Robert's Rules of Order Part 2

Question 1

Objection to Consideration of a Question

Answer 1

The purpose of this motion is to prevent the assembly from considering the question/motion because a member deems the question as irrelevant, unprofitable, contentious, or simply objectionable. THe members believes it is undesirable for this motion to come before the assembly. This motion is only applicable to an Original Main Motion, not an Incidental Main Motion.

Question 2

obtain the floor

Answer 2

Secure recognition from the presiding officer to either speak or make a motion.

Question 3

officer

Answer 3

A person who has been appointed or elected to an official position in the organization.

Question 4

old business

Answer 4

An incorrect and misleading term for the part of the agenda properly called unfinished business. Old business is misleading because it indicates that anything that the group once talk about fits here. The only business that fits in unfinished business is business that was started but not yet finished.

Question 5

on the floor

Answer 5

A motion is considered on the floor when it has been stated by the presiding officer and has not yet been disposed of either permanently or temporarily. Pending and on the floor are interchangeable terms.

Question 6

order of business

Answer 6

The schedule of business for the meeting; the agenda.

Question 7

order of the day

Answer 7

A business item that is scheduled to be taken up during a particular meeting.

Question 8

Original Main Motions

Answer 8

Those motions which bring before the assembly a new subject, sometimes in the form of a resolution, upon which action by the assembly is desired.

Question 9

out of order

Answer 9

A motion, action, request, or procedure that is in violation of the rules of the organization.

Question 10

ownership of a motion

Answer 10

A concept that refers to whose property the motion is at a given time and, therefore, who has a right to make any changes to it. In the six steps of the motion process, the maker of the motion owns the motion up until the completion of Step 3. After Step 3, the ownership of a motion is transferred to the assembly.

Question 11

parliamentarian

Answer 11

A person who is an expert in parliamentary procedure and is hired by a person or an organization to give advice on matters of parliamentary law and procedure. Sometimes a parliamentarian is a member of the organization who has some knowledge of parliamentary procedure and is used as a parliamentary resource during the meeting.

Question 12

parliamentary authority

Answer 12

The set of rules a group adopts as the rules that will govern them. The parliamentary manual adopted by the organization, usually in its bylaws, to serve as the governing authority. RRoO is the parliamentary authority for the vast majority of the organizations in the United States, and for many organizations in other countries.

Question 13

Parliamentary Inquiry

Answer 13

A question directed to the presiding officer concerning parliamentary law or the organization’s rules as they apply to the business at hand.

Question 14

parliamentary law

Answer 14

The established rules for the conduct of business in deliberative assemblies. The terms parliamentary law and parliamentary procedure are frequently used interchangeably.

Question 15

parliamentary procedure

Answer 15

A system of rules for the orderly conduct of business. The terms parliamentary law and parliamentary procedure are frequently used interchangeably.

Question 16

pending

Answer 16

A motion is considered pending when it has been stated by the presiding officer and has not yet been disposed of either permanently or temporarily. Pending and on the floor are interchangeable terms and refer to Step 4 in the processing of a motion.

Question 17

plurality vote

Answer 17

A method of voting in which the candidate or proposition receiving the largest number of votes is elected or selected. Use of decision by plurality vote in an election must be authorized in the bylaws.

Question 18

Point of Information

Answer 18

A non-parliamentary question about the business at hand.

Question 19

Point of Order

Answer 19

If a member feels the rules are not being followed, he/she can use this motion. It requires the chair to make a ruling and enforce the rules. Avoid overuse; save it for when someone’s rights are being violated.

Question 20

Point of Personal Privilege

Answer 20

Another phrase used for a Question of Privilege. An urgent request or motion relating to the privileges of a member of the assembly.

Question 21

policies and procedures

Answer 21

Some organizations have additional detailed rules and guidelines regarding the administration of the organization.

Question 22

poll

Answer 22

A place where voting is conducted.

Question 23

Postpone Indefinitely

Answer 23

This motion, in effect, kills the Main Motion for the duration of the session without the group having to take a vote on the motion. If the motion passes, there is no vote on the Main Motion which means there is no stand taken for or against the motion.

