Parliamentary Practice for 4-H

Transcription

1 Parliamentary Practice fr 4-H Feb

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3 Parliamentary Prcedure Parliamentary Practice Prblems fr Mntana 4-H Clubs Welcme and cngratulatins! u re getting ready t learn mre abut cnducting rganized meetings using the ldest frmat in demcratic sciety parliamentary prcedure. The rules fr parliamentary prcedure came abut t ensure a cnsistent prcess fr cnducting deliberative meetings. This guide bk f parliamentary practice prblems is designed t help yu learn hw t handle specific mtins and prcedures. The guide can als be f assistance in preparing fr Gavel Games cmpetitins. Acknwledgements: Many thanks t Rger E. Regnier, frmer state leader, and Jhn B. Hanna, Extensin 4-H Specialist, Kansas State University Extensin, frm which much f this material was taken. This material was adapted, updated and expanded by Kirk A. Astrth, Mntana State University, Extensin 4-H Specialist, and ick Shrauger, Gallatin Cunty 4-H Vlunteer. Layut and Design by Suzi Taylr, MSU Cmmunicatins Services. 2003, T find answers t specific questins, yu can als visit the Rbert s Rules f Order web site at: www. rbertsrules.cm and visit Why there is Parliamentary Prcedure by ick Shrauger D yu remember a time in which yu jined a cnversatin amng several peple? In that grup was an individual r tw wh seemed t d all f the talking. It was difficult, if nt impssible, fr yu t make a statement, state yur ideas r participate in anyway. Cnsider what wuld happen if instead f jining a cnversatin, yu were attending a meeting at which sme gal r bjective was t be accmplished. Hw wuld yu feel if yu were unable t state yur view? Parliamentary prcedure makes it pssible fr yu, r anyne else t be heard. Parliamentary prcedure is an rganized way in which the smallest minrity (even just ne persn) can be heard, while preserving the right f the majrity t prevail. Think f the difficulties f cnducting business t arrive at a decisin if parliamentary prcedure is nt used. And think f hw shrt, prductive and easy business meetings becme when parliamentary prcedure is used. It is imprtant fr leaders and members alike t knw hw t cnduct business meetings. What are the rules fr Parliamentary Prcedure? One f the ldest and mst ppular set is Rbert s Rules f Order. It is the set f rules used by mst legislative bdies. Mst f the time meetings are small grups and issues are nt cntentius. In these cases, nly a few simple rules are needed. Often cnsensus (anther methd f cnducting meetings) can be used t arrive at a decisin. But if a decisin is t be made n a difficult issue, it becmes necessary t strictly fllw Rbert s Rules. Fr this reasn it is imprtant that yu understand and learn t use Rbert s Rules f Order. 1

4 Suggested Prcess fr Using Parliamentary Practice Prblems The fllwing suggested utline wuld enable a club t cmplete all these prblems ver a tw-year time span. The prblems are listed in the apprximate rder in which they shuld be taken up by a club. u may want t spend mre than ne meeting n ne f the prblems t master it apprpriately. ew prblems shuld nt be taken up until preceding nes are thrughly mastered. First ear OCTOBER General parliamentary infrmatin...4 OVEMBER Cnstitutin and bylaws...13 DECEMBER Order f business...6 JAUAR Eight steps necessary t put a questin befre the Huse...6 Divisin f a questin... 7 FEBRUAR Amending the main mtin...8 MARCH Aids in dispsing f mtin...8 Table, pstpne t a set time...9 APRIL Aids in dispsing f mtins cntinued; t pstpne indefinitely...9 T place in the hands f a cmmittee... MA Pint f rder T adjurn...10 JUE T recnsider Appeal frm decisin f chair...10 JUL T take frm the table...12 AUGUST Reslutins Cnstitutin and bylaws...13 Secnd ear OCTOBER Electin f fficers, nminatins, and vting. 15 OVEMBER The previus questin...16 DECEMBER T recnsider and have entered n the minutes...16 JAUAR T withdraw a mtin FEBRUAR T pstpne indefinitely MARCH Objectin t the cnsideratin f the questin APRIL T refer t a cmmittee...20 MA Advanced prblem JUE Advanced prblem JUL Advanced prblem AUGUST Advanced prblem SEPTEMBER Review...28 SEPTEMBER minatins and electins

