Parliamentary Procedure Also known as….. “who goes first?”

General History of Parliamentary Procedure Parliamentary Procedure arose from the early days of English Parliamentary Law. Formalized by an individual named General Henry M. Roberts a 19 th century US Army engineer.

Basic Principles of Parliamentary Procedure The right of the majority to rule The right of the minority to be heard The equal right of each individual to be heard and represented

Meaning of Simple Majority This means 51% or more – the rule of simple majority Since the primary objective is to determine the will of the majority and execute its will, a simple majority must be used.

Equal Rights & Guarantees of Parliamentary Procedure Business is transacted in the most efficient and democratic manner. All members have equal rights, privileges, and obligations

Equal Rights & Guarantees Guarantees rights of majority to decide The rights of the minority are respected by Parliamentary Procedure. The right to be heard and oppose are the rights of the minority. Simplest and most direct route to accomplish the will of the majority should by employed. Each member has an equal right to propose a motion, debate, ask for information and vote.

Agenda (Order of Business): 1.Call to order (Chair) 2.Taking roll (Secretary) 3.Reading minutes of previous meeting (approved as read) 4.Treasurer’s report (accepted as read) 5.Report of officers 6.Standing committee reports

Agenda Includes (cont): 7.Special committee reports 8.Unfinished business 9.New business 10.Program (Optional) 11.Adjournment *Note: Agenda is decided in advance of the meeting by the Chair.

Rules of a Club Constitution – basic rules guiding a club Purpose of the club Requirements of membership Officers and how to elect Time and place of meetings Ways of changing anything by amendment Bylaws - more specific rules that guide a club (rules of procedure)

Parliamentary Procedure Developing Meeting Skills Obtaining the Floor (Stand, address the Chair, receive recognition) Introducing Business (Making a Motion) Stand, “I move that…”, statement must receive a 2 nd, sets motion before debate, prepare for vote

Rules of Debate Every member has a right to speak on every debatable motion All discussion pertains to the question at hand While debate is in progress, amendments can be introduced Debate cannot last longer than 10 minutes unless assembly votes otherwise

Amendments After the chair has restated a motion, the only way to change the motion would be by an amendment. Amendments are made by adding, deleting, or changing. Only two amendments may be pending on a main motion at any time (primary or secondary – or First or Second Degree)

Voting A majority decides, unless special rules apply Voice vote, unless otherwise provided for If the presiding officer is a member of the assembly, he or she can vote as any other member does when the vote is by ballot. Any member may request a division of the assembly if there is uncertainty as to the true result of the vote