Diplomacy & Politics Glossary

The suspension or ending of a meeting or debate until a later time or date.

A temporary break in formal debate allowing delegates to discuss issues informally, either moderated or unmoderated.

An ordered list of delegates who have requested the floor to speak during a moderated caucus or debate.

The authority granted to the committee chair to make procedural decisions or rulings during debate without requiring a vote.

The symbolic tool used by the chair to maintain order and indicate the start or end of sessions.

Formal discussion in committee where delegates present speeches and negotiate on draft resolutions and amendments.

A structured discussion format governed by strict rules where delegates speak in turn according to the speaker's list.

A small mallet used by the chair to call the committee to order or signal procedural decisions.

A session where delegates discuss topics without strict procedural rules, allowing free conversation and negotiation.

A parliamentary procedure where a legislator speaks at length to delay or block a vote on a proposal. It is commonly used in the U.S. Senate to extend debate and prevent a bill's passage.

The minimum number of members required to conduct official business in a legislative body.

A structured debate format where the chair calls on delegates to speak on a specific topic for a limited time.

A formal proposal to end the current meeting or session immediately, requiring a vote for approval.

A procedural request to challenge the chair's ruling on a point of order or parliamentary inquiry, requiring a vote by the committee.

A parliamentary procedure allowing the committee to temporarily pause formal debate and resume later without adjourning the session entirely.

A procedural motion allowing delegates to reopen debate on a previously decided topic or resolution during a committee session.

A procedural motion proposing the order in which topics will be debated during the committee session.

A sign displayed by delegates to identify their country during formal debate and voting procedures.

An interjection by a delegate to draw attention to a breach in parliamentary procedure requiring immediate correction.

A question raised by a delegate to the chair seeking clarification on rules or procedures during a committee session.

A procedural point raised when a delegate experiences personal discomfort affecting their participation.

A point raised by a delegate when their ability to participate is impaired, such as hearing difficulties or discomfort.

A section in a resolution that provides background, context, and justification for the actions proposed in the operative clauses.

A temporary suspension of a meeting or debate, after which the committee reconvenes to continue business.

A procedural opportunity for a delegate to respond to statements that personally or nationally offend them during debate.

The part of committee discussion focused on the content and merits of a topic, as opposed to procedural or administrative matters.

A motion to temporarily halt committee sessions, allowing delegates to caucus or consult informally.

A flexible debate period where delegates freely discuss and negotiate without formal speaking order or moderation.

The process by which the chair determines the length of an unmoderated caucus based on delegate proposals and committee needs. It balances discussion freedom and time management.

The act of a speaker giving their remaining speaking time to another delegate or the chair during formal debate.

The act of a delegate giving their remaining speaking time to another delegate or the chair during debate.