Chapter Conducting

Question 1

Describe the characteristics that make up an ideal presiding officer.

Answer 1

An ideal presiding officer possesses the following characteristics:
1. Willingness to work
2. Ability to learn parliamentary procedure
3. Team spirit
4. Well-developed voice
5. Calmness and self-confidence
6. Neat appearance
7. Fair and impartial judgement
8. Skill in leading people

Question 2

What qualifications should one have to be on a chapter conducting team?

Answer 2

Members selected to be on a chapter conducting team should possess the following qualifications:
1. Willingness to work
2. Ability to learn parliamentary procedure
3. Team spirit
4. Well-developed voice
5. Calmness and self-confidence
6. Neat appearance

Question 3

What steps must be completed to present a main motion?

Answer 3

The following steps must be completed to present a motion:
1. Rising and addressing the president
2. Recognition by the president
3. Presenting the motion
4. Seconding the motion
5. Statement of the question

Question 4

What is the proper terminology to use when putting the question?

Answer 4

The proper terminology to use when putting the question, or taking the vote, is:
“Those supporting the motion that… say aye. Those opposed say no.” OR, “Those in favor of the motion that… raise your hand. Those opposed raise your hand.”

Question 5

When does a vote go into effect?

Answer 5

A vote goes into effect following the announcement of the results of the voting.

Question 6

What action should take place after the announcement of the results of the vote?

Answer 6

A tap of the gavel should follow the announcement of the results of the vote.

Question 7

What happens to a motion if the vote results in a tie?

Answer 7

A tie vote means that a motion is lost, assuming the motion requires a majority vote.

Question 7

What is the purpose of a main motion?

Answer 7

The purpose of a main motion is to present an item of business for consideration and action by the chapter.

Question 8

Is a main motion debatable and amendable?

Answer 8

A main motion is always debatable and amendable.

Question 9

Does a main motion require a second and a majority vote?

Answer 9

A main motion requires a second and a majority vote.

Question 10

What is the proper terminology to use in stating a main motion?

Answer 10

The proper terminology to use in stating a main motion is, “I move…”

Question 11

What is the purpose of the motion to lay on the table?

Answer 11

The purpose of the motion to lay on the table is to temporarily delay action on an item of business.

Question 12

Is the motion to lay on the table debatable and amendable?

Answer 12

The motion to lay on the table is undebatable and unamendable.

Question 13

Does the motion to lay on the table require a second?

Answer 13

The motion to lay on the table requires a second.

Question 14

What happens to a pending amendment if the main motion is tabled?

Answer 14

When a main motion is tabled, all amendments and other motions belonging to it are also tabled.

Question 15

What is the purpose of the previous question?

Answer 15

The purpose of the previous question is to terminate discussion on the motion or motions before the chapter and to secure an immediate vote.

Question 16

When the previous question is called for without qualifications, to what question does it apply?

Answer 16

If the previous question is called for without qualifications, only the immediately pending question is affected.

Question 17

Is the previous question debatable and amendable?

Answer 17

The previous question is undebatable and unamendable.

Question 18

What vote is necessary to call the previous question?

Answer 18

A two-thirds vote is necessary to call the previous question.

Question 19

When may a vote on the previous question be reconsidered?

Answer 19

A vote on the previous question may be reconsidered before the affirmative vote is taken on the pending question or questions.

Question 20

What is the purpose of referring a motion to a committee?

Answer 20

The purpose of referring a motion to a committee is to place the question temporarily in a committee.