1. Parliamentary Procedure: a Guide to Senate Etiquette/Conventions
(based on Roberts’ Rules of Order – 11th Ed.)
iLead 19 Sept, 2017

2. Origins 1st Ed. published 1876 by Henry Martyn Robert
Based on British parliamentary procedure
Initial English settlers continued the practice
Governs US congressional etiquette

3. Relevance/ Application
Consistency and Predictability
Unbiased, clear, established rules
Majority rule dictates decision-making
Order
Engenders respect for others’ right to air views
Suppression of unsanctioned/disruptive behavior
Efficiency
Promotes speedy resolution of Senate business
Seeks to ensure that all sides of issues are considered

4. Key Personalities Chair (President of the Senate)
Convenes, calls meeting to order
Opens floor for discussion
Tie-breaker vote
President Pro-Tempore
Serves as Senate Chair on occasion
Parliamentarian
Maintains order
Knowledgeable about parliamentary procedure
May interrupt to advise on procedure/conduct

5. Dress Code - Men Dress Code Key words: Business Casual
Dress shirt with and slacks/khakis (ties a plus!) OR
Jacket/sweater and dress shirt with slacks/khakis
Oxfords, or other dress shoes
NO T-shirts or jeans
NO shorts
NO cargo pants
NO sneakers or flip flops

6. Dress Code - Women Dress Code Slacks at or below the ankle
Skirts at least mid-thigh length
Dressy capris acceptable
NO T-shirts
NO jeans or leggings
NO spandex
NO sneakers or flip flops

7. Sequencing of a Parliamentary Session
Call to Order made when a quorum (simple majority) is present
Motion raised to accept/alter minutes
Reports from Officers and Special Committees
Presentations from Special Guests (if any)
Advisors’ Report
Discussion of Agenda items
Announcements/ Any Other Business
Adjournment

8. Conducting Business Speak only when recognized by Chair
Address Chair as “Mr. President/Mr. Chairperson”
Speak in the third person concerning a fellow senator

9. When Can I Interrupt the Debate?
Breach of Rules or Conduct
“Point of Order”
General Complaint (conditions, noise, etc.)
“Point of Privilege”
Overturning the Chair’s ruling
Say, “I appeal from the Chair’s decision”
Request for further information during debate
Request that a vote be taken by standing
“I call for a division”
Reconsidering a hasty decision
“I move to reconsider the vote on…”

10. Time To Vote Chair calls for a vote “All those in favor…”
Opposing votes solicited

11. Voting Procedure Simple majority vote usually sufficient
Bills and resolutions require a 2/3 majority
Motion to revisit a bill or issue – 2/3 majority
Chair only allowed to vote as a tie breaker