Order of Disruptiveness
The order in which motions are voted on, if multiple motions are raised at the same time.
Disruptiveness of a point or motion describes the extent that the request will interrupt normal debate proceedings. Points and motions are entertained from most to least disruptive.
Different MUNs may use different orders of disruptiveness, but they are generally very similar to each other. The one used here is from SMUN’s 2025 ROP.
During moderated debate (GSL)
Motions can only be called when the Dais opens the floor to motions. If a more disruptive motion passes, the less disruptive motions will automatically fail. Points have no effect on whether motions are voted on or not.
— Most disruptive —
- Point of Personal Privilege
- Point of Order
- Point of Parliamentary Inquiry
- Right to Reply
- Motion to Adjourn Debate
- Motion to Suspend Debate
- Motion for an Unmoderated Caucus*
- Motion for a Moderated Caucus^
- Motion to Introduce Draft Resolution
- Motion to Introduce Unfriendly Amendment
- Motion to Table Draft Resolution
- Motion to Move into Direct Voting Procedure
- Motion to Table the Question
- Motion to Change the Speaking Time
— Least disruptive —
* Unmoderated Caucuses of a greater length are more disruptive.
^ Moderated Caucuses of a greater total length are more disruptive. If two Moderated Caucuses have the same total length, the Moderated Caucus that can entertain more speakers is more disruptive. If two motions have the same disruptiveness, the motion raised first will be entertained first.
The following motions are called.
Denmark: Motion for a Moderated Caucus, 9 minutes, 1.5 minutes per speaker, on the topic of “Press Freedom in Nordic Countries”.
China: Motion for an Unmoderated Caucus of 8 minutes.
United States: Motion for a Moderated Caucus, 9 minutes, 1 minute per speaker, on the topic of “Safety of Journalists in War-torn Countries”.
Singapore: Motion to change speaking time to 2 minutes per speaker.
By the order of disruptiveness, the motions will be entertained in this order:
- [China] Unmoderated Caucus (8 minutes)
- [United States] Moderated Caucus (9 minutes, 9 speakers)
- [Denmark] Moderated Caucus (9 minutes, 6 speakers)
- [Singapore] Change Speaking Time
The first procedural vote is conducted on China’s motion for an Unmoderated Caucus. Suppose this motion fails.
Now, the next procedural vote is conducted on the United States’ motion for a Moderated Caucus. Suppose this motion also fails.
Then, the next procedural vote is conducted on Denmark’s motion for a Moderated Caucus. Suppose this motion passes.
Because a more disruptive motion has passed, Singapore’s motion to change the speaking time automatically fails.
Dais: The council now moves into a Moderated Caucus of 9 minutes (1.5 minutes per speaker) on the topic of “Press Freedom in Nordic Countries”.
During Direct Voting Procedure
Unlike during moderated debate, all motions will be voted on even if a more disruptive motion passes.
— Most disruptive —
- Point of Personal Privilege
- Point of Order
- Point of Parliamentary Inquiry
- Right to Reply
- Motion to Reorder Draft Resolutions
- Motion to Divide the House
- Motion to Divide the Question*
- Motion for a Roll Call Vote
— Least disruptive —
* This motion can apply by clause or by article. I’m not sure which is more disruptive, but SMUN’s 2025 ROP states that the motion raised first will be voted on first, and it will automatically fail the other Motion for DVQ. Honestly though, this rarely happens anyway.
A Draft Resolution fails. Two motions are called.
Finland: Motion to Divide the Question by clause.
Russia: Motion to Divide the House.
By the order of disruptiveness, the motions will be entertained in this order:
- [Russia] Divide the House
- [Finland] Divide the Question (by clause)
The first procedural vote is conducted on Russia’s motion to divide the house. Suppose this motion passes.
Now, the next procedural vote is conducted on Finland’s motion to divide the question by clause. This motion also passes.
The Draft Resolution is voted on again, with the effects of both motions simultaneously.