ParliamentaryProcedureHandbookUSJaycees

8/4/2019 ParliamentaryProcedureHandbookUSJaycees

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MR. CHAIRMANA HANDBOOK OF PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE

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Mister Chairman:

A Handbook ofParliamentary Procedure


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This booklet is designed to ease the burden of interpretinnterpreting the intricacies of parliamentary procedures. Iteant to be definitive or complete, but it should answer mostestions raised qn parliamentary procedures.The arrangement of the booklet is such that any organizsident or chairman cnn use it quickly and easily by merly rethe page indexes.

While parlian1en tary procedures themselves can be justifiedses of the effectiveness and uniformity they contribute to mcedure, there is little, if any, reason for one person to attenrn every rule and its related details. To know where to fswers is enou h.


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To achie',~ these""fJUrposes, always considerthe five basic principles of parliamentarypraced ure:

1. To enable an assembly to transactbusiness with speed and efficiency.2. To protect the rights of each individual.3. To preserve a spirit of harmony within

the group.

Parliamentary Procedure J~, Ij \\

Parliamentary procedure will either beyour friend or your foe. The choice is entirelyup to you. If you have a working knowledgeof it and use it, along with common sense,you'll have a friend for life.

One of the simplest and most comprehensive books on Parliamentary Procedure is oneentitled "Mister Chairman - A Handbook onParliamentary Procedures." It was compiledby the Activities Center, Associated Studentsof Washington State University. This handbookfollows and is presented almost in its entirety.It is reprinted by permission.

1. Only one subject may claim theattention of the assembly at one time.2. Each proposition presented for con

sideration is entitled to full and ficcdeba te.3. Every member has rights equal to

every other member.4. The will of the majority must be

carried out, and the rights of theminority must be preserved.

5. The personality and desires of eachmember should be merged into thelarger unit of the organization.

THE "WHY" OF PARLIAMENTARY LAWParliamentary law is simple in principle. It

is based largely on mere common sense andcourtesy. It seems technical because it hasbeen necessary to develop a special vocabularyfor discussing it. If one knows the vocabulary,the rules come easily. For this reason, a glossaryof common terms has been included in theback of the booklet and should be referred toas often as necessary in considering the fundamental rules. The purpose is: .

THE ORDER OF BUSINESSIt is customary for every group to adopt astandard order of business for meetings. When

no rule has been adopted, the following is theorder:1. Call to order.

"Will the meeting please come to order."2. Reading and approval of minutes.

"Are there any corrections to the minutes?"''There being no corrections, the minuteswill stand approved as read."


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'" OR ...

"Are there' any further corrections to the. 7"minutes ..... "There being no further corrections, theminutes will stand approved as corrected."

3. Reports of officers and standing committees.Officers, boards, or standing committeesshould be called upon to report in theorder in which they are mentioned in theconstitution or by-laws of the organization.

4. Reports of special committees.5. Unfinished business."We come now to unfinished business. Isthere any unfinished business to come before the meeting?"6. New business."Is there any new business to come beforethe meeting?"

7. Program.8. Adjournment.

Unqualified form: Proposer moves foradjournment; motion is seconded; chairman call for a vote; action depends uponmajority vote. This motion cannot bediscussed.Qualified form: Proposer moves foradjournment within a definite time oradjournment to meet again at a specifiedtime; motion is seconded; chairman callsfor discussion; a vote is taken; actiondepends upon majority vote.It is customary for every group to adopt astandard order of business for meetings. When

no rule has been adopted, the following is theorder:1. Call to order.

"Will the meeting please come to order."2. Reading and approval of minutes.

"Are t h ere any correct ions to the minutes?""There being no corrections, the minuteswill stand approved as read."

... OR ...

"Are there any furt her correct ions to theminutes?""There being no further corrections, theminutes will stand approved ascorrected."

3. Reports of officers and standing committees.Officers, boards, or standing committeesshould be called upon to report in theorder in which they are mentioned in the

constitution or by-laws of the organi/ation.4. Reports of special committees.5. Unfinished business .

"We come now to unfinished business. Isthere any unfinished business to comebefore the meeting?"6. New business."Is there any new business to comebefore the meeting?"

