Parliamentary Procedure - HOSA Bowl

Parliamentary Procedure Creator

Henry Martyn Robert, author of Robert’s Rules of Order.

Purpose of Parliamentary Procedure

Ensures meetings are conducted fairly, efficiently, and democratically.

Majority Rule

The right of the majority to decide.

Minority Rights

The right of the minority to be heard.

Individual Rights

The right of each member to be heard and represented.

Agenda

A fixed order of business followed in meetings.

Call to Order

Formal declaration that the meeting has begun.

Roll Call

Done by the secretary to confirm attendance and quorum.

Quorum

Minimum number of members required to conduct business.

Minutes

Official record of the previous meeting.

Treasurer’s Report

Summary of receipts and disbursements.

Standing Committee

Permanent committee that reports regularly.

Special Committee

Temporary committee created for a specific purpose.

Unfinished Business

Business left unresolved from a previous meeting.

New Business

New matters introduced for consideration.

Adjourn

Ending a meeting.

Motion

Formal proposal for action.

Main Motion

Introduces a topic for consideration.

Subsidiary Motion

Changes or affects a main motion.

Privileged Motion

Deals with urgent matters unrelated to the main motion.

Incidental Motion

Questions procedure related to another motion.

Voice Vote

Members say “aye” or “nay.”

Roll Call Vote

Each member votes aloud by name.

General Consent

Chair assumes approval if no objections are raised.

Division Vote

Members stand or raise hands for an accurate count.

Ballot Vote

Secret written vote.

Refer to Committee

Sends a motion to a committee for further study.

Postpone Definitely

Delays a motion to a specific time.

Postpone Indefinitely

Kills a motion without setting a time to revisit.

Previous Question

Motion to end debate and vote immediately; requires 2/3 vote.

Lay on the Table

Sets aside a motion temporarily.

Take from the Table

Brings back a motion that was tabled.

Question of Privilege

Raises concerns affecting member comfort or rights.

Recess

Temporary break in the meeting.

Division of the Assembly

Demands a more accurate vote count.

Point of Order

Calls attention to a procedural error.