The lowest-ranking motion in parliamentary procedure is to:

• A. Postpone indefinitely
• B. Lay on the table
• C. Reconsider
• D. Adjourn

Answer: (A)

In parliamentary procedure, motions have a ranking that determines how they compare when more than one is on the floor. The motion to postpone indefinitely is the lowest-ranking option because it ends consideration of the matter by effectively killing it for the present, a drastic action that stops further debate or action on the motion. Laying on the table only postpones the decision for the moment and allows the possibility of reviving it soon, so it sits higher in the order. Reconsider is a tool to revisit a decision after it’s been made, which keeps the option of change available, also placing it higher than postponing indefinitely. Adjourn is a privileged motion that ends the meeting, a powerful action but one that is distinct in purpose and generally ranked above the indefinite postponement when judging the flow of business.