Parliamentary Procedure Cheat Sheet

Mastering parliamentary procedure can be a daunting task, especially for those new to the world of meetings and decision-making. Whether you are a member of a club, a board, or any other organized group, understanding the rules and procedures can significantly enhance the efficiency and fairness of your meetings. This guide serves as a comprehensive Parliamentary Procedure Cheat Sheet, providing you with the essential knowledge and tools to navigate through various parliamentary scenarios with confidence.

Table of Contents

Understanding Parliamentary Procedure

Parliamentary procedure refers to the rules and guidelines that govern the conduct of meetings and the decision-making process within an organization. These procedures ensure that meetings are conducted in an orderly and democratic manner, allowing all members to have a voice and ensuring that decisions are made fairly and efficiently.

Basic Principles of Parliamentary Procedure

Before diving into the specifics, it’s important to understand the basic principles that underlie parliamentary procedure:

Order: Meetings should be conducted in an orderly manner to ensure that discussions are productive and decisions are made efficiently.
Fairness: All members should have an equal opportunity to participate in discussions and vote on motions.
Efficiency: Procedures should be designed to minimize delays and ensure that meetings are conducted in a timely manner.
Democracy: Decisions should be made through a democratic process, with the majority ruling but with protections for the minority.

Key Terms and Concepts

To effectively use a Parliamentary Procedure Cheat Sheet, you need to be familiar with some key terms and concepts:

Motion: A proposal made by a member for the group to consider and vote on.
Main Motion: The primary proposal being discussed during a meeting.
Amendment: A change or addition to a motion.
Point of Order: A formal objection raised when a rule is violated.
Debate: The discussion that takes place on a motion before a vote is taken.
Vote: The process by which members express their opinion on a motion.

Making a Motion

Making a motion is the first step in the parliamentary process. Here are the steps to follow:

Stand up and address the chairperson.
Say, “I move that…” and clearly state your proposal.
Wait for the chairperson to recognize your motion.
Sit down and allow the chairperson to restate the motion.

📝 Note: Ensure your motion is clear and concise to avoid confusion.

Seconding a Motion

For a motion to be considered, it must be seconded by another member. The process is as follows:

Stand up and address the chairperson.
Say, “I second the motion.”
Sit down and allow the chairperson to proceed with the discussion.

📝 Note: If a motion is not seconded, it is considered dead and cannot be discussed further.

Debating a Motion

Debate is an essential part of the parliamentary process, allowing members to express their opinions and arguments. Here are some key points to remember:

Members should address the chairperson when speaking.
Speakers should be recognized by the chairperson before they can speak.
Speakers should limit their remarks to the motion under discussion.
Members should avoid personal attacks and focus on the merits of the motion.

Voting on a Motion

Voting is the final step in the parliamentary process, where members express their opinion on a motion. Here are the common methods of voting:

Voice Vote: Members vote by saying “aye” or “no.” The chairperson determines the outcome based on the volume of responses.
Rising Vote: Members vote by standing up. The chairperson counts the number of members standing for each side.
Ballot Vote: Members vote by secret ballot. This method is used for sensitive or controversial issues.
Roll Call Vote: Members vote by having their names called and recorded. This method ensures accountability and transparency.

Amending a Motion

Amendments allow members to propose changes to a motion. Here are the steps to follow:

Stand up and address the chairperson.
Say, “I move to amend the motion by…” and clearly state your proposed change.
Wait for the chairperson to recognize your amendment.
Sit down and allow the chairperson to restate the amendment.

📝 Note: Amendments must be relevant to the main motion and should not change its fundamental purpose.

Points of Order

A point of order is a formal objection raised when a rule is violated. Here are the steps to follow:

Stand up and address the chairperson.
Say, “Point of order, Mr./Madam Chairperson.”
Clearly state the rule that has been violated.
Wait for the chairperson to rule on your point of order.

📝 Note: Points of order should be raised immediately when a violation occurs.

Common Parliamentary Motions

Here is a table of common parliamentary motions and their purposes:

Motion	Purpose
Main Motion	Proposes a new idea or action.
Amendment	Proposes a change to a motion.
Postpone Indefinitely	Kills a motion without voting on its merits.
Refer to Committee	Sends a motion to a committee for further study.
Lay on the Table	Temporarily sets aside a motion.
Previous Question	Ends debate and brings the motion to a vote.
Adjourn	Ends the meeting.

Handling Disruptions

Disruptions can occur during meetings, and it’s important to handle them effectively. Here are some strategies:

Remind members of the rules and procedures.
Use points of order to address violations.
Call for order if necessary.
Consult with the chairperson to resolve disputes.

Conducting Effective Meetings

To ensure effective meetings, consider the following tips:

Prepare an agenda in advance.
Start and end meetings on time.
Encourage active participation.
Stay focused on the agenda.
Follow parliamentary procedures.

In conclusion, mastering parliamentary procedure is essential for conducting efficient and fair meetings. By understanding the basic principles, key terms, and common motions, you can navigate through various parliamentary scenarios with confidence. Use this Parliamentary Procedure Cheat Sheet as a reference guide to enhance your knowledge and skills, ensuring that your meetings are productive and democratic.

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