What does a main motion do in a meeting?

A main motion serves to introduce new business to the assembly for consideration. It is the primary tool through which members can propose a course of action or a decision that they wish to discuss and potentially vote on. By bringing business before the assembly, a main motion allows members to engage in deliberation about the subject at hand, making it essential for the flow of meetings.

In contrast, the other choices do not accurately capture the essence of what a main motion does. For example, option B implies that a main motion can only be introduced when another motion is pending, which isn't true; main motions can stand on their own. Option C suggests that a main motion has the highest rank over all other motions, which overlooks the existence of privileged and subsidiary motions that can take precedence in certain contexts. Option D states that a main motion can only be discussed after reports, but a main motion can be introduced at any time during a meeting agenda unless otherwise specified by rules or bylaws.

Thus, the role of a main motion as a means to bring business before the assembly is clear and fundamental to parliamentary procedure.