Point of Order Flashcards
What is the purpose of a Point of Order?
To enforce the rules of the assembly.
Name three privileged motions that a Point of Order yields to?
- Fix the time to which to adjourn
- Adjourn
- Recess
- Raise a Question of Privilege
- Call for the Orders of the Day
What class of motions does a Point of Order belong to?
Incidental
Is a Point of Order out of order when another member has the floor?
No
Must a Point of Order be seconded before it can be considered?
No
Is a Point of Order debateable?
No (but the chair may allow a member to explain his/her point)
Is a Point of Order amendable
No
Who normally makes the ruling on a Point of Order?
The chairman
When must a Point of Order be made?
Promptly at the time the breach of order occurs
Can a chairman who notices a breach of the rules call a Point of Order?
Yes
If a member is uncertain as to whether there is a breach of order, what motion can he/she make?
Parliamentary Inquiry
Name two main motions that a Point of Order can be raised on any time during the contiuance of the breach.
- A main motion that has been adopted that conflicts with the bylaws (or constitution) of the organization
- A main motiuon that has been adopted that conflicts with a main motion previously adopted and still in force
Name three actions that a Point of Order can be raised on any time during the contiuance of the breach.
- Any action that has been taken in violation of applicable procedural rules prescribed by federal, state, or local law.
- Any action that has been taken of a fundamental principal of parliamentary law.
- Any action that has been taken in violation of either a rule protecting absentees or a rule protecting a basic right of an individual member.
Assume you are the chairman at a meeting and a member makes a Point of Order. How would a ruling be made if you did not want to make it?
Submit it to the assembly for a decision
What officer could you consult with before making a ruling on a Point of Order
Parliamentarian
Can a parliamentarian rule on a Point of Order? Why?
No. A parliamentarianis used as a consultant and an advisor and does not make rulings.
What are the three forms for making a Point of Order?
- “Point of Order”
- “I rise to a point of order”
- “I call the member to order.”
What does the term “preference in recognition” mean?
Assigning the floor to a member who may not have been the first to rise and address the chair.
Give one example of preference in recognition that should be allowed by the chair.
- The member who made the motion should be allowed to speak first
- If a member has not spoken on the pending motion and others have
- If opposing views have not been heard
Are points of order included in the minutes?
Yes
What facts are recorded in the minutes regarding a Point of Order?
The point of order stated, whether it is sustained or lost, and the reasons given by the chair for his/her ruling
Your question has two parts:
Assume a ruling on a Point of Order is pending and the chair asks the assembly to “stand at ease.”
- What does this mean?
- Describe why it would be used.
- Formal proceedings cease briefly and members may talk, but they remain in their places.
- In this example, the chair may use it to consult with the parliamentary authority or the parliamentarian before making a ruling on a Point of Order.
