DOCSLIB.ORG

Parliamentary Procedure: a “Fun” Quiz for Clerks of Session

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Parliamentary Procedure: a “Fun” Quiz for Clerks of Session Parliamentary Procedure: A “Fun” Quiz for Clerks of Session 1. What are the rules that we follow in a session or presbytery meeting called? Answer: Parliamentary procedure or Robert’s Rules of Order 2. Who is responsible for running the meeting? Answer: the moderator 3. Does the moderator have a right to vote? Answer: Only if the moderator is a member of the body. Pastors are not members of their congregations and therefore do not have the right to vote. If a pastor is a moderator of a Presbytery, then she/he has a right to vote. The moderator and clerk should make every effort to maintain an appearance of impartiality so that members on both sides of an issue can feel confident that they will receive fair treatment. To this end, the moderator and clerk do not participate in debate. The moderator may do so only if she/he gives up the chair until the issue is disposed of (which should seldom be done). In addition the moderator votes only when either: . The vote is by ballot, in which case the chair votes along with and at the same time as all other members, or . The chair’s vote will change the result of the vote. (The judicious use of your vote to tie the matter) 4. Why does a motion require a second? Answer: A second means someone thinks the motion is worthy of discussion; it doesn’t mean agreement. 5. Name the most common reason a motion does not require a second. Answer: A motion that comes from a committee or commission does not require a second. Such a motion already comes from more than one person and can be assumed that it has "already" been seconded. 6. What is the difference between an amendment and a substitute motion? Answer: An amendment is the means by which main motions can be “perfected” by the body to achieve a greater consensus. In the simple form of amendment, particular consecutive words within a single paragraph of a motion are amended by either striking out words, adding/inserting words, or both. A substitute motion is the offering of a totally new motion on the same subject or the changing of a lengthy motion by substituting a new paragraph. 7. What is a “friendly” amendment? Answer: On occasion, while a motion is being debated, someone will get up and offer what he or she terms a “friendly amendment” to the motion, the maker of the original motion will “accept” the amendment, and the moderator will treat the motion as amended. This is wrong. Once a motion has been stated, it is no longer the property of the mover, but of the assembly. Any amendment, “friendly” or otherwise, must be adopted by the full body, either by a vote or by unanimous consent. 8. In voting, do you vote for the main motion or its amendment first? Answer: Amendment 9. Do abstention votes count? Answer: The phrase “abstention votes” is an oxymoron, an abstention being a refusal to vote. To abstain means to refrain from voting, and, as a consequence, there can be no such thing as an “abstention vote.” In the usual situation, where either a majority vote or a two-thirds vote is required, abstentions have absolutely no effect on the outcome of the vote since what is required is either a majority or two thirds of the votes cast. 10. What is the request to “call the previous question”? Answer: A motion to stop debate and to vote on the motion. The previous question is the motion or amendment on the floor. Ending debate requires a 2/3 vote. 11. What is a consent agenda? Answer: A consent agenda is a list of actions to be taken that are generally routine in nature and are voted on all at once. Any member can request that an item be removed from the consent agenda and upon such request it must be done. That item then becomes a regular item in the agenda. 12. If minutes of a previous meeting are corrected, are the corrections entered in the minutes of the meeting at which the corrections were made? Answer: If corrections to minutes are made at the time when those minutes are originally submitted for approval, such corrections are made in the text of the minutes being approved. The minutes of the meeting at which the corrections are made should merely indicate that the minutes were approved “as corrected,” without specifying what the correction was. If it becomes necessary to correct minutes after they have initially been approved, such correction can be made by means of the motion to Amend Something Previously Adopted. .
