What is an amendment in the first degree?

• A. An amendment to the main motion's title
• B. An amendment to the main question
• C. An amendment to the amendment
• D. An amendment that is identical to the main motion

Answer: (B)

Amendments can be categorized by what they modify, and the first-degree amendment is the one that changes the main motion itself—the main question being considered. It modifies the wording or scope of the motion you’re about to vote on, not the amendment itself. For example, if the motion is to approve the budget, an amendment in the first degree might strike a line or add a clause to the budget, so the assembly would vote on the motion as amended. This is different from an amendment to the amendment (that would be a second-degree amendment) or an amendment trying to mirror the main motion, which would not count as an amendment. It isn’t about changing the title; the focus is on the main motion. So the correct description is an amendment to the main question.