5 Where can I find ut mre n...? OTE. Fr quick reference, see Rules fr Handling Mtins which appears n pp Intrduce business Steps necessary t put a questin befre the Huse... 6 Cnduct electins minatins, vting Defer a matter r kill it Pstpne indefinitely...18, 25 Table a mtin... 8, 22 Defer actin Pstpne t a set time...9 Order f business...6 Table... 8, 22 Divide a cmplex questin Recnsider and enter n minutes...16 Divisin f a questin... 7 Change r mdify Amend... 8, 22, 25 Let a few attend t a matter Refer t a cmmittee...20 Fix a time t attend t a matter Pstpne t a set time...9 Stp debate and rder an immediate vte Previus questin Suppress a questin Object t cnsideratin...19, 22 Pstpne indefinitely...18, 25 Table... 8, 22 D smething cntrary t bylaws r rules Suspend the rules...12 Prevent a mtin frm being vted n Withdraw a mtin Cnsider a mtin a secnd time Take frm table...12 Recnsider... 11, 22, 26 Rescind...21 Prevent a vte frm being final Mve a recnsideratin and have mtin entered n minutes Object t a decisin f the Chair r relieve the Chair frm respnsibility f a decisin Appeal frm the decisin f the Chair...10 Ask a questin r make a pint f rder Questin f privilege...10, 26 Annul sme actin Rescind...21 Prepare a reslutin Frm Dismiss a meeting Adjurn...10 Cntest Preamble...30 Gavel Games Screcard Gavel Games Rules...34 Apprved list f mtins...35 Sample Written Tests

6 Cmmn Questins and Answers TERMS The Huse the club, grup r rganizatin. The Chair the presiding fficer. Pending issues r questins befre the Huse. Majrity mre than half the vtes cast. Take precedence ver verride and becme the last pending questin. Qurum the number allwed t cnduct business. Ex ffici meaning by virtue f ffice. Usually a nn-vting member. Befre the Huse being cnsidered by the grup. Sessin in cnventins, the several meetings in which ne cntinuus rutine f business is transacted. In scieties, the regular meeting tgether with its adjurned meetings, r a special meeting with its adjurned meetings. Questin. In parliamentary usage, what is the first thing t learn? Answer. T rise and address the Chair t btain the flr. Q. Hw d yu address the Chair? A. Madam r Mr. President, r if nt the president, Madam r Mr. Chairman r by his special title if s/he has ne. Q. Hw des the Chair recgnize a member and assign him/her the flr? A. By calling his/her name. In a 4-H grup this is usually the first name f the persn. Q. What is the advantage in btaining the flr? A. The Chair is cmpelled t defend a member in his right t the flr and t state his mtin r pinins. Q. May a member assigned the flr be interrupted? A. es, but nly if his prcedure is ut f rder. Q. What is the crrect frm f a main mtin? A. I mve that... D nt say, I mve yu... r I make a mtin... Q. What must fllw mst mtins (all main mtins)? A. A secnd (anther endrsement f the item f business). Q. Shuld ne rise t secnd a mtin? A.. In large bdies, hwever, it may be best t rise and withut waiting fr recgnitin, say, Mr. r Madam President, I secnd the mtin. 4

7 Q. What is a qurum? A. The number f eligible vting members allwed t cnduct business. Q. Shuld it be a majrity r minrity? A. A minrity, usually. Q. May imprtant business be transacted by a minrity qurum? A. es, but it may nt be best. Q. Hw lng may a member f an rdinary sciety talk? A. t lnger than 10 minutes nr mre than twice t a questin and nt the secnd time until all wh wish have spken nce. Q. What shuld fllw the secnd? A. The Chair must state the mtin. He shuld nt say, u have heard the mtin. The Chair may require any mtin t be written. Q. Why state the mtin? A. Until stated, it des nt becme the prperty f the Huse and may nt be debated, amended, r therwise acted upn. Q. Hw des the Chair state a principal mtin? A. It has been mved and secnded that the sciety (assembly, club, rganizatin, r cnventin)... Q. What is a main r principal mtin? A. One that intrduces business. Q. Are all main mtins debatable? A. es. Q. What shuld the Chair say after stating the mtin? A. Is there any discussin? Q. Can members be cmpelled t vte? A. Only in bdies having great pwer ver the members, as in Cngress. This is dne by rdering the yeas and nays. Q. Shuld the Chair stand t state a questin? A. es, she shuld stand als t put the questin t vte. Q. When des the Chair take the vte? A. When the rganizatin r club, nt sme individuals, is ready fr it. Q. What is the best frm in taking a vte by acclamatin? A. All in favr say aye; ppsed, n. This is called putting the questin. Speak bth aye and n distinctly. Q. May the Chair vte? A. es, as shwn under duties f the presiding fficer. 5

8 Order f Business 1. Call t rder 2. Opening exercises pledge, mtt, etc. 3. Reading f minutes, crrectins if needed, apprval f minutes 4. Cmmunicatins nt requiring actin (letters f appreciatin, etc.) 5. Reprts f fficers 6. Reprts f standing and special cmmittees 7. Unfinished business Mtins pstpned at the last meeting Mtins laid n the table at the last meeting 8. ew business as intrduced 9. Prgram 10. Annuncements and tices 11. Adjurnment Parliamentary Practice Prblems As yu wrk in yur club n learning parliamentary prcedure, yu may want t use these practice prblems. Have a leader (teen r adult) wh will explain the prblem. The Leader and her helpers shuld plan their demnstratin befre the meeting. Eight Steps ecessary t Put a Questin Befre the Huse Leader. The eight steps necessary t put a questin befre the Huse are: 1. A member rises and addresses the Chair. 2. The member is recgnized by the Chair. 3. The member makes the mtin. 4. Anther member secnds the mtin. 5. President states the mtin t the grup. 6. President calls fr discussin. 7. President takes the vte. 8. President states the result thse fr, and thse against the mtin. Demnstratin With the aid f three members, we will demnstrate the crrect mtin prcedure. First Helper. (Stand.) Mr. President. President. Jhn. First Helper. I mve that the Cttnwd 4-H Club cnduct a drive t increase ur club membership. President. Is there a secnd t this mtin? (Ask fr a secnd when a mtin is nt prmptly secnded.) Secnd Helper. (D nt stand.) I secnd the mtin. President. The mtin befre the Huse is that the Cttnwd 4-H Club cnduct a drive t increase ur club membership. Is there any discussin? First Helper. (Stand.) Mr. President. President. Jhn. 6

