Parliamentary Procedure: Introduction

1
Parliamentary Procedure Introduction

• Lesson One

2
General History of Parliamentary Procedure

• Parliamentary Procedure arose from the early days
  of English Parliamentary Law.
• Formalized by an individual named General Henry
  M. Roberts a 19th century US Army engineer.

3
Basic Principles of Parliamentary Procedure

• The right of the majority to rule
• The right of the minority to be heard
• The equal right of each individual to be heard
  and represented

4
Meaning of Simple Majority

• This means 51 or more the rule of simple
  majority
• When more than a simple majority is required the
  minority is given the opportunity to defeat the
  majority.
• Since the primary objective is to determine the
  will of the majority and execute its will, a
  simple majority must be used.

5
Equal Rights Guarantees of Parliamentary
Procedure

• Business is transacted in most efficient and
  democratic manner.
• All members have equal rights, privileges, and
  obligations

6
Equal Rights Guarantees

• Guarantees right of majority to decide
• The rights of the minority are respected by
  Parliamentary Procedure. The right to be heard
  and oppose are rights of the minority.
• Simplest and most direct route to accomplish the
  will of the majority should by employed.
• Each member has an equal right to propose a
  motion, debate, ask for information, and vote.

7
Equal Rights Guarantees

• Definite guidelines regarding motions guarantees
  that each question is fully discussed.
• All motions have a definite order and precedence
• Only one question can be considered at one time
• Any motion restricting the rights of members to
  speak or vote must be passed by a 2/3 vote.

8
AGENDA

• Order of business

9
Usual Agenda Includes

• Call to order (Chair)
• Taking roll (Secretary)
• Reading minutes of previous meeting
• Treasurers report
• Report of officers
• Standing committee reports

10
Usual Agenda Includes (cont)

• Special committee reports
• Unfinished business
• New business
• Program (Optional)
• Adjournment
• Note Agenda is decided in advance of the
  meeting by the Chair.

11
Officers

• President, Chair, Chairman, Presiding Officer
• Secretary
• Treasurer

• Historian
• Parliamentarian
• Sergeant at Arms

12
Rules of a Club

• Constitution basic rules guiding a club
• Name of the club
• Purpose
• Requirements of membership
• Officers and how to elect
• Time and place of meetings
• Ways of changing anything by amendment
• Bylaws