FBLA Parliamentary Procedures

Who conducts the business of the National Executive Council by mail?

The FBLA president

The official emblem and insignia items are described and protected under the Trademark Act of

1946

What do the provisions in the call to a mass meeting do?

define the subject matter within which motions or resolutions are in order

Meetings of the National FBLA Executive Council may be called by the president or upon the written request of

3 voting members

How many members of FBLA national officers can be elected from the same stane chapter?

1

How many regions does FBLA have?

5

How many elected national officers are there?

8

Who fills the vacancy in any office other than the President?

the FBLA president

Who makes up the majority of the quorum for all business meetings at the NLC?

registered voting delegates

What do prefessional members have the responsibility to do?

Pay dues

The President and Chief Executive Officer shall:

 provide the FBLA Board of Directors and members with an annual audit

A state chapter should have at least how many local chapters?

5

Applicants for national office who become candidates for office as of the second deadline shall have to

 prepare a campaign for office like the other candidates

How many voting delegates does a local chapter get per FBLA member?

Under 50, 2, 50-100, 3, over 100, 4

How many voting delegates does a state chapter get per FBLA member?

Always 2, with 1 alternate

The motion to amend something previously adopted

can have the negative vote only reconsidered

The motion to discharge a committee

is debatable

Nominations are not necessary

when an election is by ballot or roll call

which motion can be renewed after progress in business

adjourn

The fundamental instrument establishing an unincorporated society is the

bylaws

when an assembly votes to adopt a committe report

it endorses every word the report as the organization’s own statement

the affirmative vote can be reconsidered on

postpone indefinetly

Most conventions operate on a controlled schedule and transact business quickly under the general direction of the

officers and the board of the association.

These people manage the affairs and property of FBLA

the board of directors

May standing committees be established in addition to those enumerated in the bylaws without a provision authorizing their appointment in the bylaws? 

No

When must the official application for national office be recieved by?

May 15th

Who is not an ex official member of the National Executive Council?

FBLA president

Rules interfering with the consideration of a special order are suspended except those relating to

 a question that has been assigned priority over all other business.

The treasurer can disburse funds

only by authority of the society or as the bylaws prescribe.

The action required to refuse to proceed to the orders of the day is a 

two-thirds vote in the negative.

Who should a board report be signed by?

the president or chairman of the board and its secretary

Who are the officers who must be present for the conduct of business in any deliberative assembly?

a presiding officer and a secretary or clerk

quorum

Minimum number of members who must be present for the group to legally conduct business.

Audit

A formal examination of financial records to ensure accuracy and proper management.

Preferential Voting

A voting method where voters rank candidates in order of preference; votes are redistributed until a winner has a majority.

Proxy Voting

Allowing someone else to vote on your behalf (not allowed in most deliberative assemblies under Robert’s Rules).

Plurality Voting

Winning by receiving more votes than any other option, but not necessarily a majority.

Presiding

Leading or managing a meeting (the role of the chair).

Motion

A formal proposal that a group take a specific action.

Substantive

Relating to the actual content or meaning of a motion—its “substance.”

Subsidiary Motion

A motion that changes, affects, or handles a main motion (e.g., amend, postpone, refer).

Original Main Motion

A brand-new motion that introduces new business to the assembly.

Incidental Main Motion

A main motion related to business already under discussion (e.g., adopt committee report, ratify).

Incidental Motion

A motion dealing with procedure, not the main topic (e.g., point of order, appeal, suspend the rules).

Merits

The essential reasons for or against a motion during debate.

Adjourn Motion

A privileged motion to end the meeting immediately.

Question of Privilege Motion

A privileged motion to address urgent personal or assembly needs (temperature, noise, rights of members).

Rescind Motion

A motion to cancel or repeal a previously adopted action.

Postpone Indefinitely Motion

A motion that kills the main motion without voting directly on it.

Unincorporated Society

A group that operates as an association but is not legally recognized as a corporation.

Adopting a Committee Report

Formally accepting the report so its recommendations become actions of the assembly.

Robert’s Basic Rules of Order

Principles that guide fair and orderly meetings: one item at a time, majority rule, minority rights, courtesy, and justice for all.

Development of an Agenda

Creating an ordered list of business to be addressed during the meeting (often based on the standard order of business).

Amendments to Motions

Change a motion by adding words, striking words, or substituting wording.

Voting

Methods include voice, rising, ballot, roll call, electronic, unanimous consent, and counted votes.

Committees

Small groups assigned to investigate, consider, or carry out tasks on behalf of the assembly.

Bylaws

The highest internal rules of an organization: structure, officers, duties, meetings, and membership rules.

Virtual Settings/Meetings

Meetings conducted online; require rules for recognition, muting, voting, and maintaining order.

Organizational Skills

Abilities that help manage tasks, time, and resources efficiently.

Working on Teams

Collaborating with others toward a shared goal while communicating, compromising, and respecting roles.