9 First Helper. I believe it is necessary t make a special effrt t see the bys and girls f this cmmunity and explain the gd things they will receive as 4-H Club members. Third Helper. (Stand.) Mr. President. President. Hward. Third Helper. We have enugh members in ur club. An increase in numbers f members will bring in bys and girls nt especially interested and will make mre wrk fr the leaders. President. Is there any mre discussin? The mtin is that the Cttnwd 4-H Club cnduct a drive t increase ur club membership. All in favr say aye; all ppsed, n. Secnd Helper. (Stand.) Mr. President. President. Julie. Secnd Helper. I call fr a divisin. te: This refers t divisin f the huse and is dne when a member is nt satisfied with the cunt when the vte has been taken by vice r hand and wishes the vte t be taken again. The President must take anther vte. President. (A divisin f the huse having been called fr, take a standing vte.) The mtin is that the Cttnwd 4-H Club cnduct a drive t increase ur club membership. All in favr, stand. Be seated. All ppsed, stand. Be seated. Fifteen in favr; twelve ppsed. The Cttnwd 4-H Club will cnduct a drive t increase the membership. Divisin f the Questin Leader. The bject f the divisin f the questin is t avid vting n t many independent questins at ne time. If a mtin when made cnsists f tw r mre independent items f business, cnnected by cnjunctins, it may be best t cnsider them separately as the club may wish t adpt nly part f them. The request fr the divisin f the mtin may be made by an individual, r it may be by mtin. If an individual makes the request, she wuld say, I call fr a divisin f the mtin. If the request is in the frm f a mtin: it is nt debatable it may be amended it requires a majrity vte it may nt be recnsidered. President. The mtin befre the club is that the Lucky Leaf 4-H Club accept William Smith as a member and hld a picnic next Saturday afternn, the bys t supply the fd and the girls the transprtatin, and that the picnic be held at Jhn s at exactly 5:30 p. m. First Helper. (Stand.) Mr. President. President. Paul. First Helper. I request a divisin f the questin. President. The Secretary will divide the questin int independent prpsitins fr actin. OTE. The riginal mtin t adpt nw applies t each part. Secretary. The mtin befre the Huse is that the Lucky Leaf 4-H Club accept William Smith as a member. First Helper. I secnd the mtin. President. Is there any discussin? Secnd Helper. (Stand.) Mr. President. President. Jill. 7

10 Secnd Helper. William is a great kid. He will d his best at everything, and I think the club will prfit greatly by having him as a member. President. Is there any further discussin? (Pause.) If nt, all in favr f the mtin t accept William Smith as a member, stand. Oppsed, stand. The vte is favrable and the club accepts William Smith as a member. OTE. The secretary then reads the next part and each part is cnsidered as a distinct mtin. The separate parts may be amended. See the next prblem fr this prcedure. Amending the Main Mtin Leader. The bject f amending the main mtin is t change it and make it mre satisfactry t the grup. It requires a secnd. It is debatable, debate being cnfined t the amendment. It may be amended. It requires a majrity vte. It may be recnsidered. President. It has been mved and secnded that the Sunshine 4-H Club buy a used CD player. Is there any discussin? Secnd Helper. (Stand.) Mr. President. President. Francis. Secnd Helper. I mve t amend the mtin by striking ut the wrd used and inserting the wrd new. First Helper. I secnd the amendment. President. It has been mved and secnded t amend the mtin by striking ut the wrd used and inserting the wrd new. Is there any discussin? First Helper. (Stand.) I want the club t have a new machine. A used ne is nt reliable. President. Is there any mre discussin? All in favr f the amendment, stand; ppsed, stand. The amendment is carried. The mtin nw befre the club is that the Sunshine 4-H Club buy a EW CD player. Is there any discussin? (Pause.) All in favr f the mtin, stand; ppsed, stand. The mtin is carried. The Sunshine 4-H Club will buy a new CD player. Leader. (Discuss this prcedure fully.) An amendment may be stated as fllws: I mve t amend by Inserting the wrd befre the wrd Striking ut the wrd Striking ut the wrd and inserting Substituting the mtin fr mtin If the amendment carries, the main mtin becmes the mtin as amended. If lst, the main mtin is unaffected. T Lay n the Table Leader. The bject f the mtin t lay n the table is t lay aside temprarily the pending business. Making this mtin allws the grup t put aside a pending questin temprarily when smething else f immediate urgency has arisen. This mtin is cmmnly misused in many grups in place f the mtin t Pstpne Indefinitely r t Pstpne t a Certain Time. This mtin vilates the rights f the minrity if it is used fr any ther purpse that stated abve. This mtin is ut f rder if the intent is t kill r avid dealing with a questin befre the grup. Fr these reasns: 8

