Rescind vs Reconsider

[Guest Briana Stone]

How would you explain the difference between rescind and reconisder? With a general understanding, how would you debate on each? I don't see the difference in the way you would debate rescind or reconisder, especially in an FFA demonstration. Any clarification is appreciated. Thanks!

[Sean Hunt]

How would you explain the difference between rescind and reconisder? With a general understanding, how would you debate on each? I don't see the difference in the way you would debate rescind or reconisder, especially in an FFA demonstration. Any clarification is appreciated. Thanks!

The fundamental difference between the motion to Rescind and the motion to Reconsider is that a motion to Rescind is a motion to undo a motion. Rescinding a motion causes it to no longer be in force. The motion to Reconsider, by contrast, is a motion to undo a vote. Reconsidering a vote causes a motion to become pending again, as if that vote had never happened.

From this, we can see where the other differences originate. Rescind requires notice or a higher voting threshold for adoption because it is a final motion, but Reconsider does not permanently undo any decision, since the motion becomes pending again and still needs to be voted on again. Reconsider is only permitted shortly after the adoption of the motion to be reconsidered, since it puts the motion into limbo. Reconsider also allows for a lot more options, since during the reconsideration, the motion can be amended, postponed, or sent to a committee. As a result, it's very appropriate for fixing an error in a motion, and usually is a "Oops, on second thought" right after the adoption of a motion.