Parliamentary Procedure

Power Point #1Parliamentary Procedure

Designed to serve four purposes: Extend courtesy to everyone.

Focus on one thing at a time.

Observes the rule of the majority.

Ensures the rights of the minorityParliamentary ProcedureOfficial Rule Book is Roberts Rules of Order.

Written by U.S. Army general Henry Martyn Robert.

VocabularyThe floor: point where attention of meeting should be focused.

Germane: discussion or motion pertains to main motion being considered.

Quorum: amount of members present required to conduct a meeting.

Parliamentary Procedure BasicsThe GavelA symbol of power and authority.Used by the presiding officer to give instructions to the members.The number of taps have a specific meaning.

Gavel Taps One TapAnnouncement of adjournment Completion of businessBe seated

Two Taps Call the meeting to order

Three Taps Members stand during opening/closing ceremonies Rise in union at the third tap

Sharp series of tapsRestore order at a meeting

Simon Says Gavel Taps

Voting Procedures VoiceAye = AgreeNay or No = DisagreeRisingEither stand or by a show of hands SecretWritten voteRoll CallEach member speaking their vote when the secretary calls their name

Can the chairman vote?YES, in order to force a tie or to break one if they are a member of the group.

Types of VotesThe two-thirds vote:Motions that require a two-thirds vote are those that limit or eliminate the members rights in some way.

Simple majority: One more than half the votes cast.

An easy way is to double the negative vote, if the result is more than the positive vote, then 2/3 was not reached and the motion fails. Order the BusinessA meeting should have a set agenda.

Purpose is of the Order of Business (Agenda) is to keep the meeting moving forward.

The agenda forms the framework for the development of a good business meetingSteps to the Order the BusinessCall to Order by the President & the opening ceremony by the FFA officers.

Minutes of previous meeting read by the Secretary and approved by the body in accordance to organizational by-laws and parliamentary procedure.

Treasurer reports on the financial standing of the club.

Steps to the Order the BusinessReport on Chapter program of Activities (by officers and committee chairmen).Old Business (Business leftover from the previous meeting) New Business (Presented by members in the form of motions)Adjournment & Closing CeremonyTypes of MotionsMain MotionsSubsidiary MotionsPrivileged MotionsIncidental MotionsMotions That Bring a Question Again Before the AssemblyMain MotionsMain MotionsPurpose:Used to introduce new ideas to the meeting

Must be stated in the form:I move that .I move to .

Cannot be in a negative formMain MotionsMain Motions that are not legal:Break any local, state, or national law.One that brings up a previously failed motion.Items that are out of the power of the group.Negative motions.Political & religious support.Main MotionsThe person who makes a motion cannot speak against it.

Cannot interrupt another speaker.

Proper Example:Mr. President, I move that the chapter hold a cookout for all FFA members.Main MotionWhat floats your boat?What grinds your gears?

Now, you try it!Four Steps of a Main MotionPropose the motionSecondDebateVoteSequence of A Main MotionMember rises Member addresses the chair Member is recognizedMember proposes the motionAnother member seconds the motionPresiding officer states the motionAssembly discusses or debates the motionPresident restates motion & member or president calls for votePresiding officer takes the voteResult of the vote is announced