questions

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

Question 8

What is the purpose of the main motion?

Answer 8

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

Question 9

Is a main action debatable and amendable?

Answer 9

A main motion is always debatable and amendable.

Question 10

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

Answer 10

A main motion requires a second and a majority vote.

Question 11

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

Answer 11

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

Question 12

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

Answer 12

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

Question 13

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

Answer 13

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

Question 14

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

Answer 14

The motion to lay on the table requires a second.

Question 15

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

Answer 15

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

Question 16

What is the purpose of the previous question

Answer 16

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 17

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

Answer 17

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

Question 18

Is the previous question debatable and amendable?

Answer 18

The previous question is undebatable and unamendable.

Question 19

What vote is necessary to call the previous question?

Answer 19

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

Question 20

When may a vote on the previous question be reconsidered?

Answer 20

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

Question 21

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

Answer 21

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

Question 22

Is the motion to refer to a committee debatable and amendable?

Answer 22

The motion to refer is debatable and amendable.

Question 23

Does the motion to refer to a committee require a second?

Answer 23

The motion to refer requires a second.

Question 24

When a motion is referred to a committee, what happens to amendments that are pending to the main motion?

Answer 24

When a motion is referred to a committee, amendments that are pending to the main motion are also referred.

Question 25

What is the correct terminology to use when referring a motion to a committee?

Answer 25

The correct terminology to use when referring a motion to a committee is:
“I move that we refer the motion that… to a committee.”
or
“to a committee consisting of…”
or
“to the standing committee…”

Question 26

What is the purpose of an amendment?

Answer 26

The purpose of an amendment is to modify the motion that is under consideration.

Question 27

When may an amendment be offered to a motion?

Answer 27

A member may offer an amendment to an amendable motion after the chair states the question and recognizes the member.

Question 28

In what ways may a motion be amended?

Answer 28

An amendment may be made by striking out words, inserting or adding words, or by striking out and inserting words.

Question 29

What is the proper terminology to use in stating an amendment?

Answer 29

The proper terminology to use in stating an amendment is:
“I move to amend the motion by…”
or
“I move to amend the amendment by…”

Question 30

Is the motion to amend debatable and amendable?

Answer 30

The motion to amend is debatable when the motion to which is applies is debatable; only an amendment of the first rank is amendable.

Question 31

Does an amendment require a second and a vote?

Answer 31

An amendment requires a second and a majority vote.

Question 32

What is the purpose of rising to a point of order?

Answer 32

The purpose of rising to a point of order is to enforce the rules by calling attention to a violation of the rules or a mistake in procedure.

Question 33

Does a point of order require a second?

Answer 33

A point of order does not require a second.