How are subsidiary, privileged, and incidental motions classified?

The classification of subsidiary, privileged, and incidental motions as secondary motions is based on their role and purpose in parliamentary procedure. Secondary motions are used to modify, delay, or suspend the consideration of primary motions, which are the main motions being debated or decided upon.

Subsidiary motions help to manage the discussion surrounding a primary motion, allowing members to propose amendments, limit debate, or return to the topic later. Privileged motions, such as a motion to adjourn, provide urgent points of order that take precedence over the primary motion. Incidental motions arise from the process of consideration or debate and address issues that may occur during that discussion, ensuring that rules are followed appropriately.

This classification system is vital in formal meetings and organizations that adhere to structured procedures, allowing for orderly and efficient deliberations. The concepts of primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary do not appropriately represent these categories in the context of parliamentary procedure, making secondary the accurate classification for these types of motions.