11 It is nt debatable and requires a secnd. It may nt be amended. It requires a majrity vte. It may nt be recnsidered. President. The mtin befre the club is that the Willing Wrkers 4-H Club buy a dg fr use as a masct. (After heated discussin by tw r three helpers, cntinue.) First Helper. Mr. President. President. Helen. First Helper. I mve that the mtin be laid n the table. Secnd Helper. I secnd the mtin. President. It has been mved and secnded that the mtin be laid n the table. (Take vte.) Leader. (Discuss this parliamentary prblem fully and pint ut that a questin tabled and nt taken frm the table at the same r the fllwing meeting is lst. Als explain that tabling shuld seldm r never be used by a minrity in an effrt t defeat a prpsitin (refer t ntes abve). Refer t the list f mtins that may nt be tabled n page 8 and 9. ) T Pstpne Indefinitely and Pstpne t a Certain Time Leader. The bject f pstpning indefinitely is t defer actin n a mtin. Its adptin kills the main mtin (fr the duratin f the sessin) and avids a direct vte n the questin. It is useful in dispsing f a badly chsen main mtin that cannt be either adpted r expressly rejected withut pssible undesirable cnsequences. This mtin takes precedence ver nthing except the main questin and is the lwest-ranking subsidiary mtin. It requires a secnd and is debatable. It cannt be amended. It may be recnsidered. It is ut f rder when anther has the flr. It requires a majrity vte. T pstpne t a definite time, hwever, can be made t put ff actin n a mtin until a mre cnvenient time. This mtin can be mved regardless f hw much debate has already ccurred. A questin may be pstpned either s that it may be cnsidered at anther time r because debate has shwn reasns fr hlding ff a decisin until later. It requires a secnd and is debatable. It is amendable as t the time t which the main mtin is t be pstpned. It may be recnsidered. It is ut f rder when anther has the flr. It requires a majrity vte. President. It has been mved and secnded that the Happy Hustlers 4-H Club hld their annual picnic at Mr. Smith s hme n June 8. Are there any remarks? First Helper. (Rise.) Mr. President. President. Jhn. First Helper. Mr. Smith is sick, s I d nt think it advisable t hld a picnic at his hme n June 8; therefre, I mve t pstpne the mtin until ur regular meeting next mnth. Secnd Helper. I secnd the mtin. President. The mtin befre the club is that we pstpne the mtin that the Happy Hustlers 4-H Club hld their annual picnic at Mr. Smith s hme n June 8. 9

12 te: This mtin is debatable t a limited extent. When passed it becmes unfinished business fr the next meeting. President. (Take the vte.) Leader. (Pint ut that a questin may nt be pstpned t a time beynd the next regular meeting. A mtin may nt be taken up befre the time t which it was pstpned except by recnsideratin, suspensin f the rules, r general cnsent.) Pint f Order, Adjurnment Leader. The purpse f raising a pint f rder is t enfrce the rules. A persn wuld make this mtin t raise a questin f prpriety in hw business is being cnducted r if the rules are being vilated. It des nt require a secnd. It is nt debatable, except the Chair may seek the advice f the club. It may nt be amended. It requires a majrity vte when submitted t the club. It may nt be recnsidered. First Helper. (Rise.) Mr. President. President. Janne. First Helper. I mve we adjurn. Secnd Helper. I secnd the mtin. Third Helper. (Rise.) Mr. President. President. Wilbur. Third Helper. I cannt see the reasn fr adjurnment at this time. Our business is nly half finished. First Helper. (Rise.) Mr. President. President. Jhn. First Helper. I rise t a pint f rder. President. Please state yur pint. First Helper. The mtin t adjurn is nt debatable and this mtin befre the club must be vted upn immediately. President. The pint is well taken. It has been mved and secnded that the Galata 4-H Club adjurn. All in favr, stand; ppsed, stand. The Galata 4-H Club is adjurned. Appeal Frm the Decisin f the Chair Leader. By electing a presiding fficer, a grup delegates t him r her the authrity and duty t make necessary rulings n questins f parliamentary prcedure. But any tw members have the right t appeal frm his decisin n such a questin. If the Chair rules unfavrably n a pint f rder, an appeal may be made frm the decisin f the Chair if at least tw members (ne wh makes the mtin, the ther wh secnds it) still feels that he is crrect. Withut waiting t be recgnized by the Chairman, the member rises as sn as the decisin is made, even thugh anther member has the flr. It is debatable. It cannt be used n rulings abut which there can be nly ne pssible decisin. It must be made at the time f the ruling in questin. It must be secnded. It cannt be amended. It can be recnsidered. First Helper. Mr. President, I appeal frm the decisin f the Chair. (The appeal must be secnded.) Secnd Helper. I secnd the appeal. President. (State clearly the questin at issue and reasns fr the decisin if 10

