Transcript Parliamentary Procedure
Parliamentary Procedure
Robert’s Rules of Order
Purpose
Method of conducting meetings with speed and efficiency in an orderly manner
Principles
1. One thing at a time 2. Courtesy to everyone 3. Rule of majority 4. Rights of minority
Voting Simple majority – over 50% 2/3 Vote Plurality – highest number of votes but less than a majority Ways to Vote Voice – aye or no Rising – standing or raise of hand Roll call – each member’s name is called Ballot – secret vote
Steps in handing a motion 1. Stand and address chair 2. Recognition by chair 3. State motion 4. Second 5. Chairman restates motion 6. Chairman invites discussion 7. Vote 8. Chair announces results of vote
Common Terminology Motion – proposal for action Second – shows approval for a motion Chair – presiding official Floor – the right to speak without interruption Germane – pertaining to subject at hand Question – motion under consideration Quorum – number of members necessary to legally transact business Debate – discussion Pending – motion currently being considered
Duties of Chairman Maintain order Enforce rules Equalize debate Expedite business Treat everyone with respect Chair usually may not debate Can only vote to make or break a tie
Main Motions Purpose – to introduce ideas to the group Only one main motion at a time Requires a second Amendable Can be changed Debatable Can be talked about Majority Vote Can be voice vote
Main Motion Continued Example : Mr. Chairman, I move to . . . or I move that . . .
Primary Amendments Purpose – to improve or modify a motion Must be germane Can be amended in 4 ways Inserting Adding Striking out Striking out and inserting or substituting Requires a second
Primary Amendments con’t Amendable Debatable Majority Vote Example: Mr. Chairman, I move to amend the motion by . . . (adding, substituting, striking out, or inserting)
Secondary Amendments Purpose To modify an amendment to make it more specific Requires a second Debatable Not amendable Majority vote Can not interrupt a speaker Example: Mr. Chairman, I move to amend the amendment by . . .
Refer to Committee Purpose Used to send a pending question to a small group so that the question may be carefully investigated.
Requires a Second Amendable Debatable Majority Vote
Refer to Committee con’t Two ways to appoint a committee Standing Committee Special Committee Appointed by the chairman Number of members can be 3 or more Example: Mr. Chairman, I move to refer this motion to a committee.
Postpone Definitely Purpose Allow for the motion on the floor to be deferred to a different day, meeting, or until after a certain event.
Requires a second Amendable Debatable Majority Vote Example: Madam President, I move to postpone this motion until the regular meeting in June.
Previous Question Purpose To force an immediate vote on the motion Requires a second Not amendable Not Debatable 2/3 Vote Can not interrupt another speaker Examples: Madam Chairman, I move the previous question
To lay on the table Purpose To defer action on the motion until later in the meeting or until the next meeting Requires a second Not amendable Not debatable Majority Vote Example: Mr. Chairman, I move to table the motion
To take from the table Purpose To take a motion from the table Requires a second Not amendable Not debatable Majority vote Can not interrupt another speaker Example: I move to take from the table the motion pertaining to . . .
Division of the house Purpose To obtain a more accurate vote when an oral vote is in question Does not require a second Not amendable Not debatable No vote needed
Division of the house con’t Can interrupt another speaker Proper form Can be made by saying “division” loud enough for the entire group to hear Or by standing and saying “I call for a division of the house” Wait until the chairman has announced the results
Point of Order Purpose Used when a member thinks that the rules of the group or the rules of parliamentary procedure are being violated.
Does not require a second Not amendable Not debatable President decides on verdict
Point of Order con’t Can interrupt another speaker Example: Mr. president, I rise to a point of order.
President says, “State your point” After member states point, president says, “Your point is well taken” or ”Your point is not well taken.”
Adjourn Purpose To end the meeting Needs a second Not amendable Not debatable Majority vote Can not interrupt another speaker Example: Mr. Chairman, I move to adjourn.
Question of Privilege Purpose This allows for people in the group to ask for changes in the temperature, for ideas to clarified, for motions to be explained, for others to repeat their discussion or motions, and anything that may help the meeting run more smoothly Does not need a second Not amendable Not debatable No vote, Chairman’s decision
Question of Privilege (con’t) Can interrupt another speaker Example: Madam President, I rise to a question of privilege.
President says, “State your question.” Then the member asks for his privilege and the president decides on whether it will be allowed or not.
Parliamentary Inquiry Purpose To ask how to properly use parliamentary procedure Does not require a second Not debatable Not amendable Can interrupt a speaker
Parliamentary Inquiry (con’t) Chairman or parliamentarian explains proper procedure Example: “Mr. Chairman, I rise to a parliamentary inquiry.” Chairman: “State your inquiry.”