Parliamentary Procedure: An Overview

History of Parliamentary Procedure Parliamentary Procedure arose from the early days of English Parliamentary Law Formalized by 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 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 the most efficient and democratic manner. All members have equal rights, privileges, and obligations.

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

Agenda Format 1.Call to order (Chair) 2.Taking roll (Secretary) 3.Reading minutes of previous meeting 4.Treasurers report 5.Officer reports 6.Standing committee reports

Agenda Format (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.

Officers may include: President, Chair, Chairman, Presiding Officer Vice-President, Chair-Elect Secretary Treasurer Historian Parliamentarian Sergeant at Arms Past President, Past-Chair

Rules of an Organization Constitution – basic rules guiding the group Name of the organization Purpose Membership requirements Officers elections, committee appointments Time and location of meetings Policies and procedures Bylaws