parliamentary-procedures

Basic Principles of Parliamentary Procedure

• Ensures efficient business transactions and promotes cooperation and harmony.

• Equal rights, privileges, and obligations for all members; majority decides while minority rights are protected.

• A quorum must be present for actions to be taken.

• Full discussion of every motion is a fundamental right.

• Only one question can be considered at a time.

• Members have the right to know the pending question and to have it restated before voting.

• Recognition by the chair is required before members can speak.

• Members cannot speak a second time on the same question until all have had a chance to speak once.

• The chair must remain impartial.

Handling a Motion

Bringing a Motion Before the Group

1. A member makes a motion.

2. Another member seconds the motion.

3. The chair states the question on the motion.

Consideration of a Motion

1. Members debate the motion (unless no member claims the floor).

2. The chair puts the question to a vote:

   • Restates the question.

   • Takes the vote: "All in favor, say aye"; "Those opposed, say no."

3. The chair announces the voting results:

   • Reports which side prevailed (with a count if applicable).

   • Declares whether the motion is adopted or lost.

   • States the effect of the vote or orders its execution.

   • If applicable, announces the next item of business or the next motion.