Referring a motion to a committee is intended to temporarily place the action in question in a committee. Which of the following is an incorrect reason for this action?

• A. To allow a more formal discussion of the item of business.
• B. To speed up the decision.
• C. To gather additional information.
• D. To delay action until the next meeting.

Answer: (A)

Referring a motion to a committee is about study and information gathering. A smaller group can focus on the details, collect facts, perhaps hear different viewpoints, and prepare a clear report or recommendation for the full assembly. This process often helps the body make a better-informed decision when the motion comes back for consideration, and it can either slow things down (while the committee does its work and reports) or speed things up by providing a ready-made, well-considered proposal to the group. It can also delay action until the next meeting while the committee completes its work.

That’s why the option about allowing a more formal discussion isn’t the right reason. The committee’s work is typically more about investigation and drafting, not adding a more formal debate. The other reasons—gathering information, delaying until the next meeting, or even helping move the process along with a prepared recommendation—fit the usual purpose of sending a motion to a committee.