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]
  • Summary of Commonly Used Parliamentary Rules from Sturgis
    Brief Resume of Parliamentary Rules from Sturgis This summary of commonly used parliamentary rules from Sturgis is a modified and updated version of a document compiled by former Physics Professor Fred Cranston for the HSU Academic Senate. It is based on The Standard Code of Parliamentary Procedure, by Alice Sturgis. I. Precedence of Motions Privileged Motions 1. Adjourn 2. Recess 3. Questions of privilege Subsidiary Motions 4. Postpone temporarily (or table) 5. Close debate 6. Limit or extend debate 7. Postpone to a certain time 8. Refer to committee 9. Amend Main Motions 10. The main motion and restorative main motions Basic Rules of Precedence: 1. When a motion is being considered, any motion of higher precedence may be proposed, but no motion of lower precedence may be proposed. Higher precedence is accorded to lower numbers. 2. Motions are considered and voted on in reverse order to their proposal. The motion last proposed is considered and disposed of first. Incidental Motions Incidental motions (Appeal, Suspend Rules, etc.) have no order of precedence. II. Motions to Postpone Motion to postpone temporarily (to lay on the Table, or to Table). Defers the main motion temporarily but specifies no time for its consideration and is not debatable. Its effect terminates with the current meeting. The postponed motion can be taken up again for consideration at any time during the current meeting by a motion to resume its consideration. Usually used when more urgent business arises, for example, a TIME CERTAIN agenda item. Motion to postpone to a certain time. A motion to postpone to a certain time defers consideration of the pending main motion, but also fixes a definite date or time for its consideration.
    [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 Is the Standard for Facilitating Discussions and Group Decision-Making
    Parliamentary Procedure for Meetings Robert's Rules of Order is the standard for facilitating discussions and group decision-making. Copies of the rules are available at most bookstores. Although they may seem long and involved, having an agreed- upon set of rules makes meetings run easier. Robert's Rules will help your group have better meetings, not make them more difficult. Your group is free to modify them or find another suitable process that encourages fairness and participation, unless your bylaws state otherwise. Here are the basic elements of Robert's Rules, used by most organizations: 1. Motion: To introduce a new piece of business or propose a decision or action, a motion must be made by a group member ("I move that......") A second motion must then also be made (raise your hand and say, "I second it.") After limited discussion the group then votes on the motion. A majority vote is required for the motion to pass (or quorum as specified in your bylaws.) 2. Postpone Indefinitely: This tactic is used to kill a motion. When passed, the motion cannot be reintroduced at that meeting. It may be brought up again at a later date. This is made as a motion ("I move to postpone indefinitely..."). A second is required. A majority vote is required to postpone the motion under consideration. 3. Amend: This is the process used to change a motion under consideration. Perhaps you like the idea proposed but not exactly as offered. Raise your hand and make the following motion: "I move to amend the motion on the floor." This also requires a second.
    [Show full text]
  • San Diego State University Senate PARLIAMENTARY GUIDE ‐E. N
    San Diego State University Senate PARLIAMENTARY GUIDE ‐E. N. Genovese, April 2001 The general format of Senate meetings comprises 1) a gavel to order, 2) approval of the Agenda and previous Minutes, 3) administrative and committee reports, 4) old and new business, and 5) adjournment. Action items are usually presented in writing. By seconded and discussed motions, the body tables or postpones, commits (or refers), rejects (or denies), adopts (or approves). Speakers from the floor are senators and occasionally nonsenators to whom a senator has yielded the floor. Most matters can be managed with dispatch, but at times debate can be complicated or extended by vaguely prepared motions, by imprecise or redundant speeches, or by tortuous and exotic parliamentary mechanics. To expedite business, virtually all matters that reach the full Senate are first examined by the Executive Committee for substance and organization, but to ensure proper format and to focus debate, all senators should be minimally expert in the parlia‐mentary procedures based on Robert's Rules of Order. Action Items Submitted in Advance. All items to be considered for action by the Senate shall first be submitted to the Senate Executive Committee for inclusion in its Agenda. Observance of the Four‐Day Rule. Adhering to the above procedure will all but eliminate the need to waive the Four‐Day Rule, which requires that the Agenda be published four days before meetings (PF I‐A‐1, 7.3). Only the most urgent matters merit waiver of this rule. Acceptable Format. All Agenda items, whether for action or information, shall be presented in acceptable format.