Question 24

Postpone to a Certain Time/Postpone Definitely

Answer 24

If the body needs more time to make a decision or if there is a time for consideration of this question that would be more convenient, this motion may be the answer. If a group meets quarterly or more frequently, the postponement cannot be beyond the next session.

Question 25

preamble

Answer 25

The first part of a resolution that contains the “whereas” clauses. It’s the portion of the resolution that explains the reasons for the motion.

Question 26

Precedence of Motions

Answer 26

A rank of motions indicated the order in which motions should be processed. When a motion is immediately pending, any motion above it on the Precedence of Motions is in order and any motion below it is out of order. In this book, the terms ladder of motions and Precedence of Motions are used interchangeably. Precedence of Motions applies only to the following motion, in the following order:

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
6. Lay on the Table
7. Previous Question
8. Limit or Extend Limits of Debate
9. Postpone Definitely
10. Commit or Refer to a Committee
11. Secondary Amendment
12. Primary Amendment
13. Postpone Indefinitely
14. Main Motion

Question 27

precedent

Answer 27

A decision or course of action that serves as a rule for future determinations in similar cases.

Question 28

preferential voting

Answer 28

A method of voting in which members may express more than one preference on a single ballot. It’s useful in ballot voting when it’s impractical to re-ballot if no candidate was elected on the first ballot. This method of voting can only be used if authorized in the bylaws.

Question 29

present

Answer 29

A member who is physically in attendance in the meeting.

Question 30

present and voting

Answer 30

A member who is physically present at the meeting and who casts a vote on a motion. A member who abstains is not considered present and voting.

Question 31

preside

Answer 31

The chairing of a meeting.

Question 32

president

Answer 32

The chief officer of an organization. One of the duties of the president is usually to serve as presiding officer at the meetings of the organization.

Question 33

President-elect

Answer 33

A person elected to the office of president one full term before serving as president. By being elected to the office of President-elect, the person is elected to serve a term as President-elect and then a term as president.

Question 34

presiding officer

Answer 34

The person in charge of the meeting. Presiding officer and chair are interchangeable terms. They both are sometimes used to refer to the president of the organization when the president is conducted the meeting.

Question 35

prevailing side

Answer 35

The affirmative if the motion passed and the negative if the motion failed. A person is said to have voted on the prevailing side if that member voted yes on a motion that passed or no on a motion that failed.

Question 36

previous notice

Answer 36

An official announcement, given verbally or in writing, of an item of business that will be introduced at the meeting. Certain motions require previous notice.

Question 37

Previous Question

Answer 37

The effect of this motion is to immediately stop debate on the primary motion and any amendments and to move immediately to a vote on the motion. It must be seconded, no debate is allowed, and a two-thirds vote is needed to close debate.

Question 38

Primary Amendment

Answer 38

A proposed change to the Main Motion.

Question 39

privileged motions

Answer 39

Motions that don’t relate to the Main Motion or pending business but relate directly to the members and the organization. They are matters of such urgency that, without debate, they can interrupt the consideration of anything else. Motions in this classification include: Fix the Time to which to Adjourn, Adjourn, Recess, Question of Privilege, and Call for the Orders of the Day.

Question 40

pro tem

Answer 40

Temporary or for the time being; e.g. “secretary pro tem”.

Question 41

professional parliamentarian

Answer 41

An expert in parliamentary procedure who has earned one or both of the following designations: Professional Registered Parliamentarian (PRP) through the National Association of Parliamentarians; Certified Professional Parliamentarian (CPP) through the American Institute of Parliamentarians.

Question 42

program

Answer 42

A schedule of the business to be considered at a meeting or convention. A program can also refer to a non-business portion of the agenda in which a guest speaker gives a presentation.

Question 43

proviso

Answer 43

A condition that is applied to a change in the bylaws. It usually delays the effective date of the change made in the bylaws. It’s not a part of the bylaws. All provisos should be put on a separate sheet of paper at the end of the document and removed after they are no longer in effect.

