Student Congress Test Review

Vocabulary and key terms for Student Congress preparation, covering parliamentary procedure, speech types, and session rules.

Authorship speech

A constructive speech of up to three minutes given by a member who wrote it, which introduces an item of legislation for debate by the chamber.

Sponsorship speech

A constructive speech of up to three (3) minutes given by a student who did not write the bill/resolution, serving as the first speech supporting the legislation.

Agenda

The order of legislation as suggested by a committee or member, and voted on by the assembly.

Docket

A complete packet of legislation distributed by a tournament.

Precedence

Rule requiring the presiding officer to choose speakers who have spoken least.

Recency

A rule that, in addition to employing precedence, selects speakers based on who has spoken least recently.

Parliamentary Procedure

The formal rules and processes used to run Congress sessions fairly and efficiently.

Presiding Officer

The student leader who runs the session, recognizes speakers, asks for motions, and maintains order.

Pro/Con Block

A balanced alternation between speeches supporting (pro) and opposing (con) legislation.

Motion to Previous Question

A motion to end debate and move to voting on the legislation.

Motion to Table Item

A motion to temporarily set aside a bill/resolution.

Motion to Adjourn

A motion to end the session.

Direct Questioning

A period after speeches where delegates ask the speaker questions about their arguments.

Congress Session length

3 hrs

Bill

A proposal for a new law or change to an existing law that describes details of how a policy would be enacted.

Resolution

A statement expressing an opinion, recommendation, or position rather than creating a law; it urges decision-makers to follow through with a request.

Authorship/Sponsorship Speech duration

3 mins

Questioning time (non-authorship)

The period after the authorship/sponsorship speech which lasts 3 mins.

Questioning time (authorship/sponsorship)

The period after the authorship/sponsorship speech which lasts 2 mins.

4 step process for refuting an argument

1. State the opponent’s claim; 2. Challenge or disprove it; 3. Provide evidence/reasoning; 4. Explain why your argument is stronger.

Judging criteria for Student Congress

Speech quality, use of evidence, refutation skills, questioning ability, participation, parliamentary procedure knowledge, and leadership/professionalism.