13 necessary.) The questin is, Shall the decisin f the Chair be upheld as the judgment f this club? Thse in favr say aye; thse ppsed, n. The ayes have it and the decisin f the Chair is upheld, r, the nays have it and the decisin f the Chair is reversed. Mtin t Recnsider Leader. This mtin is a uniquely American mtin and enables a majrity in a grup within a limited time and withut ntice t bring back fr further cnsideratin a mtin that has already been vted upn. The gal f a mtin t recnsider is t bring an item f business back befre the grup fr discussin and anther vte. The purpse f recnsidering a vte is t permit crrectin f hasty, ill-advised, r errneus actin, r t take int accunt added infrmatin r a changed situatin that has develped since the riginal vte n the mtin. It requires a secnd. It is debatable if the mtin t be recnsidered is debatable. It may nt be amended. It requires a majrity vte. It must be intrduced by a member wh vted n the winning side. It may nt be recnsidered. First Helper. (Rise.) Mr. President. President. Tm. First Helper. I mve that the Pleasant Valley 4-H Club charge each member dues f $5.00 fr this year. Secnd Helper. I secnd the mtin. President. It has been mved and secnded that the Pleasant Valley 4-H Club charge each member dues f $5.00 fr this year. Is there any discussin? First Helper. (Discuss the mtin.) President. The mtin befre the club is that the Pleasant Valley 4-H Club charge each member dues f $5.00 fr this year. All in favr, stand; ppsed, stand. Cunt the vte. Mtin carried. Secnd Helper. (Rise.) Mr. President. President. Bbbi. Secnd Helper. I mve t recnsider the vte taken n the last mtin. President. Did yu cast yur vte n the side receiving the mst vtes? Secnd Helper. I did. President. Since yu vted n the prevailing side, it is prper fr yu t make the mtin. The mtin befre the Huse is t recnsider the mtin that the Pleasant Valley 4-H Club charge each member dues f $5.00 fr the club year. D I hear a secnd? Third Helper. I secnd the mtin. President. The mtin is t recnsider the mtin that the Pleasant Valley 4-H Club charge each member dues f $5.00 fr the club year. Is there any discussin? Secnd Helper. (Discuss reasns fr wishing t recnsider.) OTE: A simple majrity is required t recnsider a mtin, regardless f the vte necessary t adpt the mtin recnsidered. President. All in favr f recnsidering the vte n the mtin say aye; thse ppsed, n. The mtin t recnsider is carried; therefre the mtin that each member pay dues f $5.00 this year is pen fr discussin. Will the Secretary please read the mtin. 11

14 T Take Frm the Table Leader. T take frm the table is t bring the questin befre the club again. It requires a secnd. It is nt debatable. It requires a majrity vte. It cannt be amended. It cannt be recnsidered. First Helper. (Rise.) Mr. President. President. Cathy. First Helper. I mve t take frm the table the mtin that the Full-f-Fun 4-H Club buy a dg fr a masct. Secnd Helper. I secnd the mtin. President. The mtin befre the club is that we take frm the table the mtin that the Full-f-Fun 4-H Club buy a dg fr a masct. All in favr, stand; ppsed, stand. In favr, 20; ppsed, 10. Since the mtin t take frm the table is carried, the mtin befre the club nw is that the Full-f-Fun 4-H Club buy a dg fr a masct. Is there any discussin? First Helper. (Stand.) Mr. President. President. Jhn. Jhn. (Discuss the mtin.) President. Is there any discussin? (Pause.) The mtin befre the club is that the Full-f-Fun 4-H Club buy a dg fr a masct. All in favr, stand; ppsed, stand. In favr, 5; ppsed, 25. The mtin is defeated. Leader. If the mtin t take frm the table is defeated, it can be put befre the same meeting after sme ther business has been transacted. A questin laid n the table must be taken up and dispsed f during the next regular meeting; therwise the mtin dies. If the mtin t take frm the table carries, the riginal mtin cmes back t the club in the frm in which it was tabled. The riginal mtin may be debated upn and then put befre the Huse in the regular mtin prcedure and either passed r vted dwn. T Suspend the Rules Leader. The bject f suspending rules is t allw the club t take actin that is prhibited by the rules. The rules may be suspended by general cnsent, but if ne member bjects, a mtin must be made and passed by a tw-thirds vte. A mtin t suspend the rules requires a secnd. It is nt debatable. It may nt be amended. It requires a tw-thirds vte. It may nt be recnsidered. The rules are suspended fr a single purpse, as the mtin states, and n ther business may be transacted under the ne suspensin. After the mtin t suspend the rules has carried, the member wh made the mtin has the first right t the flr t make a mtin r t discuss it. The fllwing rules may be suspended: T adpt a questin withut debate. T take a questin frm the table when the mtin t d s is nt in rder (such as when smene has the flr). T take up a questin befre the time t which it has been pstpned. T make an rder f the day a special rder, which means that it is made with the stipulatin that any rules interfering with its cnsideratin at a specific time will be suspended. 12

