1. Parliamentary Procedure: Introduction
Lesson I

3. 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 19th century US Army engineer

4. 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
If used properly, business proceeds in an orderly manner with only one issue considered at a time and all members given the opportunity to participate.

5. Meaning of Simple Majority
This means 51% or more – the rule of simple majority
When more than a simple majority is required the minority is given the opportunity to defeat the majority
Since the primary objective is to determine the will of the majority and execute its will, a simple majority must be used

6. Equal Rights & Guarantees of Parliamentary Procedure
Business is transacted in most efficient and democratic manner
All members have equal rights, privileges, and obligations
Rules regarding rights and privileges must be applied impartially. The presiding officer should be strictly impartial.
All receive these rights, and are obligated to respect the same rights of other members.

7. Equal Rights & Guarantees
Guarantees right of majority to decide
The rights of the minority are respected by Parliamentary Procedure
The right to be heard and oppose are 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

8. Equal Rights & Guarantees
Definite guidelines regarding motions; guarantees that each question is fully discussed
All motions have a definite order and precedence
Only one question can be considered at one time
Any motion restricting the rights of members to speak or vote must be passed by a 2/3 vote.

9. Agenda: Order of business
Usual Agenda Includes:
Call to order (Chair)
Taking roll (Secretary)
Reading minutes of previous meeting
Treasurer’s report
Report of officers
Standing committee reports
Special committee reports
Unfinished business
New business
Program (Optional)
Adjournment
*Note: Agenda is decided in advance of the meeting by the Chair.

10. Agenda: Order of business
Officers
President, Chair, Chairman, Presiding Officer
Secretary
Treasurer
Historian
Parliamentarian
Sergeant at Arms

11. Agenda: Order of business
Rules of a Club
Constitution – basic rules guiding a club
Name of the club
Purpose
Requirements of membership
Officers and how to elect
Time and place of meetings
Ways of changing anything by amendment
Bylaws
Bylaws – set of rules of procedure. They are more specific than the constitution. Ex. Bylaws state specific numbers that make a quorum.