Parliamentary Procedure for Meetings

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to parliamentary procedure as outlined in Robert's Rules of Order.

Robert's Rules of Order

The standard for facilitating discussions and group decision-making.

Motion

To introduce a new piece of business or propose a decision, requires a second.

Postpone Indefinitely

A tactic used to kill a motion; cannot be reintroduced at the same meeting.

Amend

The process used to change a motion under consideration.

Commit

To place a motion in committee for further consideration.

Question

To end a debate immediately, requires a second and a two-thirds vote.

Table

To lay aside business at hand to be considered later.

Adjourn

A motion made to end the meeting, requires a second and majority vote.

Quorum

The minimum number of members required to conduct official business.

Friendly Amendment

An amendment accepted without a separate vote when agreed upon by the original motion maker.

Debate

Discussion regarding the motion at hand during a meeting.

Call the Question

A request to end debate and vote on the motion immediately.

Point of Order

A claim that the rules of procedure are not being followed.

Suspension of the Rules

Temporarily set aside established rules for a specific purpose.

Division of the House

A demand for a standing vote to verify a voice vote.