Adopted Parliamentary Authority

The rulebook an organization officially chooses to follow (usually Robert’s Rules of Order).

National Executive Council

The national student leadership body of FBLA that sets goals, policies, and represents the organization.

A Treasurer’s Jobs

Managing money, keeping accurate records, preparing reports, receiving/issuing funds, and overseeing the budget.

Disburse

To pay out or distribute money.

Deliberative Assembly

A body that meets to discuss and make decisions through debate and voting.

Trademark Act of 1946 (Lanham Act)

Federal law that protects trademarks, service marks, and brand identifiers from improper use.

priviledged motions

Urgent motions unrelated to the main motion (e.g., adjourn, recess, question of privilege).

What are motions that bring a question again before the assembly?

Motions that reopen past decisions (e.g., reconsider, rescind, take from the table).

Why do most meetings follow Robert’s Rules of Order?

To ensure fairness, structure, efficient decision-making, and protection of members’ rights.

What is the purpose of parliamentary procedure?

To keep meetings organized, respectful, fair, and efficient.

What is the proper protocol for making a motion?

Raise your hand → wait to be recognized → stand → say “I move to…” → get a second.

What happens after a motion is made and seconded?

The chair states the motion and discussion begins.

When does discussion occur on a motion?

After the chair states the motion and before the vote.

How and when is a vote taken on a motion?

After debate ends, the chair puts the question to a vote by voice, rising, ballot, or other method, then announces the result.

What are Robert’s Rules of Order?

A standardized rulebook that guides how meetings are run fairly, efficiently, and democratically.

How do Robert’s Rules allow a deliberative assembly to make decisions efficiently?

They provide clear steps for motions, debate, and voting so the group stays organized and decisions are made without confusion.

What are the steps for an efficient meeting according to Robert’s Rules?

Follow an agenda → make motions → allow debate → vote → record results → move to next item of business.

What is the relationship between parliamentary procedure and Robert’s Rules of Order?

Parliamentary procedure is the system of rules for meetings; Robert’s Rules is the specific rulebook most assemblies use.

How do Robert’s Rules provide justice and courtesy for all?

They guarantee equal speaking rights, protect minority opinions, and ensure decisions are made fairly.

What major concepts are provided by Robert’s Rules of Order?

Maintenance of order, one item at a time, member input, courtesy, majority rule, recognition by the chair, free discussion, and structured debate.

What is parliamentary procedure?

A set of rules that guide how groups conduct meetings, make decisions, and debate issues fairly.

What is a main motion?

A formal proposal that brings new business before the assembly.

What does “majority rules” mean?

A decision is adopted when more than half of the votes cast are in favor.

What does “recognition by the chair” mean in a meeting?

A member must be called on by the chair before speaking or making a motion.

What is the role of the meeting chair?

To run the meeting fairly, maintain order, recognize speakers, manage debate, and announce results.

How is a main motion a basic right?

Every member has the right to propose ideas, bring business forward, and participate in decision-making.

What does “silence equals consent” mean?

If no member objects or speaks up, the assembly agrees to proceed by unanimous consent.

Why should team members receive the agenda before the meeting?

It allows members to review topics, prepare questions, and come ready to participate.

How is an agenda needed to run an efficient, effective meeting?

It provides structure, keeps the discussion on track, and prevents wasted time.

How does a meeting agenda keep members on task?

It lists specific topics in order, guiding the group step-by-step through the business without drifting.

How does doing a group activity every meeting help team members bond?

Repeating a shared activity builds connection, strengthens group culture, and increases participation.

Why do agenda-guided meetings reduce unexpected objections or distractions?

Members know what to expect, so they are less likely to interrupt with unrelated concerns.

Why is participant input important when developing an agenda?

It ensures the agenda reflects members’ priorities and encourages ownership of the meeting.

How do you sort out the most important items for a meeting agenda?

Rank topics by urgency, importance, deadlines, and how essential they are to the meeting’s purpose.

What does it mean to create an agenda with a purpose?

Every agenda item should have a clear goal, such as informing, deciding, planning, or solving a problem.

How does an agenda verify whether a meeting is needed?

If there are not enough meaningful items, the meeting may be unnecessary — the agenda helps determine that.

How does a meeting agenda outline the procedure for a meeting?

It lists items in the order they will be addressed, guiding the flow: opening, reports, business, announcements, and adjournment.

What is the process for making an amendment to a motion?

A member proposes the amendment → another member seconds it → the group discusses the amendment → the group votes on the amendment → if adopted, the group then discusses and votes on the amended motion.

How must an amendment be relevant to the main motion?

An amendment must directly relate to the main motion by changing, adding, or removing words. It cannot introduce a new topic or shift the motion’s purpose.

Why is an amendment that rejects an entire motion not proper?

Because an amendment is meant to modify a motion, not destroy it. Rejecting the entire motion is simply voting “no,” so proposing an amendment to eliminate the whole motion is out of order.