What is the purpose of a main motion?

• A. To adjourn the meeting
• B. To bring business before the assembly
• C. To appoint a committee
• D. To terminate a debate

Answer: (B)

A main motion is the standard way to introduce new business for the assembly to consider. It is the formal vehicle by which a member presents a proposal that the group can discuss, amend if allowed, and decide on by voting. That’s exactly what “bring business before the assembly” means: presenting a matter for the group to act on.

Understanding the other options helps solidify the idea. An adjournment ends the meeting, which is a privileged motion used to close sessions. A motion to terminate debate is a procedural step to limit or end discussion, not to introduce new topics. A request like appointing a committee is a specific action that could be proposed, but it’s still a particular item of business, whereas the main motion’s purpose is the act of bringing any new business before the group for consideration.