In parliamentary procedure, what is the purpose of a motion?

A motion is a formal proposal put forward in a meeting to initiate the discussion and decision-making process about a specific action. By stating a motion, a member effectively communicates their intention for the group to consider a particular course of action, whether it be to vote on an issue, allocate resources, or modify rules. This process allows members of an assembly or committee to engage systematically in deliberation and reach decisions democratically.

In parliamentary procedure, every motion must be stated clearly to ensure all participants understand the proposal at hand. This contributes to orderly discussions and helps maintain focus on the matters that need to be addressed during the meeting. The ability to propose a motion is fundamental to ensuring that all members have the opportunity to influence decisions, making their input an essential part of the collective decision-making process.

While the other options may relate to meeting processes, they do not capture the core purpose of a motion. For instance, adjourning a meeting is a specific action that can be proposed through a motion, but it does not encompass the broader role of what a motion represents. Similarly, summarizing the meeting or establishing a quorum pertains to different procedural elements that support the function of the meeting but do not define the purpose of a motion itself.