Resolution Writing
Dec 27, 2015
Resolution Writing
Pre-Writing• These steps have taken place before writing a Resolution
1. Vote on Topic A or Topic B2. Debate chosen Topic (Through moderated caucus, unmoderated caucus and speaker’s list)3. Write working papers (informal) based on debate4. (Hopefully) collaborate working papers to write draft resolutions5. Debate draft resolutions and make changes accordingly6. Start writing the Resolution
• Before writing your resolution with your alliance try to compromise with other alliances that have similar ideas to avoid submitting 2 similar Resolutions. Collaborating is more efficient (and the chairs “look favorably” upon it)
HeadingFollow this format:CommitteeTopicSponsors (Countries that support the resolution and would vote for it)Signatories(countries that support a discussion of the resolution, but may not
vote for it)
For Example:Historical General AssemblyState-Sponsored TerrorismFrance, UK, US, ItalyIndia, Canada, Brazil, China, Uruguay, South Africa, Nigeria, Australia
Body of the Resolution• Written in the format of a long sentence• Includes Perambulatory and Operative Clauses
Perambulatory ClausesThese clauses describe the problems being addressed, recalls past actions
taken, explains the purpose of the resolution, and offers support for the operative clauses that follow.
Choose phrase from this list:Affirming Deeply convinced Guided byAlarmed by Emphasizing Having consideredApproving Expecting Keeping in mindAware of Further deploring Noting furtherAnd many more! (see sheet)
Underline the phrase and state perambulatory clause and end with a comma,Underline the next preambulatory clause etc. etc.
ExampleHaving begun discussion of Separatist and State-Sponsored Terrorism,Noting that the United Nations must promote diplomatic solutions through
careful examination of the topic,Recalling that the role of the General Assembly, being a universal body, is to
form widespread multilateral solutions,Further noting that the Euskadiko Ta Askatasuna (ETA) Basque and the Irish
Republican Army (IRA) Black September are terrorist organizationsReaffirming that NATO serves as a military allian to provide Force Protection,Recognizing resolution 1842 of 19December 1962,Confident the General Assembly can find an end to state-sponsored terrorism
that currently plagues our societies,
Operative ClausesState the action to be taken by the body. Begin with present tense, active words
that are generally stronger than those used in the preamble. Followed by semi-colon except the last which ends in a period.
Choose from this list of phrases:Authorizes Deplores RequestsCalls for Designates Solemnly affirmsDeclares Accordingly Endorses Strongly condemnsAffirms Expresses its hope UrgesAnd many more! (again see sheet)
1. Underline the phrase state the recommendation to solve the problem and end with a semi-colon;
2. Underline the phrase state another recommendation and end with a semi-colon;
Example1. Endorses the implementation of a two-pronged approach to solving this problem,
of which includes:a. The providing of a definition for the word terrorism,b. The identifying of a solution to proceed upon acts of terror without
infringing on national sovereignty;2. Recommends that terrorism be defined as any criminal act directed against a State,
government, national group or international organization that threatens the peace and security among any or al civilians for the purpose of:
a. intimidating an authoritative body or a national populations,b. Obliterating the fundamental structures of a nation, including but
not limited to:i. Economic structures,ii. Social structure,ii. Constitutional structure;
MANY MORE CLAUSES!!!! Always the last clause:35. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter. (note the period)
Completed!Historical General AssemblyState-Sponsored TerrorismFrance, UK, US, ItalyIndia, Canada, Brazil, China, Uruguay, South Africa, Nigeria, Australia
Having begun discussion of Separatist and State-Sponsored Terrorism,Noting that the United Nations must promote diplomatic solutions through careful examination of the topic,Recalling that the role of the General Assembly, being a universal body, is to form widespread multilateral solutions,Further noting that the Euskadiko Ta Askatasuna (ETA) Basque and the Irish Republican Army (IRA) Black September are
terrorist organizationsReaffirming that NATO serves as a military alliance to provide Force Protection,Recognizing resolution 1842 of 19December 1962,Confident the General Assembly can find an end to state-sponsored terrorism that currently plagues our societies,1. Endorses the implementation of a two-pronged approach to solving this problem, of which includes:
a. The providing of a definition for the word terrorism,b. The identifying of a solution to proceed upon acts of terror without infringing on national sovereignty;
2. Recommends that terrorism be defined as any criminal act directed against a State, government, national group or international organization that threatens the peace and security among any or al civilians for the purpose of:
a. intimidating an authoritative body or a national populations,b. Obliterating the fundamental structures of a nation, including but not limited to:
i. Economic structures,ii. Social structure,ii. Constitutional structure;
3. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.
POST WRITING
Introducing a Resolution• Introduce a resolution if you want to vote on it, remember each
committee can only pass one resolution• Motion to Introduce the resolution• Read operative clauses of the resolution• Short Question and Answer period• Debate following speaker’s list
Competence
• Motion to question the competence of the committee to discuss the resolution
• Is only in order right after the resolution is introduced
• Needs 2/3 majority to pass• 1 speaker for, 1 speaker against• If passed, the resolution is removed from the table
and not reconsidered
Amendments• Must have approval from the Director and signatories (number varies on
committee)• No amendments to amendments• Establish speaker’s list with 2 for and 2 against the amendment• Motion to close debate• 2 speakers against, 2 for closing debate• Vote on closing debate, 2/3 majority to pass• Move into immediate vote on amendment