Roberts Rules Chapter 4: Debate

How many times are you allowed to speak on any debatable motion on the same day?

Twice

How much time can you speak for each time you speak on a debatable motion?

Up to 10 minutes

T or F: You can "save" time or transfer it to someone else

F (You cannot "yield the floor" to let someone else speak on your time)

What is the general rule for how the chair designates/recognizes who to speak next?

The person who rises first after the previous speaker has finished and sat down (with exceptions)

T or F: You can signal that you want to speak next while someone is still speaking

F, you must wait until the person who is speaking finishes and sits down before standing and seeking a chance to speak)

What are the exceptions to the rule that the person who rises first should be the one recognized to speak?

1. Maker of motion has a one-time preference (has not spoken yet)

2. One who has not yet spoken has a preference (one that stands up who hasn't spoken once compared to others standing)

3. Alternate between supporters and opponents (to keep the debate even)

What does it mean to be germane?

Your remarks must have a bearing on whether the pending motion should be adopted. Going off on irrelevant topics is not in order

T or F: The member, not the proposal, is the subject of the debate

F, the proposal, not the member, is the subject of debate

T or F: When a motion is pending, you may attack the idea or likely results of the proposal in strong terms but you must avoid personalities

T

T or F: You can attack or question the motives of another member

F, under no circumstance can you attack or question the motives of another member

T or F: If you disagree with someone else's statement, you cannot say in debate that the statement "is false" but might instead say "I believe there is strong evidence that the member is mistaken."

T, terms such as "fraud," "liar," or "lie" must never be used about a member in a debate

What is the most important formality that avoids personalities when debating?

Speak as though you are talking to the chair, not directly to other members, even asking questions through the chair

What is another formality to avoid personalities?

Avoid using names of other members in debate and instead refer to the officers by their titles or by saying "the previous speaker"

T or F: All main and secondary motions are debatable

F, all main motions are debatable while some secondary motions are debatable while the others are not

By how many votes is it possible to change the debate limits of twice per day for 10 minutes?

2/3rds vote

When is a 2/3rds vote required?

It is required as a compromise between the right of the individual to be heard and the right of the group not to be unduly delayed in conducting its business

What can a motion to Limit or Extend Limits of Debate do?

It may be able to limit or extend the debate or the time in which the speaker has to speak and the amount of times they can speak in a day

T or F: A motion to Limit or Extend Limits of Debate is undebatable

T, but the motion can be amended to change the specifics of the debate limits it proposes

What is the name of the motion that closes debate immediately?

The motion for the previous question

What does the adoption of the previous motion do?

1. Immediately closes debate

2. Prevents the making of a number of secondary motions

T or F: The motion for the previous question is debatable

F

How many votes does the motion for the previous question require?

2/3rds

What is the proper wording to close debate on the immediately pending motion?

"I move the previous question." Sometimes members also call out "Question!" or "Vote!" which infers this motion

T or F: The motion to the previous question is like that of a normal motion; it must be moved and seconded (plus adopted by a 2/3rd vote)

T