Parliamentary Procedure: Introduction Lesson One

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 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 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

Usual Agenda Includes: 1.Call to order (Chair) 2.Taking roll (Secretary) 3.Reading minutes of previous meeting 4.Treasurer’s report 5.Report of officers 6.Standing committee reports

Usual Agenda Includes (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.

Agenda Call to Order Chairperson raps the gavel once and says, “The meeting will come to order.”

Agenda Roll Call Often a sign in sheet is used.

Agenda Secretary’s Report Minutes are read. Minutes give a summary about what was done at the last meeting. Approved by general consent.

Agenda Treasurer’s Report A report of how much money was earned or spent is given to the members.

Agenda Other Officer Reports Committee of officers is called the Executive Committee

Officers President, Chair, Chairman, Presiding Officer Secretary Treasurer Historian Parliamentarian Sergeant at Arms

Agenda Standing Committee Report Standing committees are groups of members who get together to work on problems for the organization. These committees are permanent.

Agenda Special Committee Reports These committees are temporary and are made to solve one time problems.

Agenda Unfinished Business Things that were not finished at last meeting are finished here. NEVER called “old business”!

Agenda New Business This is where new motions are made and voted on.

Agenda Program/ Announcements This is optional and will be where speakers, etc. will be presented.

Agenda Adjournment No vote needed if everyone agrees, meeting is ended.