda, requiring a substantive vote.
• Procedural resolutions or motions — governing how debate proceeds (e.g., closure of debate, suspension of the meeting).
• Draft resolutions — texts under negotiation that have not yet been adopted.
• Working papers — earlier informal drafts circulated before sponsorship rules apply.

In the U.S. Congress, "resolution" is itself a type label: a simple resolution (H.Res. or S.Res.) affects only one chamber, a concurrent resolution (H.Con.Res.) expresses the sentiment of both chambers without becoming law, and a joint resolution (H.J.Res.) is functionally equivalent to a bill and, if signed, has the force of law.

Other bodies use their own taxonomies. The European Parliament distinguishes legislative resolutions from non-legislative ones, and the OAS and African Union issue declarations, resolutions, and decisions with differing weight. Identifying the type early in drafting helps delegates target the correct voting rules and realistic outcomes.