7. Program.8. Adjournment.

Unqualified form: Proposer moves foradjournment; motion is seconded; chairman call for a vote; action depends uponmajority vote. This motion cannot be discussed.Qualified form: Proposer moves foradjournment within a definite time oradjournment to meet again at a specifiedtime; motion is seconded; chairman callsfor discussion; a vote is taken; actiondepends upon majority vote.

WHAT IS A MOTION?A motion is a proposal that the group

take certain action. There are four types ofmotions:Main Motions

Motions of this group have for their objectthe bringing of questions, or propositions,before the assembly for consideration. Onlyone main motion can be considered at a giventime by the. assembly, and such a motion,when introduced, excludes all other mainmotions until it has been disposed of.

Subsidiary MotionsMotions of this group have for their

object the modification or disposition of themain motion that is being considered. Theirexistence as motions depends entirely uponthe principal motion to which they are subordinate. Since they relate to the questionbefore the house, it is "in order" to proposethem when a main motion is still before theassembly and to vote upon them before theassembly and to vote upon them beforevoting upon the main motion.

Privileged MotionsMotions of this group have no connectionwhatsoever with the main motion before the

assembly, but are motions of such importancethat they are entitled to immediate consideration. These motions have the privilege of


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setting aside temporarily the main businessbefore the house.Incidental Motions

Motions of this group have few generalcharacteristics in common, but for conveniencehave been grouped into one class. The name,"incidental," has been chosen because theyarise only incidentally out of the business ofthe assembly.

See pages 10 and 11 for a Chart of Precedence of Motions and a Summary of RulesGoverning Them.PROGRESS OF MOTIONS1. A member rises and addresses the presidingofficer.

The presid ing officer should be addressedby title, as "Mr. President." If the specifictitle is not known, it is always correct touse the term "Mr. (or Madame) Chairman."

2. The member is recognized by the presidingofficer.The chairman recognized a member byhis name, "Mr. Member" or by a nod tohim. Having thus received formal recognition from the chairman, a member is saidto "have the floor" and is the only member entitled to present or discuss a motion.

3. The member proposes a motion.A motion is always introduced in theform, "I move that" followed by-a statement of the proposal. This is the onlycorrect phraseology. Aside from verybrief explanatory remarks, it is not permissable to discuss the merits of a motioneither prior to, or immediately following,the formal propos,11 of the motion. Alldiscussion must wait until after the chairman has stated the motion to the assembly and has called for discussion.

4. Another member seconds the motion.Another member, without rising' oraddressing the chairman, may say "Isecond the motion." Seconding a motionis merely an indication that the memberseconding it wishes the matter to comebefore the assembly for consideration.If no one seconds the motion, the chairman may ask, "Is there a second to themotion." If there is none, he may declare,"The motion is lost for want of a second."

5. The presiding officer states the motionto the assembly ..When a motion has been properly proposed and seconded, the chairman repeatsthe motion to the assembly, or "states themotion." After it has been formally statedto the assembly, it may be spoken of as a"question," or a "measure."

6. The assembly discusses or debates themotion.After the motion has been formally statedby the chairman, any member has a rightto discuss it. He must obtain the floor inthe same manner as when presenting amotion. Normally the first person whoasks recognition is entitled to speak, butwhen several members wish to speak orpresent motions at the same time, certainguiding principles should determine thedecision of the chairman:a. The chairman should always show

preference to the proposer of themotion.b. A member who has not spoken has

prior claim over one who has alreadydiscussed the question, or who hasproposed another motion.

e. If the chairman knows the opinionsof the various members regarding themeasur~ before the house, he shouldalternate between those favoring themeasure and those opposing it.

d. The chairman should recognize amember who seldom speaks in preference to one who frequently claimsthe attention of the assembly.DISCUSSION MUST BE CONFINEDTO THE QUESTION THAT IS"BE FORE THE HOUSE."

