Parliamentary Procedure and Meeting Rules

Flashcards about parliamentary procedure and meeting rules.

What are Privileged Motions?

These motions are urgent and not related to the current motion.

What does 'Fix the Time to Which to Adjourn' do?

Sets a specific time to continue the meeting later.

What does the motion to 'Adjourn' do?

Ends the meeting immediately.

What does the motion to 'Recess' do?

Pauses the meeting for a short break.

What does it mean to 'Raise a Question of Privilege'?

Addresses immediate needs, like fixing noise or room temperature.

What does it mean to 'Call for the Orders of the Day'?

Requests to stick to the agenda.

What are Incidental Motions?

These deal with procedural questions that arise during the meeting.

What is a 'Point of Information'?

Asks for facts or clarification about something being discussed.

What is a 'Parliamentary Inquiry'?

Asks how to follow the rules properly.

What is 'Division of the Assembly'?

Requests a more precise vote count, like a standing vote.

What is 'Division of a Question'?

Splits a motion into smaller parts for separate votes.

What is 'Objection to Consideration'?

Stops a motion from being discussed if it's irrelevant or harmful.

What does it mean to 'Suspend the Rules'?

Temporarily sets aside the rules for a specific reason.

What does it mean to 'Appeal Decision of the Chair'?

Challenges the chair’s ruling and lets the group decide.

What is a 'Point of Order'?

Alerts the group when someone breaks a rule.

What does it mean to 'Withdraw/Modify Motion'?

Allows the maker of a motion to take it back or change it.

What are Subsidiary Motions?

These help manage or change a main motion.

What does it mean to 'Lay on the Table'?

Puts a motion aside temporarily to focus on something more urgent.

What does the motion for 'Previous Question' do?

Ends discussion and moves directly to a vote.

What is 'Limit or Extend Debate'?

Adjusts the time or number of speeches allowed for a motion.

What does it mean to 'Postpone to a Certain Time'?

Delays a motion until a specific time.

What does it mean to 'Commit/Refer to Committee'?

Sends a motion to a smaller group for further study.

What does it mean to 'Discharge a Committee'?

Brings a motion out of a committee back to the group for discussion.

What does it mean to 'Amend' a motion?

Changes the wording of a motion to improve it.

What does it mean to 'Postpone Indefinitely'?

Ends debate on a motion without directly voting on it.

What are Main Motions?

These introduce new business or ideas for discussion.

What does it mean to 'Introduce New Business'?

Proposes a new idea for the group to consider.

What are Motions That Bring a Question Again Before the Assembly?

These revisit or act on motions previously considered.

What does it mean to 'Reconsider' a motion?

Allows the group to revisit a decision made earlier in the same meeting.

What does it mean to 'Rescind' a motion?

Cancels a motion that was approved earlier.

What does it mean to 'Take from the Table'?

Resumes discussion on a motion that was paused.

What are Dilatory Motions?

These are improper motions designed to waste time or disrupt the meeting; the chair rules these out of order.

What does 'Interrupts (I)' mean when referring to rules of motions?

Can it interrupt the speaker?

What does 'Requires a Second (S)' mean when referring to rules of motions?

Does it need support from another member to proceed?

What does 'Is Debatable (D)' mean when referring to rules of motions?

Can members discuss it?

What does 'Is Amendable (A)' mean when referring to rules of motions?

Can it be changed?

What does 'Vote Required (V)' mean when referring to rules of motions?

What type of vote is needed to approve it?

What does 'Can Be Reconsidered (R)' mean when referring to rules of motions?

Can the group bring it up again?

What is a 'Primary Amendment'?

Alters the original motion’s wording.

What is a 'Secondary Amendment'?

Changes the primary amendment (must still relate to the motion).

What is the first step in executing a motion (Recognition)?

Stand, say, “Madam/Mr. President,” and wait to be acknowledged.

What is the second step in executing a motion (Phrase)?

Clearly state your motion (e.g., “I move that… ”).

What is the third step in executing a motion (Second)?

Another member must agree to discuss the motion (e.g., “I second it”).

What is the fourth step in executing a motion (Debate/Amend)?

If the motion is debatable, members discuss or amend it.

What is the fifth step in executing a motion (Vote)?

The chair calls for a vote and announces the result.

How do you obtain the floor during a meeting?

Stand, address the chair, and wait to be recognized.

What are the debate limits during a meeting?

Each person can speak twice per motion, up to 10 minutes each time.

What are the acceptable voting methods?

Voice vote, show of hands (division), roll call, or secret ballot.

What does 1 tap of the gavel mean?

Sit or finalize a decision.

What does 2 taps of the gavel mean?

Call the meeting to order.

What does 3 taps of the gavel mean?

Signal everyone to stand.

What do repeated taps of the gavel mean?

Regain order in the meeting.

What is the role of the President?

Leads the meeting and ensures order; symbol is a gavel.

What is the role of the Vice President?

Focuses on membership and assists the president; symbol is a star.

What is the role of the Secretary?

Keeps accurate records of all business and correspondence; symbol is a pen.

What is the role of the Treasurer?

Manages funds and ensures bills are paid promptly; symbol is a balanced budget.

What is the role of the Reporter?

Keeps the community and associations informed about activities; symbol is a beacon tower.

What is the role of the Sergeant-at-Arms?

Maintains order and acts as doorkeeper; symbol is a hearty handshake.

What is the standard order of business?

Call to Order, Reading and Approval of Minutes, Officer Reports, Committee Reports, Unfinished Business, New Business, Announcements, Adjournment.

What are Standing Committees?

Permanent committees that handle ongoing tasks (e.g., finance).

What are Ad Hoc Committees?

Temporary committees for specific projects (e.g., event planning).

What header information should be included in meeting minutes?

Date and time of the meeting, Location of the meeting, Type of meeting, Name of the presiding officer.

What attendance information should be included in meeting minutes?

List of members present, Note of any absences, Names of invited guests (if applicable).

What information about the previous meeting minutes should be included?

Indicate whether the minutes from the previous meeting were approved as read or amended.

What reports should be included in meeting minutes?

Summary of officer and committee reports, Attach any submitted written reports.

What motion information should be included in meeting minutes?

Full text of each motion presented, Name of the person making the motion, Name of the seconder (if required), Results of the vote (e.g., "Motion carried," "Motion defeated").

What information about key discussion points should be included in meeting minutes?

Summarize major points discussed without attributing comments to specific individuals.

What announcements should be recorded in meeting minutes?

Record any announcements made during the meeting.

What signatures are required on meeting minutes?

Signature of the secretary. Optional: Signature of the presiding officer.

What is the TSA Motto?

“Learning to Lead in a Technical World.”

What are the official TSA colors?

Scarlet (strength), White (purity), Navy Blue (peace).

What is the TSA Official Dress Code?

Navy blazer, white shirt, gray pants or skirt, tie/scarf, black shoes.