Which statement best describes the use of a substitute motion?

• A. A substitute motion is used to extend debate.
• B. A substitute motion is used to adjourn.
• C. A substitute motion is used to move to defer.
• D. A substitute motion proposes replacing the main motion with an alternative proposal; use when you want to present a different remedy or action.

Answer: (D)

A substitute motion is a way to offer a completely different proposal to take the place of the current main motion. It’s used when you want to present an alternate remedy or action rather than simply modifying the existing proposal. If the substitute is adopted, it becomes the main motion and replaces the original; if it’s defeated, the original motion remains to be considered, possibly with further amendments or debate. This is different from motions that extend debate, adjourn, or defer, which have their own distinct purposes: extending debate buys more discussion time, adjourn ends the meeting, and defer postpones action to a later time. For example, if the group is considering approving a budget as proposed, a substitute might present a different funding plan or a revised amount to be approved instead.