Question 44

proxy voting

Answer 44

A proxy vote can be cast when one member has given written authorization for another member (or non-member) to vote on his/her behalf. The format of the written authorization for a proxy vote may be given in the bylaws. When the bylaws include a provision for proxy voting, they frequently limit the number of proxy votes one person may carry, as well as whether the person carrying the proxy must be a member, so be sure to check that in advance of the meeting. The proxy vote is only counted in determining a quorum for the meeting if so stated in the bylaws. Proxy voting is not allowed unless expressly authorized in the bylaws. Many state statutes have rules regarding proxy voting.

Question 45

PRP

Answer 45

A Professional Registered Parliamentarian; an individual who has been registered by the National Association of Parliamentarians on the basis of passing a course covering advanced knowledge of parliamentary law and procedure according to RRoO Newly Revised. During the examination the person must demonstrate abilities in presiding, serving as parliamentarian, and teaching parliamentary procedure.

Question 46

putting the question

Answer 46

Step 5 in the processing of the motion. It involves the presiding officer placing the motion before the members for a vote.

Question 47

qualified

Answer 47

The limiting of a motion or a vote in a specific manner. For example, if a Main Motion, a Primary Amendment, a Secondary Amendment, and a motion to Postpone Definitely are all pending and a member moves the Previous Question on the motion to Postpone Definitely, the Secondary Amendment and the Primary Amendment. In this example, the Previous Question motion is qualified because it does not apply to all four pending motions, only three of them. It does not apply to the Main Motion.

Question 48

quarterly time interval

Answer 48

Two meetings are considered to be held within a quarterly time interval if the second meeting is held any time during the calendar month three months later than the calendar month in which the first meeting was held.

Question 49

quasi committee of the whole

Answer 49

“As if in” quasi committee of the whole. The entire assembly acts as a committee to discuss a motion or issue more informally. Unlike the quasi committee of the whole, the presiding officer remains in the chair.

Question 50

Question of Privilege

Answer 50

An urgent request or motion relating to the privileges of the assembly or a member.

Question 51

quorum

Answer 51

The number of voting members who must be present in order that business can be legally transacted.

Question 52

Raise a Question of Privilege

Answer 52

To bring an urgent request or a Main Motion relating to the rights of either the assembly or an individual up for immediate consideration. It may interrupt business.

Question 53

ratify

Answer 53

A motion that confirms or validates a previously taken action that needs assembly approval to become legal.

Question 54

receive a report

Answer 54

To permit or cause a report to be presented; to hear a report.

Question 55

recess

Answer 55

A short interruption which does not close the meeting. After the recess, business resumes at exactly the point where it was interrupted.

Question 56

recognize a member

Answer 56

The acknowledgement by the presiding officer that a member has the right to address the assembly.

Question 57

recommendation

Answer 57

A proposal that the body take a specific action. It’s usually made by a committee, a board, or an officer.

Question 58

recommit

Answer 58

A motion to Refer an issue or a motion back to a committee.

Question 59

Reconsider

Answer 59

This motion enables the majority of the assembly to bring back for further consideration a motion that has been voted on. Limitations: Only a member who voted on the prevailing side can make this motion, and in an ordinary meeting of an organization, this motion can be made only on the same day the vote to be reconsidered was taken.

Question 60

Reconsider and Enter in the Minutes

Answer 60

This motion is an incredibly unusual form of the motion to Reconsider. The effect of this motion, after it’s made and seconded, is that action on the motion to be Reconsidered stops and the original motion cannot be Reconsidered until a later day. Thus, it prevents an unrepresentative group from making a decision on an issue.

Question 61

recount

Answer 61

To count the vote again.

Question 62

Refer to a Committee/Commit

Answer 62

This motion sends the Main Motion to a smaller group (a committee) for further examination and refinement before the body votes on it. Be sure to be specific which committee, size of committee, the report back date, and so on.

Question 63

regular meeting

Answer 63

A business meeting of a permanent group that is held at regular intervals (weekly, monthly, quarterly, and so on). The meetings are held when prescribed in the bylaws, the standing rules, or through a motion of the group, usually adopted at the beginning of the administrative year. Each meeting is a separate session.

Question 64

renewal of a motion

Answer 64

A motion is considered renewed if it was made and disposed of without being adopted and then made again. The rules concerning renewal of a motion are extensive and are based upon the principle that an assembly should not have to deal with the same motion or substantially the same motion more than one time in a single session.

