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Parliamentary Procedure Resources: Glossary of Parliamentarian Terms |
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There are many, many terms and definitions associated with Parmliamentary Procedure. Hopefully this glossary of terms will help you better understand Robert's Rules of Order, agendas, meeting minutes, motions, meeting rules and formats, and the parliamentary process.
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Got Questions?Contact Me!I'd love to hear from you. 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. 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. Robert’s Rules is the parliamentary authority for the vast majority of the organizations in the United States, and for many organizations in other countries. A question directed to the presiding officer concerning parliamentary law or the organization’s rules as they apply to the business at hand. The established rules for the conduct of business in deliberative assemblies. The terms parliamentary law and parliamentary procedure are frequently used interchangeably. A system of rules for the orderly conduct of business. The terms parliamentary law and parliamentary procedure are frequently used interchangeably. 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 and refer to Step 4 in the processing of a motion. 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. A nonparliamentary question about the business at hand. If a member feels the rules are not being followed, he or 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. Another phrase used for a Question of Privilege. An urgent request or motion relating to the privileges of a member of the assembly. Some organizations have additional detailed rules and guidelines regarding the administration of the organization. A place where voting is conducted. See Postpone to a Certain Time. 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.
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. 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. (pre SEED ens) A rank of motions indicating the order in which specific 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:
A decision or course of action that serves as a rule for future determinations in similar cases. 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 reballot if no candidate was elected on the first ballot. This method of voting can only be used if authorized in the bylaws. A member who is physically in attendance in the meeting. 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. The chairing of a meeting. 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. 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. 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 conducting the meeting. 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. 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. 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. A proposed change to the Main Motion. 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. Temporary or for the time being, as in secretary pro tem. 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. A schedule of the business to be considered at a meeting or convention. Program can also refer to a nonbusiness portion of the agenda in which a guest speaker gives a presentation. 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. A proxy vote can be cast when one member has given written authorization for another member (or nonmember) 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. 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 Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised. During the examination the person must demonstrate abilities in presiding, serving as parliamentarian, and teaching parliamentary procedure. Step 5 in the processing of the motion. It involves the presiding officer placing the motion before the members for a vote. |
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