Lecture Notes: Parliamentary Procedure

Introduction to Parliamentary Procedure

• Created for smooth, efficient organization running
• Defined as a code of ethics for group business/meetings
• Unique to the democratic process
• Learning it equals learning democracy; allows majority rule while giving minority voice
• Associated guide: Robert's Rules of Order
• Objective: Enable involvement in club/organization decisions

Preparing for a Meeting: The Agenda

• Agenda Components:
  1. Call to order
  2. Roll call
  3. Minutes
  4. Treasurer’s report
  5. Committee reports (standing and special)
  6. Unfinished business
  7. New business
  8. Adjournment
• Call to order: President starts the meeting
• Roll call: Ensures quorum (at least 51% present)
• Minutes: Previously recorded transactions, typically distributed electronically prior
• Treasurer’s report: Financial transactions since last meeting; for information only, no vote needed
• Unfinished business: Items not completed in previous meeting
• New business: New items for discussion and vote
  • Can be any member-brought issue if recognized by chair
• Adjournment: Formally ending the meeting

Conducting Business: Motions

Main Motion

• Purpose: Introduce business
• Characteristics:
  • Debatable: Can be discussed pro/con
  • Amendable: Can be changed
  • Requires majority vote (>50%)
  • Requires a second: Shows another person's interest
• Procedure:
  • Introduced, seconded
  • President calls for debate/discussion
  • President asks for negative responses (No/Nay)

Amending a Motion

• Purpose: Modify the main motion
• Characteristics: Same as main motion; requires second, debatable, amendable, majority vote
• Procedure:
  • Introduced during discussion/debate on the main motion
  • Seconded
  • Discussion, vote
  • Amendment becomes part of the main motion if passed
• Example:
  • Motion: Get Little Caesars for lunch
  • Amendment: Motion adjusted

Delaying Action

Lay on the Table

• Purpose: Postpone action for more information
• Characteristics:
  • Requires second and majority vote
  • Not amendable
• Procedure:
  • Seconded
  • Vote
  • Another item of business must be transacted before taking a tabled motion

Main Motion Example with Amendment

• Main Motion Example:
  • Motion to change meeting place
  • Motion passed after discussion and vote
• Amending Example:
  • Motion to get pizza for lunch
  • Amendment: Added new details, passed after discussion

Adjournment

• Purpose: Formally end the meeting
• Characteristics:
  • Requires second
  • Not debatable or amendable
  • Requires majority vote
• Procedure:
  • Moved, seconded
  • Vote
  • Meeting ends

Summary

• Focus on mastering common motions in parliamentary procedure
• Foundation for building more advanced skills
• Recommended: Review documents by Dr. Langer for more information