Moderated Caucus: How It Works in MUN Debate Guide

The Moderated Caucus

A moderated caucus is structured, focused debate on a specific sub-topic. It's where most of the substantive debate in MUN actually happens.

How to Propose One

When the chair entertains motions, raise your placard and say: 'The delegation of [country] motions for a moderated caucus on [topic], with a total time of [X minutes] and a speaking time of [Y seconds].'

Common formats:

10 minutes, 1 minute each — deep discussion, fewer speakers (good for complex sub-topics)
10 minutes, 30 seconds each — more speakers, quicker pace (good for gauging bloc positions)
15 minutes, 90 seconds each — extended, for major sub-topics

The Chair's Process

Multiple motions are typically entertained at once.
Motions are voted on in order of most disruptive to least (longest total time first).
A simple majority passes the motion.
During the caucus, the chair calls on delegates who raise their placards — it's not a pre-set list.

Strategic Uses

Agenda control: Propose a mod caucus on your strongest sub-topic to shift debate in your favor.
Intelligence gathering: A 30-second/10-minute format forces many countries to reveal positions quickly.
Resolution promotion: Motion for a mod caucus on 'the merits of Draft Resolution 1.1' to give your paper airtime.
Stalling: A long mod caucus on a tangential topic eats time when the opposition is gaining momentum.