Point of Order

Question 1

What is the purpose of a Point of Order?

Answer 1

To enforce the rules of the assembly.

Question 2

Name three privileged motions that a Point of Order yields to?

Answer 2

1. Fix the time to which to adjourn
2. Adjourn
3. Recess
4. Raise a Question of Privilege
5. Call for the Orders of the Day

Question 3

What class of motions does a Point of Order belong to?

Answer 3

Incidental

Question 4

Is a Point of Order out of order when another member has the floor?

Answer 4

No

Question 5

Must a Point of Order be seconded before it can be considered?

Answer 5

No

Question 6

Is a Point of Order debateable?

Answer 6

No (but the chair may allow a member to explain his/her point)

Question 7

Is a Point of Order amendable

Answer 7

No

Question 8

Who normally makes the ruling on a Point of Order?

Answer 8

The chairman

Question 9

When must a Point of Order be made?

Answer 9

Promptly at the time the breach of order occurs

Question 10

Can a chairman who notices a breach of the rules call a Point of Order?

Answer 10

Yes

Question 11

If a member is uncertain as to whether there is a breach of order, what motion can he/she make?

Answer 11

Parliamentary Inquiry

Question 12

Name two main motions that a Point of Order can be raised on any time during the contiuance of the breach.

Answer 12

1. A main motion that has been adopted that conflicts with the bylaws (or constitution) of the organization
2. A main motiuon that has been adopted that conflicts with a main motion previously adopted and still in force

Question 13

Name three actions that a Point of Order can be raised on any time during the contiuance of the breach.

Answer 13

1. Any action that has been taken in violation of applicable procedural rules prescribed by federal, state, or local law.
2. Any action that has been taken of a fundamental principal of parliamentary law.
3. 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.

Question 14

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?

Answer 14

Submit it to the assembly for a decision

Question 15

What officer could you consult with before making a ruling on a Point of Order

Answer 15

Parliamentarian

Question 16

Can a parliamentarian rule on a Point of Order? Why?

Answer 16

No. A parliamentarianis used as a consultant and an advisor and does not make rulings.

Question 17

What are the three forms for making a Point of Order?

Answer 17

1. “Point of Order”
2. “I rise to a point of order”
3. “I call the member to order.”

Question 18

What does the term “preference in recognition” mean?

Answer 18

Assigning the floor to a member who may not have been the first to rise and address the chair.

Question 19

Give one example of preference in recognition that should be allowed by the chair.

Answer 19

1. The member who made the motion should be allowed to speak first
2. If a member has not spoken on the pending motion and others have
3. If opposing views have not been heard

Question 20

Are points of order included in the minutes?

Answer 20

Yes

Question 21

What facts are recorded in the minutes regarding a Point of Order?

Answer 21

The point of order stated, whether it is sustained or lost, and the reasons given by the chair for his/her ruling

Question 22

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.”

1. What does this mean?
2. Describe why it would be used.

Answer 22

1. Formal proceedings cease briefly and members may talk, but they remain in their places.
2. 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.