15 T take actin cntrary t standing rules (such as when the meetings are held, time at which meetings will begin). Standing rules are nt bylaws but adpted individually and relate t the administratin f a grup. A mtin t initiate Tm Brwn was laid n the table until the next regular meeting. I wish t take this mtin ff the table befre the scheduled time. Jhn. (Stand.) Mr. President. President. Jhn. Jhn. I mve that the rules be suspended in rder that the mtin that the club initiatetm Brwn be vted n immediately. Pete. I secnd the mtin. President. The mtin befre the club is t suspend the rules in rder that the mtin t initiate Tm Brwn be vted n immediately. All in favr, stand; ppsed, stand. Tw thirds f thse present having vted in favr f the mtin, it is carried. w the mtin befre the club is t initiate Tm Brwn. All in favr say aye; ppsed, n. Leader. (Discuss the purpse and use f this prcedure.) The fllwing items cannt be suspended: 1. The Cnstitutin can never be suspended, nr can the Bylaws, unless suspensin f the latter is specifically prvided fr in ne f the Bylaws. 2. rule prtecting absentees can be suspended, nr can a rule requiring that a vte be taken by ballt be suspended in rder t hasten matters. 3. thing that requires previus ntice and a tw-thirds vte fr its amendment can be suspended by less than a tw-thirds vte. 4. rule can be suspended when the negative vte is as large as the minrity prtected by the rule. Qurum After the secretary calls the rll, the president is ntified whether r nt a qurum is present. If a qurum is nt present, the meeting is adjurned r prevented frm transacting fficial business. If during an fficial meeting enugh peple leave s that a qurum is nt present, fficial business can be transacted. The nly way t prevent fficial business frm being transacted under the abve cnditins is t mve fr a new rll call. If, after the new rll call, it is fund there is nt a qurum, the meeting is adjurned. Cnstitutin and Bylaws The Cnstitutin usually cntains six articles, divided int sectins. It sets frth the name and purpse f the rganizatin and determines the membership. It establishes the ffices, the methd f electin, the time f meeting, and the way t amend the Cnstitutin. See the sample Cnstitutin in the Mntana 4-H Club Secretary s Recrd Bk (2FM045S). Study it fr pints mentined abve. Permanent changes require previus ntice t members and a twthirds vte. Read and submit any amendment desired at the regular business meeting preceding the ne at which it will be vted n. The Bylaws cntain details f rganizatin, such as pints relating t membership (hnrary and assciate), 13

16 qurum, time f meeting, nature f prgram, list f fficers, duties f fficers, cmmittees, dues, if any, and amendments. An example f club bylaws is als fund in the Mntana 4-H Club Secretary s Recrd Bk (2FM045S). Reslutins Every reslutin shuld be in writing. A reslutin is always a main mtin. A reslutin always begins with the wrd Reslved. When a member wishes t present a reslutin after btaining the flr, he says, I mve the adptin f the fllwing reslutin. Reasns fr the reslutin, if needed, are usually stated in a preamble. Each clause f the preamble cnstitutes a paragraph beginning with Whereas. The preamble is always amended last, as changes in the reslutin may require changes in the preamble. The preamble shuld never cntain a perid but each paragraph shuld clse with a cmma r semicln, fllwed by and, except the last paragraph which shuld clse with the wrd therefre r therefre be it reslved... Sample Reslutin Whereas, we cnsider the 4-H Club the best rganizatin fr all bys and girls; and Whereas, the membership is nt large enugh in this cmmunity; therefre Reslved: That it is the pinin f this club that ample pprtunity be given fr all bys and girls, as well as the parents, in this cmmunity t learn abut pprtunities in the 4-H Club. 14

17 Secnd ear s Prgram Electin f Officers minatins Vting minatins may be made frm the flr by members, by a nminating cmmittee, r by ballt. A mtin prvides the methd. Cnstitutins r Bylaws usually specify cnditins relating t nminatins. If nminatins have been made by the nminating cmmittee, the presiding fficer shuld ask if there are any ther nminatins befre prceeding t an electin. If there is n respnse, he declares the nminatins clsed. In large clubs, it is custmary t make a mtin t clse nminatins, but until a reasnable time has been given, this mtin is nt in rder. Typically, the president asks fr nminatins three times befre declaring nminatins clsed. The mtin t clse nminatins requires a secnd. it cannt be debated it requires a tw thirds vte as it deprives members f ne f their rights. If it is desired t repen nminatins, it may be dne by a majrity vte. This mtin is undebatable. minatins need nt be secnded Officers may be elected ne at a time r all at ne time. If the Bylaws prescribe the methd, it must be fllwed. Electing fficers all at ne time saves time, but has a serius bjectin when there is mre than ne nminee fr each ffice; thse nt elected fr ne ffice cannt be nminated fr any ther. In small grups it is usually better t elect ne fficer at a time. The vte is taken n nminees in the rder in which they were nminated. minatins Vting The nminatins are annunced by the presiding fficer and usually the vte is taken by ballt. The methd f vting may be dne accrding t the wishes f the rganizatin unless the Bylaws specify the methd t be fllwed. The presiding fficer appints the tellers t cllect the ballts and always asks if all members have vted befre she directs the cunt t be made. Even if there is nly ne nminee fr each ffice and nne is added frm the flr, the vte is taken n each ffice. It is nt in rder t take a single vte n the grup at ne time. The presiding fficer always has the privilege t vte by ballt and shuld vte at the same time as ther members. In case f a tie when the vte is taken by shw f hands r standing vte, she may vte t break the tie. In n case is he allwed t vte twice first t make a tie and then t break it. While it is the duty fr every member t vte, a member cannt be cmpelled t d s unless the Bylaws s state. In Cngress where the public wishes t knw hw the members vted, the vte is taken by rll call. The presiding fficer says: As many as are in favr f the adptin f this reslutin will, as their names are called, answer yes; ppsed, answer n. 15

