Parliamentary Procedure

I. Overview

Like most rules for human conduct, these rules are consensual: you agree to be bound by them when you attend a meeting at which they are applied. They can be used simply or they can be used is complex ways to maneuver and control proceedings. Like most human conventions, they are poorly understood and misapplied as often as not, but we still get by.

A. History

Earlier versions of these rules were worked out painfully by the English Parliament over hundreds of years. Wars were fought over the precedence of motions. The rules have been modified considerably in America. They were codified here by General Henry M. Robert in 1876 from the rules of procedure used by the House of Representatives in Congress. They are largely unchanged from his codification more than a hundred years ago.

B. Purpose

The purpose of these rules is to assure the orderly business of the assembly, to protect the rights of minorities at the meetings of the assembly, and to afford all a right to be heard.

C. Key Terms

The following terms have special meaning in these materials.

Assembly

A generic term for a meeting of people at which Robert's Rules of Order are to apply.

Chair

The generic term for the person presiding at a meeting.

Members

The generic term for the individuals comprising the Assembly empowered to vote or act under the Charter and bylaws of the Assembly.

Motion

A request for action by the assembly as a whole, initiated by one individual. Some motions may not be considered for action unless another individual acts to second the motion.

Parliamentarian

A parliamentarian is not required at most small meetings. But at larger meetings, or conventions, or if intensive debate is expected, the Chair can usually appoint a parliamentarian to advise the Chair in matters of procedure. The parliamentarian is an advisor only; only the Chair can rule.

Precedence

The priority of a motion; the order in which motions or other matters are taken up by the Assembly.

 

 

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