    [Show full text]
  • Robert's Rules of Order Is the Standard for Facilitating Discussions and Group Decision-Making
    Parliamentary Procedure for Meetings Robert's Rules of Order is the standard for facilitating discussions and group decision-making. Copies of the rules are available at most bookstores. Although they may seem long and involved, having an agreed- upon set of rules makes meetings run easier. Robert's Rules will help your group have better meetings, not make them more difficult. Your group is free to modify them or find another suitable process that encourages fairness and participation, unless your bylaws state otherwise. Here are the basic elements of Robert's Rules, used by most organizations: 1. Motion: To introduce a new piece of business or propose a decision or action, a motion must be made by a group member ("I move that......") A second motion must then also be made (raise your hand and say, "I second it.") After limited discussion the group then votes on the motion. A majority vote is required for the motion to pass (or quorum as specified in your bylaws.) 2. Postpone Indefinitely: This tactic is used to kill a motion. When passed, the motion cannot be reintroduced at that meeting. It may be brought up again at a later date. This is made as a motion ("I move to postpone indefinitely..."). A second is required. A majority vote is required to postpone the motion under consideration. 3. Amend: This is the process used to change a motion under consideration. Perhaps you like the idea proposed but not exactly as offered. Raise your hand and make the following motion: "I move to amend the motion on the floor." This also requires a second.
    [Show full text]
  • Rosenberg's Rules of Order
    Rosenberg’s Rules of Order REVISED 2011 Simple Rules of Parliamentary Procedure for the 21st Century By Judge Dave Rosenberg MISSION and CORE BELIEFS To expand 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’s cities. About the League of California Cities Established in 1898, the League of California Cities is a member organization that represents California’s incorporated cities. The League strives to protect the local authority and automony of city government and help California’s cities effectively serve their residents. In addition to advocating on cities’ behalf at the state capitol, the League provides its members with professional development programs and information resources, conducts education conferences and research, and publishes Western City magazine. © 2011 League of California Cities. All rights reserved. About the Author Dave Rosenberg is a Superior Court Judge in Yolo County. He has served as presiding judge of his court, and as presiding judge of the Superior Court Appellate Division. He also has served as chair of the Trial Court Presiding Judges Advisory Committee (the committee composed of all 58 California presiding judges) and as an advisory member of the California Judicial Council. Prior to his appointment to the bench, Rosenberg was member of the Yolo County Board of Supervisors, where he served two terms as chair. Rosenberg also served on the Davis City Council, including two terms as mayor. He has served on the senior staff of two governors, and worked for 19 years in private law practice.
    [Show full text]
  • Robert's Rules of Order - Summary Version
    Robert's Rules of Order - Summary Version For Fair and Orderly Meetings & Conventions Provides common rules and procedures for deliberation and debate in order to place the whole membership on the same footing and speaking the same language. The conduct of ALL business is controlled by the general will of the whole membership - the right of the deliberate majority to decide. Complementary is the right of at least a strong minority to require the majority to be deliberate - to act according to its considered judgment AFTER a full and fair "working through" of the issues involved. Robert's Rules provides for constructive and democratic meetings, to help, not hinder, the business of the assembly. Under no circumstances should "undue strictness" be allowed to intimidate members or limit full participation. The fundamental right of deliberative assemblies require all questions to be thoroughly discussed before taking action! The assembly rules - they have the final say on everything! Silence means consent! • Obtain the floor (the right to speak) by being the first to stand when the person speaking has finished; state Mr./Madam Chairman. Raising your hand means nothing, and standing while another has the floor is out of order! Must be recognized by the Chair before speaking! • Debate can not begin until the Chair has stated the motion or resolution and asked "are you ready for the question?" If no one rises, the chair calls for the vote! • Before the motion is stated by the Chair (the question) members may suggest modification of the motion; the mover can modify as he pleases, or even withdraw the motion without consent of the seconder; if mover modifies, the seconder can withdraw the second.
