Parliamentary Procedure
Let’s look at how we can make
sense of this game called
“Parliamentary Procedure”.
Making Parliamentary
Procedure Practical
 Keep it simple
 Have an agenda
 Delegate roles
 Use time efficiently
Establish
Agenda
Determine
Roles
Define
Purpose
Make
Decision
Discuss
Steps in Making a Decision . . .
 Group clarifies purpose
 Agree on the agenda
 Determine Roles
– Moderator, recorder, time keeper,
parliamentarian, reporter
 Moderator opens floor for brainstorming
Steps in Making a Decision . . .
 Member presents one idea as a motion
 Another member seconds it
 Chair restates it for the group
 Group discusses merit of that one idea
 Chair calls for a vote
 Chair announces results
Steps in Making a Motion
Member: Mr. Chairman
Chair: (Recognizes Member)
Member: I move that we . . .
Another member: I second it.
Chair: It has been moved and seconded to . .
.Is there any discussion?
Steps in Making a Motion
Member 1: I think we should do this because.
..
Member 2: I don’t think we should because
etc.
Chair: Is there any further discussion. If not,
all those in favor say aye. . Oppose no.
Chair: The motion is (adopted or defeated).
We (will or will not) . . .
What if . .
We want to change the motion?
Steps in Making a Motion
Member: Mr. Chairman
Chair: (Recognizes Member)
Member: I move that we AMEND the motion
by (inserting a word, striking a word, or adding a
word)
Another member: I second it.
Chair: It has been moved and seconded to amend
the motion by. . . Is there any discussion?
Steps in Making a Motion
Member 1: I think we should do this because.
..
Member 2: I don’t think we should because
etc.
Chair: Is there any further discussion. If not,
all those in favor say aye. . Oppose no.
Chair: The motion is (adopted or defeated).
We (will or will not) . . .
What if . .
What if we want more information?
Steps in Making a Motion
Member: Mr. Chairman
Chair: (Recognizes Member)
Member: I move that we REFER the motion
to a committee.
Another member: I second it.
Chair: It has been moved and seconded to
refer the motion to a committee. . .Is there
any discussion?
Steps in Making a Motion
Member 1: I think we should do this because.
..
Member 2: I don’t think we should because
etc.
Chair: Is there any further discussion. If not,
all those in favor say aye. . Oppose no.
Chair: The motion is (adopted or defeated).
We (will or will not) . . .
What if . .
What if you are bored with the
discussion?
Steps in Making a Motion
Member: Mr. Chairman
Chair: (Recognizes Member)
Member: I move the PREVIOUS QUESTION.
Another member: I second it.
Chair: The previous question has been moved
and seconded. We will now vote to end
debate.
Steps in Making a Motion
Chair: All those in favor stand. Oppose stand.
Chair: Previous Question (adopted or
defeated). If it fails, continue with
discussion of the motion, if it passes, then
vote directly on the motion.
Chair: All those in favor say aye. Oppose say
no.
Chair: Motion (adopted or defeated).
What if . .
What if we want to put off our
decision?
Steps in Making a Motion
Member: Mr. Chairman
Chair: (Recognizes Member)
Member: I move that we POSTPONE the
motion until . . .
Another member: I second it.
Chair: It has been moved and seconded to . .
.Is there any discussion?
Steps in Making a Motion
Member 1: I think we should do this because.
..
Member 2: I don’t think we should because
etc.
Chair: Is there any further discussion. If not,
all those in favor say aye. . Oppose no.
Chair: The motion is (adopted or defeated).
We (will or will not) . . .
What if . .
What if someone is breaking the
rules?
Steps in Making a Motion
Member: (without waiting to be recognized
by the chair) Mr. Chairman, I RISE TO A
POINT OF ORDER.
Chair: State your point
Member: (Tell who did what wrong)
Chair: Point (well or not well) taken. Make
correction or proceed.
What if . .
What if the vote is too close to tell?
Steps in Making a Motion
Member: (Without waiting to be recognized)
DIVISION!
Chair: A division has been called for. We
will take a revote. All those in favor stand.
Oppose stand.
Chair: Motion (adopted or defeated) __ to
__.