FORMAT

The format of a resolution is strict, and certain rules must be followed. A resolution is divided into perambulatory clauses and operative clauses. The preamble contains the background to the problem and should be kept fairly short (1-3 clauses is sufficient), as the background will be covered in the debate itself. The preamble has little effect on the purpose of the resolution. The arguments for the action you are proposing, and the reasoning behind the calls for action should be in the operative clauses. To gauge the real meaning of a resolution, look at the operative clauses first, and consider how they might be adapted to meet your country's needs. However, note that resolutions for committees must not be entirely related to one country. A region or bloc of countries is acceptable, if it is relevant to global politics.

A resolution is all one sentence. At the end of each perambulatory clause there is a comma; at the end of each operative clauses there is a semicolon. Operative clauses should be numbered. Clauses may be divided into sub-clauses labeled (I), (ii), etc.

PREAMBULATORY CLAUSES

Affirming
Alarmed by
Approving
Aware of
Believing
Bearing in mind
Confident
Contemplating
Convinced
Declaring
Deeply concerned
Deeply conscious
Deeply convinced
/ Deeply disturbed
Deeply regretting
Desiring
Emphasizing
Expressing its appreciation
Expressing its satisfaction
Fulfilling
Fully aware
Fully believing
Further deploring
Further noting
Further recalling
Guided by
/ Having adopted
Having considered
Having considered further
Having denoted attention
Having examined
Having heard
Having received
Having studied
Keeping in mind
Noting
Noting with approval
Noting with deep concern
Noting with regret
/ Noting with satisfaction
Observing
Realizing
Reaffirming
Recalling
Recognizing
Referring
Recalling
Seeking
Taking into account
Taking into consideration
Taking note
Viewing with appreciation
Welcoming

OPERATIVE CLAUSES

Accepts
Affirms
Approves
Authorizes
Calls
Calls for
Condemns
Congratulates
Confirms
Considers / Declares accordingly
Deplores
Demands*
Designates
Draws the attention
Emphasizes
Encourages
Endorses
Expresses its appreciation / Expresses its hope
Further invites
Further proclaims
Have resolved
Notes
Proclaims
Reaffirms
Recommends
Reminds
Regrets / Requests
Solemnly affirms
Strongly condemns
Supports
Trusts
Takes note of
Transmits
Urges

AMENDMENTS

We strongly recommend that delegates submit amendments to a resolution, rather than simply vote against it, as it leads to a more interesting debate (See Sample Amendments). Any country may submit an amendment at any time, and all amendments the chair has received by the end of time for the motion will be debated at the beginning of time against. Each amendment has two minutes for and two minutes against (this time is reasonably flexible, depending upon the length of and interest in the amendment). This time is separate from the actual motion time.

Amendments must be submitted to the Chair and written on your headed notepaper. Write down exactly what you wish and pass the note to the Chair, who will read it aloud, and open debate on it.

A separate sheet must be used for each amendment, or for an amendment to an amendment (which is also allowed, though amendments to amendments to amendments are not!).

Amendments must state clearly:

a) The line or lines in which the amendment is to be made (if it is not a whole clause);

b) The clauses which are affected by the amendment;

c) The kind of amendment. You may strike, add or insert words, phrases, or whole clauses.

It is not customary to amend perambulatory clauses, as they are simply an introduction, unless it is a friendly amendment (one which the submitter accepts).