18 Parliamentary Practice Prblems 16 The Previus Questin Leader. T stp debate and rder an immediate vte n a questin, crrect prcedure is t say, I mve the previus questin. This mtin, when secnded and carried by a tw-thirds vte, frces an immediate vte. It requires a secnd. It is nt debatable. It may nt be amended. It requires a tw-thirds vte t carry. It may be recnsidered. Many club members are under the impressin that a mtin can be brught t vte when smene in the grup calls Questin. Calling Questin des nt bring the mtin t vte nr des it stp discussin. First Helper. (Rise.) Mr. President. President. Sam. First Helper. I mve that the Silver Creek 4-H Club increase its membership t 100 fr the next year. Secnd Helper. I secnd the mtin. Third Helper. (Rise.) Mr. President. President. Debbie. Third Helper. I am nt in favr f making a whlesale membership drive. Quality is mre imprtant than quantity. It is a gd idea t increase ur membership, and I think we can, but I d nt like the idea f a set number. First Helper. (Rise.) Mr. President. President. Sam. First Helper. We will never get any place unless gals are set. Just because a definite number has been set, there is n reasn we need t sacrifice quality. I think Debbie has the wrng viewpint n this issue. Secnd Helper. (Rise.) Mr. President. President. Everett. Secnd Helper. I mve the previus questin. First Helper. I secnd the mtin. President. The previus questin has been mved and secnded n the mtin that the Silver Creek 4-H Club increase its membership t 100 fr the next year. All in favr f rdering the previus questin n the stated mtin, stand; ppsed, stand. As tw-thirds have vted in favr f the previus questin. It is carried. The mtin befre the club is that the Silver Creek 4-H Club increase its membership t 100 fr the next year. All in favr, rise; ppsed, rise. The mtin is carried. te: In this mtin nly the usual majrity vte is required. Leader. (Impress the grup with the imprtance f the mtin and the need f cperatin t bring abut the desired results.) T Recnsider and Have Entered n the Minutes Leader. The prcedure t recnsider and have entered n the minutes is used when it is desired t prevent the actin n the main mtin frm becming final until anther meeting r anther day. It is t prevent a temprary and unrepresentative majrity frm carrying ut an actin that it is believed the majrity

19 will nt apprve. This is needed in large scieties with frequent meetings and small qurums when the attendance in many cases des nt exceed 10% f the membership. As the mtin t recnsider and have entered n the minutes may be made nly by ne wh vted n the winning side, a member desiring t make the mtin shuld vte with the majrity even thugh ppsed t its actin, r if he has already vted with the lsing side, he may, befre the result is annunced, change his vte. Having the mtin placed n the minutes gives thse wh are ppsed t the mtin a chance t get a large number f their supprters in attendance at the next meeting. It requires a majrity vte even when recnsidering a mtin that required a twthirds vte. First Helper. (Rise.) Mr. President. President. Walter. First Helper. I mve that the Busy Bees 4-H Club hld a picnic May 3. Secnd Helper. I secnd the mtin. President. It has been mved and secnded that the Busy Bees 4-H Club hld a picnic May 3. Is there any discussin? Third Helper. (Rise.) Mr. President. President. Eugene. Third Helper. It is t early t have picnics. The weather at that time is usually unfavrable and will prevent having a real picnic prgram. Secnd Helper. (Rise.) Mr. President. President. Bill. Furth Helper. There is just a small number present, and I feel an activity such as a picnic shuld nt be decided this evening. First Helper. (Rise.) Mr. President. President. Walter. First Helper. If the ther members d nt attend meetings they cannt expect t have much t say abut the business f the club. I want a picnic regardless f what the absent members think abut it. Furth Helper. (Rise.) Mr. President. President. Bill. Furth Helper. It is an injustice t the absent members. President. Is there any mre discussin? Thse in favr f the mtin, stand; ppsed, stand. Mtin carried. Furth Helper. (Rise.) Mr. President. President. Bill. Furth Helper. I mve t recnsider the mtin and have it entered n the minutes. Third Helper. I secnd the mtin. First Helper. (Rise.) Mr. President. President. Walter. First Helper. I rise t a pint f rder. President. State yur pint. First Helper. Did Bill cast his vte n the lsing side? Furth Helper. (Rise.) Mr. President. President. Bill. Furth Helper. I cast my vte n the winning side. 17