Question 65

Repeal

Answer 65

Another word for the motion to Rescind.

Question 66

report

Answer 66

A formal communication from a committee, board, or officer to the assembly. The report can be written or oral.

Question 67

reporting member

Answer 67

The member of the committee or board that is presenting the committee or board report to the members. The chairman of a committee is usually the reporting member.

Question 68

Request

Answer 68

Any petition by a member through the presiding officer to the assembly, which is growing out of the business of the assembly.

Question 69

Request to be Excused from a Duty

Answer 69

If a member believes he cannot fulfill a duty required of him, either as a member or as an officer, he can move to Request to be Excused from a Duty. If the motion passes, he is excused from the duty.

Question 70

Request to Read Papers

Answer 70

A call from a member to the assembly for permission to read from any paper or book. Reading from a paper or book is not allowed without permission from the assembly.

Question 71

Rescind

Answer 71

This motion allows the assembly to Repeal an action previously taken. This motion can be applied to any previously adopted motion, provided that none of the actions involved have been carried out in a way that it is too late to undo.

Question 72

resignation

Answer 72

A request, usually written, to relinquish an office, position, appointment, or membership.

Question 73

resolution

Answer 73

A formal form of a motion that usually includes reasons as “whereas” clauses and the action as “resolved” clause(s).

Question 74

resolved clause

Answer 74

The last part of a formal resolution. This part is the portion that specifies the action or position to be taken.

Question 75

revision of the bylaws

Answer 75

A complete rewrite of the bylaws that is presented as a new document. When presented, the proposed revision of the bylaws can be amended without limitation. There is a single vote taken at the end to determine if the proposed revision, as Amended, will replace the current bylaws.

Question 76

rising counted vote

Answer 76

A method of voting in which the members express their vote by standing and then those standing are counted and the number is reported to the presiding officer. “Those in favor of the motion, please stand and remain standing until counted. [pause] Please be seated.” “Those opposed to the motion, please stand and remain standing until counted. [pause] Please be seated.”

Question 77

rising vote

Answer 77

A method of voting in which the members express their vote by standing. “Those in favor of the motion, please stand. [pause] Please be seated.” “Those opposed to the motion, please stand. [pause] Please be seated.”

Question 78

Robert’s Rules

Answer 78

A term used to refer to any of the manuals on parliamentary procedure written by Henry M. Robert or based on the manuals he wrote. Referred to here as RRoO (Robert’s Rules of Order).

Question 79

roll call vote

Answer 79

A method of voting in which the voting members’ names are called and the member states their vote: “The secretary will now call the roll.” This method of voting has the exact opposite effect of a ballot vote in that it places in the record how each member voted. It should only be used when the members are responsible to a particular constituency who has a right to know how they voted. It is frequently required of public bodies, such as city councils or school boards.

Question 80

RP

Answer 80

A Registered Parliamentarian through the National Association of Parliamentarians (NAP). To become an RP, a person must pass a written examination covering RRoO Newly Revised.

Question 81

rules of order

Answer 81

Written sets of laws of parliamentary procedure by which an organization conducts its business.

Question 82

ruling

Answer 82

A decision made by the presiding officer. If members of the assembly disagree with the decision, they can Appeal the decision.

Question 83

scope of notice

Answer 83

A concept that applies to motions that require previous notice. It requires that the Amendment fall within the range that is created by what currently exists and by what is proposed in the advance notice of the Amendment.

Question 84

script

Answer 84

Written directions of what is to be said, by whom, and when during the meeting. A script serves as a cheat sheet for the presiding officer or the member as they try to conduct or participate in a meeting. The amount of detail in the script varies with the person writing the script and the person using the script.

Question 85

second

Answer 85

An indication by a voting member, other than the person who made the motion, that he/she publicly agrees that the proposed motion should be considered. In seconding a motion, the member is only indicating agreement that the assembly should consider the motion, not necessarily agreement with the motion.

Question 86

Secondary Amendment

Answer 86

A proposed change to the Primary Amendment. This form of Amendment is not simply the second Amendment made, but it must Amend the first Amendment made: the Primary Amendment.

