What is an amendment in parliamentary procedure?

• A. A motion to bring up a new topic for discussion.
• B. A motion to remove a member from the body.
• C. A motion to change the wording of the main motion before the vote.
• D. A motion to suspend the rules for the meeting.

Answer: (C)

An amendment is a motion that changes the wording of the main motion before it is voted on. It can add words, strike out words, or substitute a different phrase, and it must relate directly to the main motion (it must be germane). The amendment itself is a formal motion, so it typically needs a second, is debatable, and can sometimes be amended if the rules allow. When an amendment passes, the main motion is considered to be the wording as amended, and the group votes on that revised version. This mechanism lets the body fine-tune the proposal to reflect the group’s intent without discarding the idea entirely. For example, if the main motion requests funding by a certain date, an amendment could change that date or adjust the amount, as long as the change stays within the scope of the main motion. Amendments differ from motions that introduce new topics, remove members, or suspend rules, which are separate types of motions.