DOCSLIB.ORG

Rosenberg's Rules of Order: Simple Parliamentary Procedures for The

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Rosenberg's Rules of Order: Simple Parliamentary Procedures for The Rosenberg’s Rules of Order: Simple Parliamentary Procedures for the 21st Century League of California Cities 1 MISSION: To restore and protect local control for cities through education and advocacy to enhance the quality of life for all Californians. VISION: To be recognized and respected as the leading advocate for the common interests of California cities. About the League of California Cities About the Author Established in 1898, the League of California Cities is a mem- Dave Rosenberg is an elected county supervisor representing ber organization that represents California’s incorporated cities. the 4th District in Yolo County. He also serves as director of The League strives to protect the local authority and autonomy community and intergovernmental relations, director of opera- of city government and help California’s cities effectively serve tions, and senior advisor to the governor of California. He has their residents. In addition to advocating on cities’ behalf at the served as a member and chair of numerous state and local state capitol, the League provides its members with professional boards, both appointed and elected, and also served on the development programs and information resources, conducts Davis City Council for 12 years, including two terms as mayor. educational conferences and research, and publishes Western He has taught classes on parliamentary procedure and has City magazine. served as parliamentarian for large and small governing bodies. In the fall of 2003, Gov. Davis appointed Rosenberg as a judge of the Yolo County Superior Court. About Western City Magazine Western City is the League of California Cities' monthly maga- zine. Western City provides lively, interdisciplinary analyses of issues affecting local governance. Its goal is to offer immediately practical ideas, information and bigger-picture policy issues and trends. For more information, visit www.westerncity.com. “Rosenberg’s Rules of Order” first appeared in Western City magazine in August and September 2003. To order additional copies of this publication, call (916) 658-8257 or visit www.cacities.org/store. 1400 K Street, Sacramento, CA 95814 (916) 658-8200 © 2003 League of California Cities. All rights reserved. Fax (916) 658-8240 www.cacities.org Rosenberg’s Rules of Order: Simple Parliamentary Procedures for the 21st Century by Dave Rosenberg he rules of procedure at meetings framework for the orderly conduct rules, because the chair, for all intents should be simple enough for most of meetings. and purposes, makes the final ruling on people to understand. Unfortunately, the rules. In fact, all decisions by the 2. Rules should be clear. Simple rules that hasn’t always been the case. Virtu- chair are final unless overruled by the lead to wider understanding and ally all clubs, associations, boards, coun- governing body itself. participation. Complex rules create cils and bodies follow a set of rules, two classes: those who understand Because the chair conducts the meeting, Robert’s Rules of Order, which are em- and participate and those who do it is common courtesy for the chair to bodied in a small but complex book. not fully understand and do not take a less active role than other mem- Virtually no one I know has actually fully participate. bers of the body in debates and discus- read this book cover to cover. sions. This does not mean that the chair 3. Rules should be user-friendly. That Worse yet, the book was written for should not participate in the debate or is, the rules must be simple enough another time and purpose. If you are discussion. On the contrary, as a mem- that citizens feel they have been able running the British Parliament, Robert’s ber of the body, the chair has full rights to participate in the process. Rules of Order is a dandy and quite use- to participate in debates, discussions ful handbook. On the other hand, if 4. Rules should enforce the will of and decision-making. The chair should, you’re running a meeting of a five- the majority while protecting the however, strive to be the last to speak at member body with a few members of rights of the minority. The ultimate the discussion and debate stage, and the public in attendance, a simplified purpose of the rules of procedure is should not make or second a motion version of the rules of parliamentary to encourage discussion and to facili- unless he or she is convinced that no procedure is in order. Hence, the birth tate decision-making by the body. In other member of the body will do so. of “Rosenberg’s Rules of Order.” a democracy, the majority rules. The rules must enable the majority to This publication covers the rules of The Basic Format for an express itself and fashion a result, parliamentary procedure based on my Agenda Item Discussion while permitting the minority to also 20 years of experience chairing meetings Formal meetings normally have a written, express itself (but not dominate) and in state and local government. These published agenda; informal meetings fully participate in the process. rules have been simplified and slimmed may have only an oral or understood down for 21st century meetings, yet agenda. In either case, the meeting is they retain the basic tenets of order to The Chairperson Should Take a governed by the agenda and the agenda which we are accustomed. Back Seat During Discussions constitutes the body’s agreed-upon road While all members of the governing map for the meeting. And each agenda “Rosenberg’s Rules of Order” are sup- body should know and understand the item can be handled by the chair in the ported by the following four principles: rules of parliamentary procedure, it is following basic format. 