Parliamentary Procedure Motions and Rules Review

Flashcards testing knowledge of parliamentary procedure rules, motion classifications, voting requirements, and handling procedures based on Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised.

What is the effect of the motion "Fix the Time to Which to Adjourn" on when the present meeting adjourns?

It has none.

What is the difference between the motion to Fix the Time TO Which to Adjourn and Fix the Time AT Which to Adjourn?

Fix the Time TO Which to Adjourn sets an adjourned meeting, and can be either privileged or a main motion. Fix the Time AT Which to Adjourn sets the time for the current meeting to end and is ALWAYS a main motion.

What are three conditions under which the motion to Adjourn is NOT privileged?

1) When the motion is qualified, as a motion to adjourn at, or to, a future time. 2) When a time for adjourning is already established. 3) When the effect of the motion, if adopted, would be to dissolve the assembly with no provision for another meeting.

What happens at the conclusion of a recess?

Business will immediately be resumed at exactly the point where it was interrupted.

What three reasons does Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised list for taking a Recess?

1) Count ballots 2) Secure information 3) Allow for informal consultation

What are the two types of Questions of Privilege, and which has higher precedence?

1) Those relating to the privileges of the assembly as a whole. 2) Questions of personal privilege. Questions relating to the privileges of the assembly take precedence if the two come into competition.

Who may call for the orders of the day, and can it interrupt pending business?

Any single member may call for the orders of the day. It can interrupt pending business when the time for considering a special order has arrived or passed and it is not being taken up.

What is the primary purpose of the motion to Lay on the Table?

Enables the assembly to lay the pending question aside temporarily when something else of immediate urgency has arisen.

When should the chair rule the motion to Lay on the Table out of order?

When the evident intent is to kill or avoid dealing with a measure.

What two things are prevented if the Previous Question is adopted?

It immediately closes debate and stops amendments.

What are the three conditions for the exhaustion of an Order limiting or extending the limits of debate?

(1) When all of the questions on which it was imposed have been voted on; (2) When those questions affected by the order and not yet voted on have been either referred to a committee or postponed indefinitely; or (3) At the conclusion of the session in which the order was adopted—whichever occurs first.

What vote is required on a motion to Postpone a question definitely to the next meeting and make it a Special Order?

A 2/3 vote.

What are the five types of committees listed in Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised?

1) Committee of the Whole 2) Quasi Committee of the Whole 3) Consider Informally 4) Standing Committee 5) Special Committee

Who has the power to fill a vacancy on a special committee created by a resignation?

The appointing power (e.g., the president, if the president originally appointed the committee).

What are the three improper forms of the motion to Amend as they relate to words?

1) Insert words 2) Strike out words 3) Strike out and insert words

What effect does the adoption of the subsidiary motion to Postpone Indefinitely have on the pending main motion?

It suppresses (kills) the main motion for the duration of the current session and avoids a direct vote on the question.

Under what three circumstances is an Appeal NOT debatable?

(a) When it relates to indecorum or transgression of the rules of speaking; (b) When it relates to the priority of business; or (c) When it is made when an undebatable question is immediately pending or involved in the appeal.

What vote is required if a member moves that the result of a division of the assembly be counted?

A majority vote.

What vote is required to sustain an Objection to the Consideration of the Question?

A 2/3 vote against consideration.

Why is the chair's response to a Parliamentary Inquiry not subject to an appeal?

Because it is an opinion rendered by the chair, not a ruling on a question that has actually arisen.

How many times may a member debate a Point of Order if the chair submits it to the assembly for decision?

One time, except for the chair, who may speak twice.

How does a Request for Information differ from a Parliamentary Inquiry?

A Request for Information is a request for information relevant to the business at hand but not related to parliamentary procedure. A Parliamentary Inquiry relates specifically to parliamentary procedure.

At what point can a motion be withdrawn by its mover without asking the consent of anyone?

Before the motion has been stated by the chair.

Who qualifies to move to Reconsider a motion that was adopted by unanimous consent?

All members present at the time of adoption qualify to move to reconsider.

What vote is required for the motion to Rescind?

A majority vote with previous notice, OR a 2/3 vote, OR a majority of the entire membership.

What class of motions does Take from the Table belong to?

Motions Which Bring a Question Again Before the Assembly.

What three reports must be adopted to form a convention or house of delegates, and what are their voting requirements?

1) Credentials Committee (Majority vote) 2) Committee on Standing Rules (Two-Thirds vote) 3) Program Committee (Majority vote)

What are the six common subdivisions of the standard order of business according to RONR?

1) Reading and Approval of Minutes 2) Reports of Officers, Boards, and Standing Committees 3) Reports of Special Committees 4) Special Orders 5) Unfinished Business and General Orders 6) New Business

What five classes are motions categorized into?

1) Main Motion 2) Subsidiary Motions 3) Privileged Motions 4) Incidental Motions 5) Motions Which Bring a Question Again Before the Assembly