7. The presiding officer takes the vote on themotion.When all members who desire to discussthe question have done so, the chairman"puts the motion to a vote." He may,before taking the vote, inquire, "Is thereany further discussion?" or "Are youready for the question?" If no one rises,the chairman presumes discussion isclosed. He will proceed to take the voteby announcing, "All in favor of the motion(STATE THE MOTION) say 'Aye'."Following response from the assembly,the chairman then says, "Those opposedsay 'No '." If rhe chairman cannot determine from the volume of voices whichway the majority has voted, he says:


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"The chair is in doubt. Those in favorof the motion please rise." After counting,he says: "Be seated. Those opposed, rise.Be seated." Another alternative is to simplycall for a show of hands. Certain motionsmay be voted on by ballot.

8. The presiding officer announces the resultof the vote.The chairman formally announces theresult of the vote, saying: "The motion iscarried; therefore (STATE THE INTENTOF THE MOTION)." If a majority votein the negative, "The motion is lost." Assoon as the vote has been announced bythe chairman, another motion is in order.

HOW MAY A MOTION BE AMENDED?The purpose of the motion TO AMEND

is to modify a motion that has already beenpresented in such a manner that it will bemore satisfactory to the members.

Methods of Amending:By acfdition or insertion

To add something to the motion whichit did not contain.By elimination or by striking out

To subtract or eliminate somethingfrom a motion that was originally a part of it.By substitution

This method is a combination of the firsttwo methods, since in amending by substitu-tion something is stricken out and somethinginserted in its place. The substituted portionmay consist of a word, a phrase, a clause, oran entirely new motion.

The most important principle to under-stand in connection with any form of themotion TO AMEND is that an amendment"MAY BE HOSTILE, BUT IT MUST BEGERMANE."

By "hostile" is meant opposed to thespirit and aim at the motion to which it isapplied.

By "germane" is meant having directbearing upon the subject matter or themot ion; that is, relevan t, or rela ting to it.

An amendment may be opposed to theactual intent of the original motion and J infact, nullify it, but if it relates to the samesubject matter, it is germane.

HOW TO HANDLE AMENDMENTSTypes of Amendments:

Amendment of the First RankAn amendment to a motion.

Amendment of the Second RankAn amendment to the amendment.

(The amendment to the amendment mustmodify and relate directly to the amendmentand NOT to the main motion, otherwise it isOUT OF ORDER.)NO AMENDMENT BEYOND THAT OFSECOND RANK IS POSSIBLE. It is never inorder to propose more than one amendmentof each rank at one time. If one desires toamend two separate and unrelated parts of amotion, this must be done by two amendmentsof the first rank, and one must be voted uponbefore the other is proposed. It is possible,however, to have a motion, one amendmentto the motion (amendment of the first rank),and one amendment to the amendment(amendment of the second rank) before theassembly at once. Until the amendment ofthe second rank has been voted upon, noother amendment of the second rank is inorder. Until the amendment of the firstrank has been voted upon, no other amend-ment of the first rank can be proposed.

Order of Voting:Amendments are voted upon in inverse

order; tha tis, t he one of second ran k isdisposed of first.1. Discussion is held and the vote takenupon the amendment to the amendment(amendment of second rank).2. Discussion is called for and the vote istaken upon the amendment to the motion(amendment of first rank).3. When the vote on this has been taken,discussion upon the original or main motionas amended is open and when completed avote is taken upon it.

NOMINATIONS AND ELECTIONS

A nomination ;s the formal presentationto the assembly of the name of a candidatefor the office to be filled.


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Nominations From the Floor:a. Nominations do not require a second.b. Nominations arc in order as soon as thechairman calls for them.c. As a nomination is made, the chairmanrepeats it and the secretary records it.d. No member may nominate more thanone cand ida te for each office.e. If there are no further nominations,the chairman may declare the nominationsclosed.f. A motion to close the nominationsrequires a two-thirds vote.g. Prior to voting but following the formalclosing of nominations, nominations may bereopened by a motion, which requires only amajority to carry.

Nominations by Nominating Committee:a. Committee may be appointed or electedas assembly may choose or as stated in theby-laws.b. Nominating committee report presentsto the organization the names of one or moremembers as candidates for each office.c. The report of the nominating committeeis not adopted, but the names are posted andtreated as if the persons named had beennominated from the floor.d. Further nominations may be made fromthe floor.

