Robert's Rules

Question 1

Rules hierarchy

Answer 1

State statute
Articles of incorporation - minimal
Constitution - not all organizations have
Bylaws - foundation of an organization
special rules of order
parliamentary authority often Robert’s rules
standing rules - Simple rules adopted by majority vote
unwritten customs

Question 2

Bylaws-three parts

Answer 2

define primary characteristics of organization
prescribe how organization functions
important rules not easily changed

Question 3

When do customs supersede written rules

Answer 3

when there’s no written rule on the subject

Question 4

quorum - definition

Answer 4

A quorum in an assembly is the number of members who must be present in order that business can be validly transacted

Question 5

Q: Can you call to order without a quorum

Answer 5

yes and you should

Question 6

Q: can you take minutes without a quorum

Answer 6

yes and you should

Question 7

Q: can you approve minutes without a quorum

Answer 7

no because this is transacting business

Question 8

Q: can you receive officer or committee reports without a quorum

Answer 8

no you cannot officially receive officer reports or committee reports without a quorum

Question 9

what can be done without a quorum?

Answer 9

Fix a time to which to adjourn, AKA an adjourned meeting
Motion to adjourn
Recess
Take Measures To Obtain A Quorum

Question 10

Patterns of formality – purpose

Answer 10

maintain decorum
preserve member rights
to facilitate the smooth and orderly transaction of business
not to impede business or limit rights

Question 11

rules for addressing chair

Answer 11

refer to the chair or Madam Chairwoman. Always refer to the position.

Question 12

Rules for decorum in debate.

Answer 12

Address the chair.
Always speak through the chair.
No derogatory terms. May not speak against another member.

Question 13

Q: Is the chair the most powerful?

Answer 13

No. Just has more responsibilities.

Question 14

Q: What if the president and the VP are absent?

Answer 14

Presiding officer elected on spot.

Question 15

Q: What does it mean for a member to be recognized and have the floor?

Answer 15

A: Exclusive right to be heard at that time.

Question 16

Q: Who has the right to seek recognition and obtain the floor?

Answer 16

Any member.

Question 17

Q does the chair have latitude in recognizing members?

Answer 17

No they must act according to the rules.

Question 18

Motions- definition (also “Questions”)

Answer 18

A formal proposal that the assembly will take certain action. Yes or no questions.

Question 19

Three steps to bringing a motion:

Answer 19

Member makes motion. Exact wording.
Another member seconds. Unnecessary if a small board.
Chair restates motion and indicates that it has been moved and seconded.

Question 20

Three steps in consideration of a motion:

Answer 20

Members debate motion.
Chair puts to a vote.
Chair announces result of vote.

Question 21

Can a motion be made at subsequent sessions?

Answer 21

Yes. Not during the same session, except via a motion to reconsider or a motion to rescind.

Question 22

Q: Whose duty is it to make sure a motion is in the proper form?

Answer 22

The chair.

Question 23

If a motion is made and seconded can the chair rule the question out of order?

Answer 23

Yes if it violates the rules. Chair has no latitude to make question out of order unless this is consistent with the rules.

Question 24

What comes first debate or motion?

Answer 24

Motion

Question 25

A primary rule of debate is?

Answer 25

Debate must be germane to the question.

Question 26

Debate characteristics

Answer 26

Must pertain to whether the proposal under consideration should be adopted Pertain to a pending manner No attacks and no impugning Alternate between those for and those against

Question 27

characteristics of good debate.

Answer 27

Focused on pending motion. Clear. Has purpose. Gives information to other members. Expresses your view.

Question 28

Cannot do these things in debate.

Answer 28

Make non germane arguments Speak against own motion (You can if you seconded) Make personal comments or derogatory comments

Question 29

When can chair end debate?

Answer 29

The chair cannot end debate. Debate may be ended by a vote of the assembly to end vote early.

Question 30

What should the chair do when no one responds to a call for debate?

Answer 30

Put to a vote

Question 31

What vote is required to limit debate?

Answer 31

2/3 of those present Requires second Not debateable Must be your turn to speak Only if debate continues

Question 32

Maker of motion-significant right and significant restriction

Answer 32

Right to speak first May not speak against own motion

Question 33

Voting types

Answer 33

Voice Vote is the default method for a majority vote (RRO – simplest is best) Rising Vote (often show of hands) Counted rising vote or counted show of hands Ballot vote

Question 34

Must chair always ask for negative vote?

Answer 34

Yes

Question 35

Rising vote – when used?

Answer 35

Used for a 2/3 vote As a substitute for a voice vote Uses visual confirmation, but if not possible redo as a counted rising or a show of hands

Question 36

Can any member demand a rising vote in place of a voice vote?

Answer 36

Yes

Question 37

What is the procedure to ask for a rising vote or show of hands?

Answer 37

After voice vote, request “show of hands”

Question 38

Who can ask for a counted vote

Answer 38

Chair can always ask for a counted vote Any member may move to vote by ballot – majority required

Question 39

What is majority?

Answer 39

More than ½ Abstentions – ignored No relation to quorum Based on votes cast Tie = FAIL

Question 40

Is a majority the same as 51%?

Answer 40

No. A majority of 1000 is a number bigger than 500, not 510

Question 41

When is a 2/3 vote required?

Answer 41

Rescinding or amending a previously adopted motion. Ending or limiting debate. Adopting or amending a special rule of order. Suspending rules. Amending bylaws.

Question 42

An easy way to calculate a 2/3 vote.

Answer 42

Double the negative. Eg if 20 against, need 40.

Question 43

Can any member object to unanimous consent?

Answer 43

Yes

Question 44

Quorum calculation

Answer 44

if it is a decimal, the next whole number is a quorum

Question 45

Does majority mean ½ + 1? Does it mean 51%

Answer 45

No. It means more than half.

Question 46

Three ways a motion is amended

Answer 46

Insert or add Strike out Strike out and insert

Question 47

What's the implication of an amendment being adopted?

Answer 47

It just means that the wording of the motion has changed.

Question 48

Can one debate the main motion while an amendment is pending?

Answer 48

No

Question 49

Creating a blank-amendment process

Answer 49

not debatable. If approved chair gets suggestions. Vote in order in which suggested. Whatever gets majority first wins. If it is about money start with least attractive.

Question 50

When a motion to spend money is made, what is a solution to speed debate?

Answer 50

Amend to add a do not exceed clause.

Question 51

If a motion requires 2/3 vote what does amendment require?

Answer 51

Majority

Question 52

can the maker of a motion allow a friendly amendment?

Answer 52

No. But if they are prompted before it gets to the chair then it can change. Otherwise the change must be made as an amendment.

Question 53

Is it true that the chair can only vote to break a tie?

Answer 53

No. Chair only votes when their vote would affect the outcome. Vote right along with members and small boards