Question 87

secondary motion

Answer 87

A motion that may be made while another motion is pending. It includes subsidiary motions, privileged motions, and incidental motions.

Question 88

seconder

Answer 88

The member who seconds the motion.

Question 89

secret ballot

Answer 89

A form of voting in which the vote of a member is not disclosed. It usually involves slips of paper on which the voter marks his vote.

Question 90

secretary

Answer 90

The recording officer whose duty it is to maintain the records of the organization.

Question 91

sergeant-at-arms

Answer 91

A position in some organizations whose job it is to help preserve order at the meeting, following the direction of the presiding officer.

Question 92

session

Answer 92

A meeting or a series of connected meetings as in a convention.

Question 93

show of hands vote

Answer 93

A method of voting in which the members express their vote by raising their hand. “All those in favor of the motion, please raise your hand. [pause] Please lower your hand(s).” “Those opposed to the motion, please raise your hand. [pause] Please lower your hand(s).”

Question 94

signed ballot

Answer 94

A form of roll call vote that is used in large assemblies to save time. The member writes “yes” or “no” on the paper and signs it. The votes are then recorded in the minutes, just as they would be if there had been a roll call vote.

Question 95

silent

Answer 95

A term used to describe the absence of an issue in a document. For example, if there is nothing in the bylaws on [issue], one might say the bylaws are silent on [issue].

Question 96

silent assent

Answer 96

A slang term that is interchangeable with general consent/unanimous consent, and is a method of avoiding the formality of a vote by getting agreement of everyone in the meeting.

Question 97

simple majority

Answer 97

A majority - more than half.

Question 98

sine die

Answer 98

Literally means “without day.” To Adjourn sine die means it’s the final adjournment of an assembly. The last meeting of the convention is said to Adjourn sine die.

Question 99

single slate

Answer 99

A list of candidates for office or positions which has the name of only one candidate for each office or position.

Question 100

skeletal minutes

Answer 100

A tool to assist in the minutes writing process. They are minutes prepared in advance of a meeting or convention which includes all that will be occurring, and the order in which it will occur. They contain many blank spaces that are filled in during the meeting by the person(s) in charge of the minutes. they are prepared using the agenda and/or the script for the meeting.

Question 101

slate

Answer 101

A list of candidates for office. The report of the nominating committee is usually referred to as the slate of candidates.

Question 102

speaker

Answer 102

Usually refers to the person who has the floor. In some organizations, it refers to the presiding officer of the assembly, as in the Speaker of the House.

Question 103

special committee

Answer 103

A committee that is formed to perform a particular function. After it gives its final report, it ceases to exist. Also referred to as select committee and ad hoc committee.

Question 104

special meeting

Answer 104

A meeting called at a special time for a specific purpose. Notice of the time, place, and purpose of the meeting must be included in the information sent to all of the members regarding the meeting - referred to as the call of the meeting. Only business that was specified in the call of the meeting can be transacted at the meeting. A group cannot hold a special meeting unless special meetings are authorized in the bylaws. special meetings are usually held for emergency purposes - things that were not, nor could be, planned for in advance.

Question 105

special orders

Answer 105

This category of the agenda has the effect of setting a certain time when a specified subject will be considered, and of giving it an absolute priority for that time.

Question 106

special rules of order

Answer 106

The rules contained in the parliamentary authority are called the rules of order. Sometimes organizations feel a need to have additional rules of order, called special rules of order, which differ from the parliamentary authority.

Question 107

staggered terms

Answer 107

Terms of office of a board or committee arranged in such a way that only a percentage of the terms end at the same time.

Question 108

stand at ease

Answer 108

A brief pause, without a Recess, that is called by the presiding officer, without objection.

Question 109

standing committee

Answer 109

A committee appointed for a definitive time (frequently a year), usually listed in the bylaws, which performs ongoing functions.

Question 110

standing rules

Answer 110

Rules adopted by an organization that are administrative in nature rather than procedural. Convention standing rules are rules adopted by the convention’s delegates and are procedural in nature.

Question 111

state statutes

Answer 111

Incorporated organizations are governed by the state statutes of the state in which they are incorporated. These statutes are usually available through the secretary of state’s office or the state attorney general’s office and are available on the Internet.