Nom inations by Ballot:a. Chairman directs tellers to pass outballots and the member writes after eachoffice the name of one person whom hedesires to nominate.b. If a candidate receives a majority in thismanner, it is usual to declare the candidateelected.c. If no majority is received, a second ballotis then taken, in which candidates nominatedby previous ballot are voted upon. If a candidate receives a majority on this ballot, he iselected.d. If no one is elected on the second ballot,a motion that only the two highest candidateson the previous ballot be considered on thenext ballot is in order before this third ballot.

The third ballot then becomes the decisivevote, or the electing ballot.

Voting for Candidates Not Nominated:Voters may vote for anyone who is eligibleregardless of whether or not he has been

nominated, and anyone receiving the necessarymajority is elected. This is commonly called a"sticker ballot."

Voting on Nominations:a. After the nominations are closed, theassembly proceeds to vote upon the namesby the method prescribed in the constitution.b. An election becomes effective immed iately,if the candidate is present and does not declineor if he is absent but has consented to hiscandidacy. If he is absent and has not consented to his nomination, the election becomeseffective as soon as he is notified, if he doesnot decline immediately.c. Unless some other time is specified in theby-laws, an officer assumes the duties of officeas soon as he has been elected.

Most organizations make specific and detailed provisions for nominating and electingnew officers in their constitution and by-laws.The provisions ordinarily include such detailsas time of nomination, time of elections,method of nominating and electing, and timeof installation.

EDITOR'S NOTES: This is the end of "Mr.Chairman - A Handbook of ParliamentaryProcedure." It is a vailable thru the U.S. JayceesProducts Catalog at a cost of 35c - SalesNo. 685-1. It is recommended that youpurchase copies for your Parliamentarianand/or Legal Counsel and any other memberof your chapter that you want to have aworking knowledge of Parliamentary Procedure.


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CHART or PRECEDENCE OF MOTIONS AND SUMMARY OF GOVERNING RULESMay Interrupt

Requires Voteotions thatSecondebatableequireday ApplyI.To fix time to which to adjourn NoesimitedMaj.mend ReconsiderTo adjourn (unqual if ied) Noeso Maj.oneo take a recess NoesimitedMaj.mendTo rise to .I ques tion of p ri vil ege Yesoo Chmn. Rulesllo call lor the orders of the d,ty Yesoo Noneone6.To lay on the t,lble Noeso Maj.oneTo c.IIIIOr the pi e l' ioLh quest ion Noeso 2/3econsiderTo limit, or ex lend limils, of deb,tle Noesimited2/3mend. Recon., Prevo Ques .o po,tpone definitely NoesimitedM,lj.mend. Recon. , Prevo Que,.o refer to a committee NoesimitedMaj.mend . Recon ., Prev .Ques .o .1I1wnd Noeses Maj.mend. Recon ., Prev .Ques .o postpone indef ini te ly Noeses Maj.imit IA>/). Prevo Ques. Rccon.13. a. Geller, 1i m,tin motions Noeses Maj.llTo take from Ihe table Noeso Maj.one Yeseses Maj.im. Deb., Prevo Ques., Table , None unt ilostpone definitely Yeseso Called forone Noese,> 2/3ll Noeses 2/3ll Noe,es Maj.ll NoesimitedMaj.ll Noeses Gen, Maj. Spec.ll 2/3oeses 2/3llTo suspend rules Noeso 2/3one Nooo M,tj.econsider Nueso Maj.econsider Yesoo 2/3econsider Yesoo Chmn. rulesoneaj. Yesoo Noneone YesesimitedMaj.ll except amend Yesoo Maj.one Noeso Maj.mend


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ACTION FOR SPECIAL PURPOSES

Kind of Motion Ob jectffectlear the floor forelays actionecure immediate votends debaten pending questionrovides more or lessShortens or lengthensime for discussioniscussion periodften gives more timeelays actionor informal discussionfor securing followersTo enable more carefulelays actiono improve the motiono change the

original motionTo prevent a vote ono suppress theuestiono call attention toeeps group function-ng according to parlia-men tary proceduresTo determine the attitudeSecures ruling of thef the group on the rulingroup rather than byhe chairo permit action notecure action whichould otherwise be

prevented by the rulesPrevent wasting timeuppress the motionn unimportant businessecure more carefulecures action byartsa) To determine theecures an accurateheck on vote

individual member's vote


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~ cThe United States JayceessPARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE ... at a glance Here are some motions you might makemake them, and what to expect of the