1. Rules should establish order. The the chairperson (chair) who is charged First, the chair should clearly announce first purpose of the rules of parlia- with applying the rules of conduct. the agenda item number and should mentary procedure is to establish a The chair should be well versed in those clearly state what the subject is. The chair should then announce the format that will be followed. There are exceptions to the general rule of free Second, following that agenda format, the chair should invite the appropriate and open debate on motions. The exceptions all people to report on the item, including apply when there is a desire to move on. any recommendation they might have. The appropriate person may be the chair, a member of the governing body, www.cacities.org 1 Rosenberg’s Rules of Order: Simple Parliamentary Procedure for the 21st Century a staff person, or a committee chair Eighth, the chair should now invite dis- Motions are made in a simple two-step charged with providing information cussion of the motion by the members process. First, the chair recognizes the about the agenda item. of the governing body. If there is no member. Second, the member makes a desired discussion or the discussion has motion by preceding the member’s Third, the chair should ask members ended, the chair should announce that desired approach with the words: “I of the body if they have any technical the body will vote on the motion. If move …” A typical motion might be: questions for clarification. At this point, there has been no discussion or a very “I move that we give 10 days’ notice in members of the governing body may ask brief discussion, the vote should proceed the future for all our meetings.” clarifying questions to the people who immediately, and there is no need to re- reported on the item, and they should The chair usually initiates the motion by: peat the motion. If there has been sub- be given time to respond. stantial discussion, it is normally best to 1. Inviting the members to make a Fourth, the chair should invite public make sure everyone understands the motion: “A motion at this time comments or, if appropriate at a formal motion by repeating it. would be in order.” meeting, open the meeting to public input. If numerous members of the pub- lic indicate a desire to speak to the sub- ject, the chair may limit the time of each Debate on policy is healthy; debate on personalities public speaker. At the conclusion of the public comments, the chair should ann- is not. The chair has the right to cut off discussion ounce that public input has concluded that is too personal, too loud or too crude. (or that the public hearing, as the case may be, is closed). Fifth, the chair should invite a motion Ninth, the chair takes a vote. Simply 2. Suggesting a motion to the members: from the governing body members. The asking for the “ayes” and then the “nays” “A motion would be in order that we chair should announce the name of the is normally sufficient. If members of the give 10-days’ notice in the future for member who makes the motion. body do not vote, then they “abstain.” all our meetings.” Unless the rules of the body provide Sixth, the chair should determine if any 3. Making the motion. member of the body wishes to second otherwise or unless a super-majority is the motion. The chair should announce required (as delineated later in these As noted, the chair has every right as a the name of the member who seconds rules), a simple majority determines member of the body to make a motion, the motion. It is normally good practice whether the motion passes or is defeated. but normally should do so only if he or she wishes a motion to be made but no for a motion to require a second before Tenth, the chair should announce the other member seems willing to do so.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • A Guide to Parliamentary Procedure for New York City Community Boards
    CITY OF NEW YORK MICHAEL R. BLOOMBERG, MAYOR A GUIDE TO PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE FOR NEW YORK CITY COMMUNITY BOARDS Mayor's Community Assistance Unit Patrick J. Brennan, Commissioner r. 2003/6.16.2006 Page 2 A Guide to Parliamentary Procedure for NYC Community Boards Mayor's Community Assistance Unit INTRODUCTION "The holding of assemblies of the elders, fighting men, or people of a tribe, community, or city to make decisions or render opinion on important matters is doubtless a custom older than history," notes Robert's Rules of Order, Newly Revised. This led to the need for rules of procedures to organize those assemblies. Throughout history, the writers of parliamentary procedure recognized that a membership meeting should be a place where different people of a community gather to debate openly and resolve issues of common concerns, the importance of conducting meetings in a democratic manner, and the need to protect the rights of individuals, groups, and the entire assembly. Parliamentary procedure originally referred to the customs and rules used by the English Parliament to conduct its meetings and to dispose of its issues. Some of the unusual terms used today attest to that connection -- such terms as "Lay On The Table" or "I Call The Previous Question." In America, General Henry Martyn Robert (1837-1923), a U.S. Army engineering officer was active in civic and educational works and church organizations. After presiding over a meeting, he wrote "But with the plunge went the determination that I would never attend another meeting until I knew something of... parliamentary law." After many years of study and work, the first edition of Robert's manual was published on February 19, 1876 under the title, Robert's Rules of Order.