Question 112

state the question

Answer 112

This refers to the third step in the processing of a motion. During this step, the presiding officer restates the motion, thus, formally placing it before the body.

Question 113

straw poll

Answer 113

A method of informally determining where the assembly stands on an issue. It is not allowed because it does not take an action and is therefore considered dilatory.

Question 114

Sturgis

Answer 114

Another parliamentary authority whose original book Sturgis Standard Code of Parliamentary Procedure has been updated by the American Institute of Parliamentarians.

Question 115

subcommittee

Answer 115

A committee of a committee, usually formed for the purpose of study and investigation of certain matters, which reports its findings to the committee that formed it.

Question 116

subsidiary motions

Answer 116

Motions that aid the assembly in treating or disposing of a Main Motion. They are in order only from the time the Main Motion has been stated by the chair until the chair begins to take a vote on that Main Motion. Motions in this classification include: Lay on the Table, Previous Question, Limit or Extend Limits of Debate, Postpone to a Certain Time (Postpone Definitely), Commit or Refer, Amend, and Postpone Indefinitely.

Question 117

Substitute Amendment

Answer 117

An Amendment that proposes to strike out a paragraph or more and to insert another in its place.

Question 118

Suspend the Rules

Answer 118

This motion is used when the assembly wants to do something that violates its own rules. This motion does not apply to the organization’s bylaws; local, state, or national law; or fundamental principles of parliamentary law. An appropriate suspension of the rules would be a motion to change the agenda, or the prescribed meeting time. An inappropriate suspension of the rules would be to allow nonmembers the same voting rights as members.

Question 119

sustain

Answer 119

To support and uphold a ruling.

Question 120

sustain the decision of the chair

Answer 120

To support and uphold a ruling made by the chair in an Appeal from the Decision of the Chair motion. When the Appeal motion is put to a vote, the wording used is: “Those in favor of sustaining the decision of the chair…”

Question 121

synchronous meetings

Answer 121

Electronic meetings that occur when participants are in different places at the same time. Venues of the synchronous meetings include, but are definitely not limited to, telephone conferencing, video and web conferencing, chat room, instant messaging, and in-person meetings where some members attend electronically.

Question 122

table

Answer 122

A shortcut term for the motion: Lay on the table.

Question 123

Take from the Table

Answer 123

The effect of this motion is to resume consideration of a motion that was Laid on the Table earlier in the present session or in the previous session of the organization. When a motion is Taken from the Table, it has everything adhering to it exactly as it was when it was Laid on the Table.

Question 124

teleconference

Answer 124

A meeting in which the participants are connected by telephone technology or other technology that allows someone from a distance to participate.

Question 125

tellers

Answer 125

People elected or appointed to count votes.

Question 126

term of office

Answer 126

The duration of the period for which a person is elected or appointed to an office or position.

Question 127

tie vote

Answer 127

An equal number of affirmative and negative votes. It is not required that tie votes be broken since, if a majority vote is needed, the motion fails because it lacks a majority vote.

Question 128

treasurer

Answer 128

The officer entrusted with the custody of the organization’s funds and the maintenance of the financial records of the organization.

Question 129

two-thirds vote

Answer 129

Having at least twice as many votes in favor of a motion as there were against the motion.

Question 130

unanimous

Answer 130

Without dissent; no votes were cast on the losing side.

Question 131

unanimous ballot

Answer 131

A ballot cast by the secretary, or other member, to elect an uncontested candidate to an office. If the bylaws require a ballot vote, it is out of order since it prevents a member from casting a write-in ballot. After an election by ballot in which the ballot was not unanimous, a motion to make the ballot unanimous would only be in order if that vote was taken by ballot and was unanimous. This requirement protects the member from revealing his vote.

Question 132

unanimous vote

Answer 132

A vote in which everyone present and voting, voted on the prevailing side. No one voted on the loosing side of the question.

Question 133

undebatable

Answer 133

No debate is allowed. Certain motions are undebatable. In essence, Step 4 in the processing of a motion is skipped.

Question 134

unfinished business

Answer 134

A portion of the agenda that includes motions that have been carried over from the previous meeting as a result of that meeting having adjourned without completing its order of business.

