Parliamentary Procedure: Introduction Lesson I

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.