To Do This: You Say This:ay YouInterrupt Do You Needs Itan It Behat Votean It BeSecond?ebatable?mended?s Needed?econsidered? "[ move that we adjourn"oesooaioritvo "[ move that we recess for ...oesoesaioritvo "[ rise to a question of privilege"esoNooo VoteoSUSPEND FURTHER"] move to table the motion"oesooajorityo

END DEBATE AND"] move the previous question"oesoo/3olPOSTPONE DISCUSSION FOR "[ move to postpone theoes

esesajorityes discussion until ..."] move to refer the matter tooesesesajorityes2 committee"[ move to amend theoeses3esajorityes "[ move that ...Noesesesajorityes

The Motions Listed Above Are In Order Of Precedence ... Below There Is No Order ...PROTECT BREACH OF "[ rise to a point of order"esoooo Vote4 NoVOTE ON A RULING OF "[ appeal the chair's decision"

esesesoajorityesSUSPEND RULES

"[ move to suspend the rules sooesoo/3o that .... "[ object to consideration ofesooo/300 this motion"[ call for a division" oresoooo VoteT No "Point of information"esoooo Voteo "] wish to withdraw my motion"ooooo Vote....:.~- "] move to take from theoesooajorityo table ..."[ move to reconsider theeses~oMajorityo vote on ...

NOTES: lUnless voteon questionis not yettaken.

2 Unless the 3 Only ifcommittee has the motion toalready taken be amendedup the subject. is debatable.

4 Except 5 A 2/3 vote inin doubtful negative neededcases. to preventconsiderationof main molion.

6 Only if 7 Unlessthe main someonequestion or objects.molion wasnot, in fact,considered.

8 Only if thevote is no. 9 Only if motionto be reconsidereis debatable.


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PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE QUIZThe following is a quiz that is an excellent tool with which to educate your Board or your member

ship on the basics of Parliamentary Procedure. Photocopy or retype the questions and use it to orientyour people.

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F 1.F 2.F 3.F 4.F 5.F 6.F 7.F 8.F 9.F 10.F 11.F 12.F 13.F 14.F 15.F 16.F 17.F 18.F 19.F 20.F 21.F 22.F 23.F 24.F 25.

Parliamentary Procedure is used to keep outsiders from knowing what is going on.The source of any organization's parliamentary procedure authority is Robert's RulesofOrder, Revised.A motion to adjourn is always in order.The chair uses the 'Rule of General Consent' to expedite business without discussion or vote of themembers.Any motion that suppresses the normal rights of the group requires a larger vote of the members.'Orders of the day' are the duties assigned to the Officers by the President.During the discussion of the Main Motion, another motion cannot be made.Any member who wishes to close debate may 'Move the Previous Question.'An amendment must be 'germane' to the main motion.An amendment to the amendment need be 'germane' to the main motion.An amendment may be tabled in order to act on the main motion.A 'Point of Order' can only be made by the Parliamentarian.Any member has the right to 'Appeal From the Decision of the Chair.'The member making a motion is the only person who may withdraw it.All motions must be seconded.Before making a motion, the maker should present his argument in favor of it.The membership should discuss or debate every motion before voting.The President is always an ex-officio member of all committees of the organization.During consideration of a motion the chair must state the motion at least twice.A chairman may be removed at any time by motion and vote.Only the chair can make a motion to adjourn.A good secretary's minutes will record everything that is said at a meeting.No member should be permitted to speak a second time on the same question if anyone desires tospeak who has not spoken previously on that question.The chair must restate the motion before a vote is taken.On motions that are obviously popular, minority discussion can be dispensed with in interest of time.

PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE QUIZ ANSWERS1. F

2.F

3.T

4.T

5.T

6.F

7.F

8.T

9.T

10.F

11.F

12.F

13.T

14.T

15.F

16.F

17.F

18.F

19.T

20.F

21.