    [Show full text]
  • Points of Order; Parliamentary Inquiries
    Points of Order; Parliamentary Inquiries A. POINTS OF ORDER § 1. In General; Form § 2. Role of the Chair § 3. Reserving Points of Order § 4. Time to Raise Points of Order § 5. Ð Against Bills and Resolutions § 6. Ð Against Amendments § 7. Application to Particular Questions; Grounds § 8. Relation to Other Business § 9. Debate on Points of Order; Burden of Proof § 10. Waiver of Points of Order § 11. Withdrawal of Points of Order § 12. Appeals B. PARLIAMENTARY INQUIRIES § 13. In General; Recognition § 14. Subjects of Inquiry § 15. Timeliness of Inquiry § 16. As Related to Other Business Research References 5 Hinds §§ 6863±6975 8 Cannon §§ 3427±3458 Manual §§ 627, 637, 861b, 865 A. Points of Order § 1. In General; Form Generally A point of order is in effect an objection that the pending matter or proceeding is in violation of a rule of the House. (Grounds for point of order, see § 7, infra.) Any Member (or any Delegate) may make a point of order. 6 Cannon § 240. Although there have been rare instances in which the Speaker has insisted that the point of order be reduced to writing (5 633 § 1 HOUSE PRACTICE Hinds § 6865), the customary practice is for the Member to rise and address the Chair: MEMBER: Mr. Speaker (or Mr. Chairman), I make a point of order against the [amendment, section, paragraph]. CHAIR: The Chair will hear the gentleman. It is appropriate for the Chair to determine whether the point of order is being raised under a particular rule of the House. The objecting Member should identify the particular rule that is the basis for his point of order.
    [Show full text]
  • Role of the Chair and Decorum Presentation
    Role of the Chair, Decorum, and More By Felix Rivera 2.30.020 – Presiding Officer • A. The chair of the assembly shall be the presiding officer of the assembly. • B. The vice-chair of the assembly shall be the presiding officer of the assembly in the case of unavailability of the chair. • C. The presiding officer shall be addressed as "Chair." • D. The presiding officer shall be a member of the assembly with all of the power and duties of that office. Section 4.04 – Presiding officer, meetings and procedures • (a) The assembly shall elect annually from its membership a presiding officer known as "chair." The chair serves at the pleasure of the assembly. • (b) The assembly shall meet in regular session at least twice each month. The mayor, the chair of the assembly, or five assembly members may call special meetings. Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised 11th Edition, pages 449-450 • 1. To open and call the meeting to order • 2. To announce in proper sequence the business that come before the assembly • 3. To recognize members who are entitled to the floor • 4. To state and to put to vote all questions that legitimately come before the assembly • 5. To protect the assembly from obviously dilatory motions • 6. To enforce the rules relating to debate and those relating to order and decorum Robert’s Rules of Order Continued, pages 449-450 • 7. To expedite business in every way compatible with the rights of the members • 8. To decide all questions of order, subject to appeal • 9.
