Parliamentary ProcedureTeamwork

Basic Principles ofParliamentary Procedure

1. The right of the majority to rule2. The right of the minority to be

heard3. The equal right of each

individual to be heard and represented

4. Only one issue considered at a time

Agenda

1. Call to order2. Taking roll3. Reading minutes of previous

meeting4. Treasurer’s report5. Report of officers6. Standing committee (those in effect

all year)7. Special committee (those for

special events)

Agenda (cont.)

8. Unfinished business from the last meeting9. New business (motions)10. Program or Speaker (optional)11. Adjournment

Methods of votingVoice (say “aye” or “no”)Rising (stand up)BallotRaise handRoll callMail inProxy (assign another person to

vote for you)

Rules on Discussing Motions1. Ask for permission to speak to your

motion2. Cannot be discussed if there is no second3. The individual proposing the motion

begins the discussion4. Be prepared to enthusiastically persuade

your fellow members to vote for your motion

5. Never speak against your own motion, but you make speak against amendments to it

Rules on Discussing Motions6. Don’t exceed specified time limits allowed for debate7. Never criticize or question the motives of another member8. Clearly state at the beginning of your debate whether you are for or against the motion9. Only one person speaks at a time, and they must be recognized by the president before they can speak

Steps of a Main MotionThe “Rule of Eight”

1. Obtain the floor2. Assign the floor3. Make the motion4. Second the motion5. State the motion6. Discuss/debate the motion7. Put the question8. Announce vote and state action

ACTION FROM THE FLOOR ACTION BY THE CHAIR

1. OBTAINING THE FLOOR 2. ASSIGNING THE FLOOR Member rises and addresses the chair Presiding officer recognizes member by as follows: “Mr./Madam President calling member by name 3. MEMBER STATES THE MOTION “I move that _________.” This is the proper form for introducing the motion. It should be as specific as possible 4. A MEMBER SECONDS THE MOTION 5. PRESIDING OFFICER STATES THE “I second the motion” (Does not have to agree MOTION with motion to second it) “It has been moved and seconded that ____________.” 6. PRESIDING OFFICER CALLS FOR DEBATE “Is there any discussion?” 7. MEMBERS DEBATE THE MOTION Member stands and states “I agree OR I disagree with the motion because ___________.”

8. PRESIDING OFFICER TAKES VOTE AFTER DEBATE HAS ENDED. “The proposed motion is ___________. Those in favor say “Aye”. Those opposed say “No.”

9. PRESIDING OFFICER ANNOUNCES

RESULT OF VOTE “The “ayes” have it, the motion is carried, and we will (state the effect of the motion).” OR, “The “no’s” have it, the motion is lost, and we will not (state the effect of the motion).”