Which subsidiary motion ranks lowest?

• A. Amend
• B. Postpone
• C. Postpone Indefinitely.
• D. Refer to Committee

Answer: (C)

The principle here is the precedence of subsidiary motions. When more than one subsidiary motion is on the floor, the motion with the higher rank is considered first, and only after its disposition can the lower-ranked motions be acted on.

Amending the motion is the most flexible way to influence the proposal, so it sits highest. Delaying the motion to a specific time keeps the main matter alive and simply shifts it forward, which is a straightforward postponement. Referring the matter to a committee also keeps the motion alive but under study, which is a distinct higher option than a flat postponement to indefinite. Postponing indefinitely, on the other hand, effectively ends consideration for the moment—it's a kill-you-don’t-been-debated choice for now—which is why it ranks lowest among these options. If a higher-ranked motion is pending, it must be decided first; only after that could a lower-ranked motion like postponing indefinitely be considered.