What is the difference between a main motion and a resolution?

• A. A main motion is a formal expression of the assembly’s opinion; a resolution is a proposal to take action.
• B. A main motion is a proposal to take action; a resolution is a formal expression of the assembly’s opinion or will on an issue.
• C. A main motion and a resolution are the same.
• D. A main motion is only for committee actions.

Answer: (B)

The main idea is action versus statement. A main motion is a proposal that the assembly take a specific action—for example, adopt a plan, approve a budget, or refer a matter to committee. It starts the process and, once adopted, becomes the decision or action of the group.

A resolution is a formal statement of the assembly’s opinion, will, or policy on an issue. It records what the group has decided in a declarative form and often expresses a position or directs future policy, sometimes using language like “Be it resolved that…” That makes it distinct from simply proposing a new action.

So the best choice captures that distinction: a main motion is a proposal to take action, while a resolution is a formal expression of the assembly’s opinion or will on an issue. The other options confuse the roles or misstate what main motions and resolutions do.