What is the purpose of the subsidiary motion to amend?

• A. To modify the wording of a pending motion before the motion is acted upon.
• B. To postpone action on a motion to a later time.
• C. To withdraw a motion from consideration.
• D. To approve in advance a motion's final form.

Answer: (A)

Amending a motion is about modifying the wording of a motion that is already on the floor and awaiting action. This subsidiary motion lets the group refine or clarify exactly what will be voted on without changing the fundamental purpose of the motion itself. The amendment must relate to the wording and be offered before the main motion is decided; after debate, a vote on the amendment determines whether the wording changes and, if adopted, the main motion proceeds as amended. If the amendment isn’t adopted, the original wording remains and can sometimes be amended further or brought to a vote as-is. This is why the purpose is to modify the wording of a pending motion before it is acted upon.