F22.

F23.

T24.

T25.

F Used for orderly meetings.Constitution will name the authority, which MAY BE Robert's Rules.Has highest precedence."If there are no objections or corrections, the minutes stand approved as read," is one example.Usually a two-thirds majority, in very rare cases unanimous.Another name for the agenda.Another MAIN motion cannot he made.Of course, the rest of the group may feel differently and defeat the motion thereby continuing debate.Any amendment must be germane to the motion.A Point of Order may be made by any member.For anyone else to be able to withdraw it would mean that anyone opposed to the motion could removeit very simply. This is not the intent or purpose of a motion to withdraw.Many motions, such as Point of Order, require no second.Discussion is not in order until there is a motion to discuss.Many motions are not debatable according to parliamentary law.Not unless the constitution so states or he appoints himself.The chair restates the motion right after it is made and before final vote on the question.Your presiding officer (usually the president) is elected for a specific term of office. He can be removedby impeachment or by his own resignation. If we could remove a chairman from the chair every time wewere unhappy, we would have chaos.Any member may move to adjourn. The chair may not make a motion.An impossibility! A good secretary records the BUSINESS of the organi/ation.As this is one of Robert's general rules of precedence of speakers.The entirc purpose of parliamentary law is to prcservc the right of thc minority to have its chance tospea k.


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GLOSSARY

AmendTo change a motion either by adding to it, taking from it,altering it in some other way. (SeeAmendments.)Blanks, Filling"Filling blanks" is a term used to indicate a method of decregarding a matter where several different courses of action are posThe term "Blank" is used because usually this method is applimotions where an exact amount, a name, a date, or someessential, specific information is left blank.Business, Order ofThe regular program of procedure of a society. (SeeAgenda.)ChairThe Chairman. "Addressing the chair" means speaking tochairman or president. This is done by rising to one's feet when nelse is speaking (with some exceptions) and saying, "Mr. ChairmBeing recognized by the chair" means being given permission tofurther. (See Progressof Motions.)Power of chairThe chairman has the following authority:a. He may decide in what order speakers shall be recognized.b. He may refuse to recognize members offering dilatory, absu

frivolous motions or motions intended, in his judgement, to obsbusiness.c. He may restrain speakers within the limits of the rules.d. He may enforce good decorum.e. He may appoint committees.f. He may decide points of order.g. He may vote in cases where his vote would change the result;to make or break a tie.h. He should avoid influencing a vote by his own commentmotion under consideration.Actions of the chairman are, of course, subject to ap(Seelncidental Motions, "to appeal from the decision of the chair."CommitTo refer to a commi ttee.Committee of the Whole

Sometimes certain matters come up which can be properly stuand digested only as a committee would go into them, but wbecause of their importance, should be considered by all members,therefore shoH1(1 not hp. rpfprrpf'l to. a S1?I)an f.omn'1it+Lf.C l'hpn


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meeting, on motion duly made, may "resolve itself into a committee othe whole." This means that the meeting officially is discontinued whileveryone remains and becomes a member of a large special committeeincluding everyone present. The chairman of the regular meeting doenot preside over a committee of the whole; a special chairmanappointed.Consideration, InformalWhen a member moves "informal consideration," and the motionadopted, the meeting lays aside formal rules, allowing each man presento speak once on the subject under consideration.DebateDiscussion or argument over a motion.Divisions

"Division" in parliamentary law means simply a vote whereby awho are in favor and all who are opposed to a motion stand separatelyin groups as the chairman calls for "ayes" and "nays;"FloorThe privilege of speaking before the assembly. Thus, when on"obtains the floor." he is granted an opportunity to speak.

Inquiry, ParliamentaryAn investigation or checking to determine the proper course oprocedure.MotionA formal proposal to a meeting that it take certain action. Amotion is a "motion" when stated by its proponent and until repeatedby the chairman when presented by him for acceptance or rejection, awhich time it becomes a "question" a "proposition," or a "measure."(See Progressof Motions.)Motion, IncidentalAn incidental motion is one growing out of another already underconsideration, which secondary motion must be disposed of before theoriginal motion may be proceeded with. (See Motions.)Motion, MainA main motion is one which independently presents an idea foconsideration. (See Motions.)

