Parliamentary Procedure

A formal procedure followed in the conduct of any meeting, usually adhering to Robert's Rules of Order. It ensures the orderly and efficient management of the meeting's agenda.
On this page

Definition

Parliamentary Procedure refers to a set of formal rules and guidelines used to conduct meetings and make decisions in a structured, effective, and orderly manner. These procedures are often based on Robert’s Rules of Order, which is a widely adopted manual of parliamentary law that provides a framework for discussing and making decisions on various motions, resolutions, and other critical meeting activities.

Examples

  1. Board Meetings: A company’s board of directors uses parliamentary procedures to debate and vote on new policies, financials, and strategic plans.
  2. Community Associations: Homeowners’ associations rely on these procedures to discuss and resolve community issues efficiently.
  3. Legislative Bodies: Government legislatures, such as the US Congress or the UK Parliament, use parliamentary procedures to debate and pass laws and other legislative acts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What is the main purpose of parliamentary procedure?
A1: The main purpose is to facilitate fair and orderly meetings, where participants can discuss issues and reach decisions efficiently and democratically.

Q2: What is Robert’s Rules of Order?
A2: It is a manual of parliamentary procedure that provides the rules and guidelines for conducting meetings and making group decisions.

Q3: Are parliamentary procedures legally binding?
A3: While not legally binding, parliamentary procedures are standards often adopted by organizations in their bylaws to ensure efficient and democratic operations.

Q4: Can parliamentary procedures be customized?
A4: Yes, organizations can modify parliamentary rules to better suit their specific needs through their bylaws or procedures manual.

Q5: What are the basic principles of parliamentary procedure?
A5: The basic principles include the rights of the majority to make decisions, the rights of the minority to be heard, orderly deliberation, and decorum in meetings.

  • Quorum: The minimum number of members required to be present for the meeting to conduct business legally.
  • Motion: A formal proposal by a member of the meeting that the assembly take certain action.
  • Amendment: A change or addition proposed during the discussion of a motion.
  • Chairperson: The individual who presides over and facilitates the meeting.
  • Minutes: The official written record of the meetings’ proceedings.

Online References

  1. Robert’s Rules of Order Online
  2. National Association of Parliamentarians
  3. American Institute of Parliamentarians
  4. Parliamentary Procedure Resources from Cornell Law School

Suggested Books for Further Studies

  1. Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised, 12th Edition by Sarah Corbin Robert et al.
    ISBN: 978-1541736696
  2. Mastering Parliamentary Procedure: A Guide to Robert’s Rules of Order by Henry M. Robert III et al.
    ISBN: 978-0190497624
  3. Parliamentary Law by Henry M. Robert
    ISBN: 978-1614272825
  4. The Standard Code of Parliamentary Procedure by Alice Sturgis
    ISBN: 978-0071365132

Fundamentals of Parliamentary Procedure: Governance Basics Quiz

Loading quiz…

Thank you for exploring the comprehensive details on Parliamentary Procedure and participating in our quiz to test your governance basics knowledge. Commit to mastering these rules and enhance the effectiveness of your meetings and decision-making processes!

Part-Time Employment
Parkinson's Law