    [Show full text]
  • Chapter 1 Adjournment
    Chapter 1 Adjournment A. GENERALLY; ADJOURNMENTS OF THREE DAYS OR LESS § 1. In General § 2. Adjournment Motions and Requests; Forms § 3. When in Order; Precedence and Privilege of Motion § 4. In Committee of the Whole § 5. Who May Offer Motion; Recognition § 6. Debate on Motion; Amendments § 7. Voting § 8. Quorum Requirements § 9. Dilatory Motions; Repetition of Motion B. ADJOURNMENTS FOR MORE THAN THREE DAYS § 10. In General; Resolutions § 11. Privilege of Resolution § 12. August Recess C. ADJOURNMENT SINE DIE § 13. In General; Resolutions § 14. Procedure at Adjournment; Motions Research References U.S. Const. art. I, § 5 5 Hinds §§ 5359–5388 8 Cannon §§ 2641–2648 Manual §§ 82–84, 911–913 1 VerDate 29-JUL-99 20:28 Mar 20, 2003 Jkt 000000 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 2574 Sfmt 2574 C:\PRACTICE\DOCS\MHP.001 PARL1 PsN: PARL1 §1 HOUSE PRACTICE A. Generally; Adjournments of Three Days or Less § 1. In General Types of Adjournments Adjournment procedures in the House are governed by the House rules and by the Constitution. There are: (1) adjournments of three days or less, which are taken pursuant to motion; (2) adjournments of more than three days, which require the consent of the Senate (§ 10, infra); and (3) adjourn- ments sine die, which end each session of a Congress and which require the consent of both Houses. Adjournments of more than three days or sine die are taken pursuant to concurrent resolutions. §§ 10, 13, infra. Adjournment Versus Recess Adjournment is to be distinguished from recess. The House may author- ize a recess under a motion provided in rule XVI clause 4.
    [Show full text]
  • ROBERT's RULES of ORDER Simplified and Applied
    6399-8_2 FM 6/20/02 11:05 AM Page iii ROBERT’S RULES of ORDER Simplified and Applied Second Edition by Robert McConnell Production 6399-8_2 FM 6/20/02 11:05 AM Page iv Robert’s Rules of Order: Simplified and Applied, 2nd edition Copyright © 2001 by Robert McConnell productions Published by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Indianapolis, Indiana Published simultaneously in Canada No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, scanning, or otherwise, except as permitted under Section 107 or 108 of the 1976 United States Copyright Act, without either the prior written permission of the Publisher, or authorization through payment of the appropriate per-copy fee to the Copyright Clearance Center, 222 Rosewood Drive, Danvers, MA 01923, 978-750-8400, fax 978-750-4470, or on the web at www.copyright.com.You can contact the Publisher directly for permission by email at [email protected] or on the web at www.wiley.com/about/permission. Trademarks:Wiley, the Wiley Publishing logo,Webster’s New World, and the Webster’s New World logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Wiley Publishing, Inc., in the United States and other countries, and may not be used without written permission.All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.Wiley Publishing, Inc., is not associat- ed with any product or vendor mentioned in this book. Limit of Liability/Disclaimer of Warranty:While the publisher and author have used their best efforts in preparing this book, they make no representations or warranties with respect to the accuracy or completeness of the contents of this book and specifically disclaim any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.
    [Show full text]
  • Establishing a Quorum
    BVCSD MEETING PROCEDURES AND RULES OF ORDER Prepared by: Adopted: February 8, 2018 4843-7088-7508 v1 TABLE OF CONTENTS Page INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................ 1 ESTABLISHING A QUORUM ........................................................................................ 1 THE ROLE OF THE CHAIR ........................................................................................... 1 THE BASIC FORMAT FOR AGENDA ITEM DISCUSSION ........................................... 1 MOTIONS IN GENERAL ................................................................................................ 3 THE THREE BASIC MOTIONS ..................................................................................... 3 MULTIPLE MOTIONS BEFORE THE BOARD .............................................................. 4 DEBATABLE AND NON-DEBATABLE MOTIONS ......................................................... 4 MAJORITY AND SUPER MAJORITY VOTES ............................................................... 5 COUNTING VOTES ....................................................................................................... 5 THE MOTION TO RECONSIDER .................................................................................. 6 COURTESY AND DECORUM ....................................................................................... 6 SPECIAL NOTES ABOUT PUBLIC PARTICIPATION ................................................... 7 -i- Introduction These meeting
    [Show full text]
  • Parliamentary Procedure
    PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE Applying Rules of Order to Keep Your Meeting Efficient And Move Your Agendas Ahead November 8, 2019 MASC/MASS State Conference Council of School Committee Administrative Personnel 091603 MOST COMMON QUESTIONS What is a quorum and a majority? When to have a roll call? What happens with a tie vote? How do abstentions affect the vote? Reconsideration vs. Rescission? Table vs. Postponement How many amendments can we have? “Friendly Amendments” Good Rules of Order Have Them. Understand them. Use Them. Follow Them. Have efficient meetings with them and not in spite of them! Knowing and Using Your Rules of Order – Why? Meetings will be run more efficiently. People are more likely to leave happier. Fewer people will be offended. Chair will appear more fair. Public perception of order and responsibility. What is Parliamentary Procedure Rules and Customs that Govern Deliberative Assemblies PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE IS NOT A BOOK CALLED ROBERT’S RULES OF ORDER. Others include Sturgis, Demeter, Cushing's, etc. WHICH RULES DO YOU USE? The law allows you to select any rules of order you choose, including your own. The law allows you to select formal published rules and to make any exceptions you wish. You may not use rules of order to circumvent or disobey formal state law including: Executive Sessions - Participation by Chair Roll Calls - Length of Debate Parliamentary Procedure Originally prepared for large assemblies Congresses, legislatures, large bodies. Some rules are antiquated and outdated. Some formal rule books are voluminous. Robert’s 11th Edition* is more than 700 pages. Lists more than 80 motions.