    [Show full text]
  • Parliamentary Procedure Guide
    PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE GUIDE Southeastern High School Model United Nations ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Parliamentary Procedure Guide ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Introduction Contained within this document are the verbal rules, definitions, and descriptions used during General ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Assembly and ordinary committee sessions at the Southeastern High School Model United Nations ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Conference (SHSMUN). The purpose of these rules is simple: to maintain productivity in committee and ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ to ensure that all member states are treated equitably in debate. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Delegates are reminded to follow both the spirit and the letter of the law – attempts to exploit ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ perceived loopholes in this guide will not be well-received by the Chair or by other delegates. A ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ working knowledge of Model United Nations is needed to understand this guide. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ The rules set forth in this document may be suspended at any time by a two-thirds majority of the delegates attending committee. The ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ method used to do this is described in greater detail under Motion to Suspend the Rules. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ YMCA SHSMUN Parliamentary
    [Show full text]
  • Robert's Rules of Order, Newly Revised, Tenth Edition, 2001
    ROBERT’S RULES OF ORDER What are Robert’s Rules of Order? The first edition of the book was published in February, 1876 by U.S. Army Major Henry Martyn Robert. Its procedures were loosely modeled after those used in the United States House of Representatives. Robert wrote Robert’s Rules of Order after presiding over a church meeting and discovering that delegates from different areas of the country did not agree about proper procedure. The book is now in its 10th edition; Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised (RONR). Robert’s Rules of Order provides applicable rules governing key matters of meeting and general procedures, including: Establishing a Constitution and Bylaws for your student organization. Structure of the meeting Agenda and debate. Motions; including making, seconding, debating, modifying and amending motions. Sufficient majority and simple majority and which decisions are appropriate to them. Establishment of a quorum. Definition of membership. Voting rights of presiding officer and voting procedures. AN OUTLINE OF BASIC PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE Prepared by Douglas N. Case Parliamentary Authority: Robert's Rules of Order, Newly Revised, Tenth Edition, 2001. I. Rules Governing an Organization State and Federal Law - governing corporations, tax-exempt organizations, public legislative bodies, etc. Articles of Incorporation - applicable to corporations Governing Documents of Parent Organizations - applicable to chapters, affiliates, etc. of larger organizations D. Local Constitution and Bylaws - defines the organization's basic structure and fundamental rules. Normally requires a 2/3 vote and prior notice for amendment and are not subject to suspension. E. Standing Rules - operating procedures consistent with all of the above.
    [Show full text]
  • Rules of Procedure
    RULES OF PROCEDURE All original materials in this publication are Copyright © 2020 by the London International Model United Nations. Any reproduction of this material, by any mechanical or electronic means, is prohibited without the express written consent of LIMUN www.limun.org.uk 21st Session | London International Model United Nations 2020 LONDON INTERNATIONAL MODEL UNITED NATIONS 21st Session | 21st-23rd of February 2020 Zeina DOWIDAR Secretary-General Benjamin SANTHOUSE-JAMES Deputy Secretary-General Valentina BUCCOLIERO Under-Secretary-General Applications Natalie CHUNG Under-Secretary-General Chairing Manuel SCHÜLER Under-Secretary-General Communications Fariha BABA Under-Secretary-General Finance Jonas BOKELMANN Under-Secretary-General Logistics Luena GAMA Under-Secretary-General Personnel Hana DOWIDAR Under-Secretary-General Public Relations Maurits BOGAARDS Chairing Officer The Rules of Procedure for the 2020 Session were adopted by the Secretariat on November 31st 2019 and came into effect on the same date. www.limun.org.uk pg. 1 21st Session | London International Model United Nations 2020 Contents CHAPTER 1: ....................................................................................................................................... 5 RULES GOVERNING THE CONFERENCE ............................................................................ 5 1. GENERAL AUTHORITY OF THE SECRETARY-GENERAL ............................ 5 2. GENERAL AUTHORITY OF THE SECRETARIAT AND APPOINTED STAFF ..............................................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Roberts Rules of Order Basic Rules
    Roberts Rules of Order Basic Rules: 1. The motion is made, seconded, debated and voted upon. The Chair announces the results of the vote. 2. One motion at a time; a secondary motion can amend or substitute the previous motion. A main motion can be amended prior to a vote on the main motion. 3. Each member addresses the motion once until all members have been heard, and then members may address the motion a second time. 4. One question at a time and one speaker at a time. 5. The majority rules. 6. A motion calling for the question can limit debate, if 2/3s vote to adopt the motion. The motion must be voted upon immediately, without discussion. If adopted, the motion on the table is immediately voted upon. 7. A resolution is basically a formal, written motion. Typically a motion contains “whereas” clauses explaining why the resolution is needed and then the “therefore be it resolved” or action that will be taken as a result of the resolution being adopted. 8. A quorum is a simple majority of the directors unless the bylaws state differently. 9. A motion may be amended as a “friendly amendment” if both the first and second of the main motion agree to the amended language. If they do not, the amended motion is voted on and then the board returns to the main motion. 10. Motions are worded in the affirmative; if no action is desired, there shouldn’t be a need for a motion. 11. A motion to “postpone indefinitely” is a motion to kill the motion.
    [Show full text]