Which of the following describes the initial action when presenting an item of business?

• A. Rising and Addressing the Chair
• B. Voting immediately
• C. Calling for a vote
• D. Drafting a motion

Answer: (A)

When presenting an item of business, the first step is for a member to rise and address the chair to seek recognition. This formal act signals that the member wants to bring something before the group and allows the chair to acknowledge them. Once recognized, the member can state the item and any motion involved, after which the group can discuss and eventually vote.

Voting immediately isn’t appropriate because you need a recognized motion and discussion before any decision is made. Calling for a vote comes after a motion has been properly presented and debated. Drafting a motion relates to preparing the language or suggestion, but the initial action in presenting the item is to rise and address the chair to be recognized.