Basic Parliamentary Procedute Flashcards
Lay on the table definition
Used to postpone a decision mid meeting until the next meeting (at the latest)
Example of lay on the table
*debating a topic
“M/M president, I move to lay this motion on the table.”
*topic discussion is stopped immediately and postponed
Previous question definition
Used when a member wants an immediate vote
Previous question example
“M/M president, I move the previous question (on all pending matters)
Limit/ extend debate definition
Used to increase/decrease a debate or discussion
Limit/extend debate example
“M/M president, I move to limit/extend debate to five minutes per side/three debates per member.”
Division of the house definition
Used when a member disagrees with the voted result stated by the chapter
Division of the house example
“I call for the Division of House!”
President then calls for a re-vote
Main motion definition
Used to bring items of business to the group
( can not be used if any other motion is on the floor )
Main motion example
Only way to start a motion is to say…
“I move..”
“M/M president I move that we take a trip to city hall to learn about our city’s government.”
Adjourn definition and example
Means the meeting is officially over
“M/M president I move to adjourn the meeting.”
Point of order definition
Used to bring attention to when a member makes a parliamentary error
Point of order example
“M/M president I raise to point of order”
President asks member his or her point and then member states parliament error and chairperson agrees or disagrees
Amendment definition
Used to change a motion, but never the intent of the motion
Amendment example
Three different ways :
- Addition- adding a word or phrase
- Subtraction- removal of part of the motion but not to change the intent
- Substitution- removing part of the motion and inserting a new word or phrase
“M/M president I move to amend the motion by adding the words “and we pay our own way”
Postpone indefinitely definition
Used to remove an issue from debate permanently (not postponed, dropped)
Postpone indefinitely example
“M/M president I feel this motion should not be considered by group, therefore I most to postpone this motion indefinitely “
Division of the question definition
Used when a member feels the motion is really two motions in one
Division of the question example
“M/M president I move that our group have a bake sale for a fundraiser and we go out for pizza after our meeting”
Or
“M/M president this motion is really two motions in one, therefore I move to divide the question into two parts; the first stating that we have a bake sale And the second stating that we go for pizza after the meeting”
Object to the consideration of the question definition
Allows group to avoid a motion entirely if they feel it would not be in the best interest of the group to consider it
Object to the consideration of the question example
“M/M president I object to the consideration of the question!”