Motion, PrivilegedA privileged motion is one which is so vital in character that it takesprecedence over all others. (See Motions.)


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GLOSSARY

Motion SubsidiaryA subsidiary motion is one growing out of and applied to anotheralready under consideration which is made use of "to enable theassembly to dispose of it in the most appropriate manner," but which

need not necessairly be decided before the question out of which it hasarisen. (See Motions.)OrderWhen this term is applied to an act of an assembly it means anexpression of a will of the assembly in the form of a command. An"order" differs from a "resolution" in that the latter is not a command,but a declaration of fact or an expression of opinion or purposes.Order, General"Making a general oorder" is setting a future time for the discussionof a special matter. Making a general order differs from making a special

order in that the former does not involve the breaking of any rules.Order of the DayRegular order or program of business. A motion "calling for theorders of the day" is a motion demanding that the present discussion bedropped and that the chairman announce the next matter to be takenup in accordance with the organization's customary and establishedbusiness routine. The term "orders of the day" has more specificmeaning when a certain time has been set aside for the consideration ofa given matter. Then a demand for the "orders of the day" is a requestthat this specific thing be taken up at the time set for it.Order, Special"Making a special order" is setting aside all rules for theconsideration of some important question at a future time.Postponement, IndefiniteThis term is clear in the ordinary meaning of the words included init except that the object of indefinite postponement is not merely topostpone, but, in effect to reject.PrivilegeThe term "privilege" in parliamentary law has a restricted meaningand refers specifically to the privileges or rights of the meeting or thoseattending chiefly in connection with matters of physical comfort; suchas inability to hear a speaker, the heating, lighting and ventilation of themeeting room, noises and other disturbances, etc., and the ineligibilityor misconduct of a member in a meeting at the time. These "questionsof privilege" should not be confused wi th "privileged motions."Questions of privilege may be involved in motions, but privilegedmotions include other matters.


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QuestionThe question in parliamentary law is the proposition or moafter it has been placed before the meeting for action by the chairmTo "move the previous question" is to demand that the chairman tavote on a motion which is being discussed. A "question," when adopbecomes an "order," "resolution," or "vote." (See Motions.)Question, Division of

To separate a motion so that different parts of it may be consideindividually.ReferTo refer to a committee.ResolutionThe act of an assembly, the purpose of which is to declare factexpress opinions or purposes, and not to command. (See sectionOrder)Rules, Suspensio n of"When the assembly wishes to do something that cannot be dwithout violating its own rules, and yet is not in conflict withconsitiution or by-laws, or with the fundamental principlesparliamentary law, it 'suspends the rules that interfere with'proposed action." - Robert.

Seco ndA motion, in order to be considered by the meeting, must ha"second." Le., a sponsor in the form of a second member who indicthat he will support the motion by saying, "I second the motion."section on Motions)Sine die

Latin meaning "without day." Meetings frequently adjourn sineThis means that no date is set for a future meeting.Table '\The "table" in parliamentary law is Iiterally the speaker's table,to "lay on the table" or "to table" a motion means to delay actionit.


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SUGGESTED REFERENCES

1. Cushing, Luther C. Rules of Procedure and Debate in DeliberativeAssemblies.2. Fox, Emma A. Parliamentary Usage.3. Hall, Alta B. and Alice F. Sturgis. Textbook on ParliamentaryLaw.4. Henderson, Melvin and Herbert J. Rucker. A guide to ParliamentaryPractices.5. Robert, Henry M. Rules of Order and Parliamentary Practice.6. Waples, Rufus. A handbook on Parliamentary Practice.7. Wines, Emma M. and Marjory W. Card. Come to Order.


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We Believe:That faith in God gives meaning and purposeto human life;

That the brotherhood of man transcends the sovereigntyof nations;That economic justice can best be won by free men

through free enterprise;That government should be of laws ratherthan of men;

That earth's great treasure lies inhuman personality;

And that service to humanity is the bestwork of life.

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