Question 135

unqualified

Answer 135

A motion or vote that does not have any limitations placed on it. For example, if the vote needed is a majority vote of the entire membership, that is a qualified vote, but if the vote needed is only a majority vote, that is an unqualified vote.

Question 136

vacancy

Answer 136

An office or position which is unfilled or unoccupied.

Question 137

vacate the chair

Answer 137

To temporarily relinquish the chair so that the presiding officer can participate in debate.

Question 138

vice chairman

Answer 138

A member of the committee who is next in authority to the chairman.

Question 139

vice president

Answer 139

A member of the organization who is next in authority to the president, unless the organization has a president-elect. The bylaws should list the duties and responsibilities of this position.

Question 140

videoconference

Answer 140

A meeting in which the members participate using video conferencing technology.

Question 141

viva voce

Answer 141

A vote by voice.

Question 142

voice vote

Answer 142

A method of voting in which the members express their vote vocally. “All those in favor, say Aye. [pause] All those opposed, say No.” (If the chair is in doubt of the results of a voice vote, the chair should state “The chair is in doubt, and therefore a rising [or counted] vote will be taken.” Then proceed with a rising/counted vote.)

Question 143

vote

Answer 143

A formal expression of will, opinion, or choice by members of an assembly in regard to a matter submitted to it.

Question 144

vote by acclimation

Answer 144

An election by unanimous consent.

Question 145

vote immediately

Answer 145

The result of the adoption of the Previous Question motion. The members will immediately vote on the motion.

Question 146

voting by mail

Answer 146

Only when specifically authorizing in the bylaws can an organization conduct voting by mail. If there is a vote requirement or a quorum requirement, the ballot serves as the member being “present.” As electronic communication is becoming more and more popular, organizations are relying on e-mail as a method of casting mail ballots. Although there are some problems associated with ballots by e-mail, they are clearly a money and time-saving approach, especially for large national and international organizations.

Question 147

with power

Answer 147

A term used to describe a committee that is authorized to take action on the matter that is referred to it.

Question 148

Withdraw of a Motion

Answer 148

A request by the mover of a motion to remove the motion from consideration. After the motion has been stated by the presiding officer, it belongs to the assembly and the assembly’s permission (majority vote) is needed to withdraw the motion.

Question 149

write-in vote

Answer 149

A vote cast, on a written ballot vote, for a person who was not nominated for the position.

Question 150

yea or nay vote

Answer 150

Yes or no vote that is used in roll call voting. This term is sometimes used interchangeably with roll call vote.

Question 151

yield

Answer 151

Gives way to. A pending motion yields to one of higher rank on the Precedence of Motions list.

Question 152

yielding the floor

Answer 152

A speaker giving part of his or her speaking time to another speaker. While this practice is allowed in some legislative bodies, it is not allowed in deliberative assemblies, unless specifically authorized in the rules.

Question 153

Making a Motion: Step 1

Answer 153

Rise and address the chair. “Mr. President/Mr. Chairman.”

Question 154

Making a Motion: Step 2

Answer 154

The presiding officer recognizes you and assigns you the floor by stating your name or nodding towards you.

Question 155

Making a Motion: Step 3

Answer 155

State the motion, using proper language. “I move that…/I move to…” Sit down after stating the motion.

Question 156

Making a Motion: Step 4

Answer 156

A second must be stated to confirm the motion. If no second is stated, the motion is lost.

Question 157

Making a Motion: Step 5

Answer 157

The presiding officer repeats the motion and places it before the assembly by stating such. “It is moved and seconded that…[description of motion]…is there any discussion?”

Question 158

Making a Motion: Step 6

Answer 158

Members discuss the motion by rising, addressing the chair, and being assigned the floor.

Question 159

Making a Motion: Step 7

Answer 159

The presiding officer calls a vote by stating such. “All those in favor say ‘Aye’. Those opposed say ‘No’.”

Question 160

Making a Motion: Step 8

Answer 160

The presiding officer announces the vote and whether the motion is adopted or defeated. If the motion is adopted, the presiding officer states the name of the person who will carry out the action. “The ‘ayes’ have it, and the motion is carried. We will…” or “The ‘noes’ have it, and the motion is lost.”