Which motion is used to give formal approval to an action previously taken by the organization?

Which motion is used to give formal approval to an action previously taken by the organization?

• A. Ratify
• B. Recommendation
• C. Question
• D. Receive a report

Answer: (A)

When a body needs formal approval for something already done, the motion to ratify is used. Ratification retroactively authorizes or confirms an action that was carried out in the organization’s name, making it as if the action had been approved at the time it occurred. This comes up when a committee or officer acts without explicit prior authorization and the group wants to validate the action afterward, or when timing prevented a formal vote before the action was taken. Once ratified, the action has the same effect as if it had been approved initially, binding the organization going forward. Receiving a report is about placing the contents of a report on file, not approving past actions; a recommendation is about proposing future actions for the body to consider; and a question relates to discussion or procedural matters rather than retroactive approval.

When a body needs formal approval for something already done, the motion to ratify is used. Ratification retroactively authorizes or confirms an action that was carried out in the organization’s name, making it as if the action had been approved at the time it occurred. This comes up when a committee or officer acts without explicit prior authorization and the group wants to validate the action afterward, or when timing prevented a formal vote before the action was taken. Once ratified, the action has the same effect as if it had been approved initially, binding the organization going forward.

Receiving a report is about placing the contents of a report on file, not approving past actions; a recommendation is about proposing future actions for the body to consider; and a question relates to discussion or procedural matters rather than retroactive approval.