Concept in Definition ABC

The term we analyze is normally used in the context of politics, but also in those circumstances in which a group of people debate on different proposals. In this way, a motion is a petition or request that someone presents to a group to be considered.

In other words, it is a initiative which claims to be recognized as rule or as law.

Motions can be made in very different contexts: neighborhood councils, board meetings of entities, parents' associations or at the parliamentary level. In any case, these types of proposals have a formal nature and are generally put to a vote among the people who form a group.

Different modalities

If a motion is a formal proposal with some purpose, it is worth remembering its different versions or modalities. A motion may be submitted as a main motion, as an amendment to a previous motion, in relation to the procedure of a meeting, for the purpose of postponing a matter or simply to record an issue in concrete.

The motion of censure and the question of

confidence are two mechanisms to control the action of the government and are contemplated in the Constitution Spanish

The motion of censure is a mechanism that can be implemented by members of the Congress of Deputies

Its purpose is evident: that the president of the government abandon his responsibility not having enough support. For a political group with parliamentary representation to raise the motion of censure, it is necessary have a number of previous endorsements, specifically a minimum of 10% of all deputies of the Congress.

If this initial requirement is met, the motion of censure is submitted to a vote among the representatives of Congress. For it to be finally approved, it is necessary that the motion have the support of the absolute majority of the members of the Chamber. If the motion of censure presented obtains the necessary support, the person who proposed it will become the new president of the nation.

The question of confidence is an initiative of the president of the government and usually deals with some aspect of his political program or of national interest. For the initiative to be approved, it must have the backing of the simple majority of the Chamber of Deputies. Thus, if the issue of trust has sufficient support, the president and his government can continue. exercising power and if it does not have enough support, the president and his government must leave their charges.

Photo: Fotolia - Decorwith

Issues in Motion