    [Show full text]
  • Robert's Rules of Order, As It Came to Be Called (See Chart of Editions on the Robert’S Rules of Order Website)
    ROBERT’S RULES OF ORDER Short History of Robert's Rules Henry Martyn Robert was an engineering officer in the regular Army. Without warning he was asked to preside over a public meeting being held in a church in his community and realized that he did not know how. He tried anyway and his embarrassment was supreme. This event, which may seem familiar to many readers, left him determined never to attend another meeting until he knew something of parliamentary law. Ultimately, he discovered and studied the few books then available on the subject. From time to time, due to his military duties, he was transferred to various parts of the United States, where he found virtual parliamentary anarchy, since each member from a different part of the country had differing ideas of correct procedure. To bring order out of chaos, he decided to write Robert's Rules of Order, as it came to be called (see chart of editions on the Robert’s Rules of Order website). The twelfth, current, edition has been brought about through a process of keeping the book up to date with the growth of parliamentary procedure. All editions of the work issued after the death of the original author have been prepared by persons who either knew and worked with the original author or are connected to such persons in a direct continuity of professional association. ADA Compliant: January 2021 Simplified Roberts Rules of Order Main Ideas Everyone has the right to speak once if they wish, before anyone may speak a second time.
    [Show full text]
  • The Right Way to Run a Meeting
    THE RIGHT WAY TO RUN A MEETING: A GUIDE FOR COUNTY OFFICIALS ABOUT THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES The National Association of Counties (NACo) unites America’s 3,069 county governments. Founded in 1935, NACo brings county officials together to advocate with a collective voice on national policy, exchange ideas and build new leadership skills, pursue transformational county solutions, enrich the public’s understanding of county government and exercise exemplary leadership in public service. For more information about NACo, please visit www.NACo.org The Right Way to Run a Meeting: A GUIDE FOR COUNTY OFFICIALS CONTENTS Introduction. 3 The Right Way to Run a Meeting . 4 The Basics . 8 Summary of the Types of Motions . .. 14 1 2 Introduction NACo’S VISION: ACHIEVE HEALTHY, VIBRANT AND SAFE COUNTIES ACROSS AMERICA We are committed to pursuing excellence in public service by advancing sound public policies, promoting peer learning and accountability, fostering intergovernmental and public private collaboration, and providing value-added services to save counties and taxpayers money. This publication is an example of that commitment. We believe that every county official needs to master the skill of running a meeting. The key role of local elected officials is to chair public and county meetings to ensure positive public engagement and civil discourse. Developing these skills can help you in your county or with running a meeting at a NACo conference. We prepared this guide to show the steps for running a successful meeting and to present the basic rules, according to Robert’s Rules of Order. It is not intended to replace Robert’s Rules of Order, but act only as a quick reference guide.
