An Outline of Basic Parliamentary Procedure in America
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
A. State and Federal Law - governing cor porations, tax-exempt organizations, public legislative bodies, etc.
B. Articles of Incorporation - applicable to corporations
C. 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 consiste nt with all of the above. Normally can be amended by majority vote at any business meeting and can be suspended.
F. Rules of Order - parliamentary authority, s uperseded by any of the above which conflict.
G. Precedent and Custom - apply when there are no written rules governing a situation.
II. Purposes of Parliamentary Procedure
A. Ensure majority rule
B. Protect the rights of the minority, the absentees and individual members
C. Provide order, fairness and decorum
D.
Facilitate the transaction of bus iness and expedite meetings
III. Basic Principles of Parliamentary Procedure
A. All members have equal rights, privileges and obligations.
B. A quorum must be present for the group to act – if the bylaws of the organization do not establish a quorum, the general rule is that a majority of the entire membership must be present in order to transact business.
C.
Full and free discussion of every motion is a basic right.
D.
Only one question at a time may be consider ed, and only one person may have the floor at any one time.
E.
Members have a right to know what the imme diately pending question is and to have it restated before a vote is taken.
F.
No person can
Prepared by Douglas N. Case
Parliamentary Authority:
Robert's Rules of Order, Newly Revised,
Tenth Edition, 2001.
I. Rules Governing an Organization
A. State and Federal Law - governing cor porations, tax-exempt organizations, public legislative bodies, etc.
B. Articles of Incorporation - applicable to corporations
C. 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 consiste nt with all of the above. Normally can be amended by majority vote at any business meeting and can be suspended.
F. Rules of Order - parliamentary authority, s uperseded by any of the above which conflict.
G. Precedent and Custom - apply when there are no written rules governing a situation.
II. Purposes of Parliamentary Procedure
A. Ensure majority rule
B. Protect the rights of the minority, the absentees and individual members
C. Provide order, fairness and decorum
D.
Facilitate the transaction of bus iness and expedite meetings
III. Basic Principles of Parliamentary Procedure
A. All members have equal rights, privileges and obligations.
B. A quorum must be present for the group to act – if the bylaws of the organization do not establish a quorum, the general rule is that a majority of the entire membership must be present in order to transact business.
C.
Full and free discussion of every motion is a basic right.
D.
Only one question at a time may be consider ed, and only one person may have the floor at any one time.
E.
Members have a right to know what the imme diately pending question is and to have it restated before a vote is taken.
F.
No person can