    [Show full text]
  • Robert's Rules Cheat Sheet
    Robert’s Rules Cheat Sheet To: Say: Interrupt Speaker Second Needed Debatable Amendable Decided by: Adjourn “I move to adjourn.” No Yes No No Majority vote Recess “I move to recess for/until...” No Yes No Yes Majority vote Complain about hearing, comfort, “Point of privilege...” Yes No No No Chair etc. End debate and vote on question “I move the previous question.” No Yes No No Majority vote Suspend further consideration of “I move to table this matter.” No Yes No No 2/3 vote something Postpone deciding the question “I move to postpone this matter No Yes Yes Yes Majority vote until... Amend a motion “I move to amend this motion No Yes Yes Yes Majority vote by...” Introduce business (a main “I move that...” No Yes Yes Yes Majority vote motion) The motions and points listed above are in order of preference. When a motion or point of inquiry is pending, only those listed above the pending point may be raised. To: Say: Interrupt Speaker Second Needed Debatable Amendable Decided by: Redress any violation of the “Point of order...” Yes No No No Chair body’s Rules Request information “Point of inquiry...” Yes No No No N/A Verify a recent voice vote by “I call for division.” Yes No No No Majority vote actual count (before next motion only) Prevent body from considering a “I object to considering this Yes No No No 2/3 matter question.” Consider a suspended matter “I move to take from the table...” Yes Yes No No Majority Reconsider a previous motion “I move to reconsider...” Yes Yes No No 2/3 Consider something out of “I move to suspend the rules to No Yes No No 2/3 schedule consider...” Vote on the Chair’s decision “I appeal the Chair’s decision.” Yes Yes Yes No Majority The motions and points above have no precedence.
    [Show full text]
  • Robert's Rules of Order
    ROBERT’S RULES OF ORDER SGS HANDBOOKS THE BASICS MEETING UNDERWAY MOTIONS & VOTING KEY DEFINITIONS OTHER RESOURCES 1 Welcome to the Student Group Services Robert’s Rules of Order Handbook! This Handbook is an introduction to Robert’s Rules of Order, which are commonly used to structure group meetings. However, Robert’s Rules cover almost everything that could possibly happen during a meeting – this is by no means a complete guide. This handout is a simple introduction to meeting structure using the Rules and it includes the basics of how a motion is formed, debated, and passed. Take a look at the other resources at the end for even more assistance, or use this as an overview for your group! Sincerely, Student Group Services Compiled by Ian Dalsin, Administrative Assistant 2012-2013 Contact Information: Student Group Services University of Alberta Students’ Union 780.492.9789 [email protected] www.su.ualberta.ca/studentgroups www.facebook.com/uasgs h!p://twi!er.com/uasgs 0-040A SUB 8900-114th Street Edmonton, AB T6G 2J7 2 Table of Contents 1 :: The Basics p.4 What are Robert’s Rules of Order? What are they used for? Chairing the Meeting 2 :: Meeting Underway p. 5 3 :: Motions & Voting p. 6 Motions Points 4 :: Key Definitions p. 8 Basic Terms Motions Points 5 :: Other Resources p. 10 3 1 :: The Basics What are Robert’s Rules of Order? In 1876, US Army Colonel Henry Martyn Robert published a book whose full title was Pocket Manuel of Rules of Order for Deliberative Assemblies. Short- ened to Robert’s Rules of Order, it is easily the most popular parliamentary authority used today.
    [Show full text]
  • Points of Order, Rulings, and Appeals in the Senate
    Points of Order, Rulings, and Appeals in the Senate Updated November 15, 2018 Congressional Research Service https://crsreports.congress.gov 98-306 Points of Order, Rulings, and Appeals in the Senate he Senate’s presiding officer typically does not have responsibility for proactively ensuring that matters under consideration comply with the rules. Instead, Senators may enforce the Senate’s legislative rules and precedents by making points of order whenever T they believe that one of those rules or precedents is, or is about to be, violated. Under some circumstances, a ruling by the presiding officer determines whether or not the point of order is well taken. Under others, the Senate itself decides the point of order, usually by majority vote.1 Senate Rule XX states in part that “[a] question of order may be raised at any stage of the proceedings, except when the Senate is voting or ascertaining the presence of a quorum, and, unless submitted to the Senate, shall be decided by the Presiding Officer without debate, subject to an appeal to the Senate.” Points of Order Under most circumstances, a Senator may make a point of order against a question (whether it be a bill, amendment, motion, or something else) at any time that the question is pending before the Senate.2 The primary exception arises when the Senate is debating a question—usually an amendment or motion—under a unanimous consent agreement that limits the time for debating it. Under this circumstance, no point of order can be made until all time for debating the question has expired or has been yielded back.3 Although Senate rules preclude debate on points of order on which the presiding officer rules, the presiding officer may, by precedent, entertain discussion at his or her discretion.4 Rulings In most situations, the presiding officer rules on points of order.5 Under two circumstances, however, the point of order is decided by the Senate.
    [Show full text]