20 18 President. Bill is in rder. The questin is t recnsider and have entered n the minutes the mtin that the Busy Bees 4-H Club hld a picnic May 3. Is there any discussin? All in favr, stand; ppsed, stand. Mtin carried. The questin will be entered n the minutes t be recnsidered at the next meeting. Leader. (Discuss the imprtance f the mtin and what future actin shuld be taken.) T Withdraw a Mtin Leader. The bject f withdrawing a mtin is t prevent the vte and keep the mtin ff the recrds. It des nt require a secnd. It is nt debatable and cannt be amended. It requires a majrity vte. Befre a mtin has been stated by the Chair, its maker may withdraw r change it as suggested. If changed, the secnd may be withdrawn. The President can ffer help t yunger members t imprve their mtins befre restating the mtin. After a mtin has been stated, it belngs t the assembly. It may then be withdrawn r changed nly if there is n bjectin r if the assembly, by a majrity vte, permits it. Any mtin may be withdrawn. First Helper. (Rise.) Mr. President. President. Mary. First Helper. I mve that the Jlly Jays 4-H Club charge dues f $3.00 fr the cming year. Secnd Helper. I secnd the mtin. President. It has been mved and secnded that the Jlly Jays 4-H Club charge dues f $3.00 fr the cming year. First Helper. (Rise.) Mr. President. President. Mary. First Helper. I wish t withdraw my mtin. Third Helper. (Rise.) Mr. President. President. Harry. Third Helper. I bject. President. There is an bjectin t withdrawing the mtin. It shall be put t the vte f the club. All in favr f granting the privilege f withdrawing the mtin, stand; ppsed, stand. The majrity is in favr and the privilege is granted. Leader. (Make it clear that a mtin and all pints cnnected with it may be withdrawn any time befre vting n the questin is begun.) T Pstpne Indefinitely Leader. The bject f pstpning a mtin indefinitely is t reject the main mtin when the strength f the vte fr it is uncertain, and the ppsing side wishes t find this ut. It als gives a member anther chance t talk after he has exhausted his right t debate. It requires a secnd. It requires a majrity vte. If the mtin t pstpne is lst, it may nt be renewed r recnsidered, and the main mtin cmes back t its riginal frm and can be amended and have all ther privileges f a main mtin. If the pstpnement is carried, the main mtin is rejected fr the present meeting unless the vte is recnsidered during the present r next business sessin.

21 First Helper. (Rise.) Mr. President. President. Harld. First Helper. I mve that the Lucky Leaf 4-H Club hld a skating party Friday evening. Secnd Helper. I secnd the mtin. Third Helper. (Rise.) Mr. President. President. Vernn. Third Helper. I believe it is a gd idea t hld a skating party. First Helper. (Rise.) Mr. President. President. Harld. First Helper. A scial time nce in a while is necessary fr the life f the club, s I hpe that everyne will vte fr it. Furth Helper. (Rise.) I am nt in favr f the skating party Friday evening because I will be unable t attend; therefre, Mr. President, I mve t pstpne the questin indefinitely. Fifth Helper. I secnd the mtin. President. The mtin befre the club is t pstpne indefinitely the mtin that the club hld a skating party Friday evening. Is there any discussin? First Helper. (Rise.) Mr. President. President. Harld. First Helper. I cannt understand why ne member shuld be selfish enugh t want the party pstpned because he cannt be there. Furth Helper. (Rise.) Mr. President. President. Jhn. Furth Helper. I d nt wish it understd that it is frm a selfish viewpint that I wish t have the party pstpned, but I think thers here feel the same way abut it but are cautius abut discussing it. President. All in favr f pstpning indefinitely the mtin that the club hld a skating party, stand; ppsed, stand. Fur in favr; six ppsed The mtin t pstpne indefinitely is defeated. The mtin befre the club is that we hld a skating party Friday evening. Is there any discussin? Secnd Helper. (Rise.) Mr. President. President. Tm. Secnd Helper. I believe that arrangements can be made whereby every member can be present. President. All in favr, stand; ppsed, stand. The mtin is carried. We will hld the skating party. Leader. (Discuss the mtin and its imprtance t the club.) Objectin t the Cnsideratin f the Questin Leader. The purpse f an bjectin t the cnsideratin f the questin is t avid questins unprfitable and irrelevant. It des nt require a secnd. It is nt debatable. It may nt be amended. It requires a tw-thirds negative vte. It may be recnsidered. First Helper. (Rise.) Mr. President. President. Tm. First Helper. I mve that the Happy Hustlers 4-H Club invite the Busy Bee 4-H Club t cmbine int ne club fr the next year. 19

22 Secnd Helper. I secnd the mtin. Third Helper. (Rise.) Mr. President. President. James. Third Helper. I bject t the cnsideratin f the mtin. First Helper. (Rise.) Mr. President. President. Tm. First Helper. I rise t a pint f rder. President. State yur pint. First Helper. There is a mtin befre the Huse. President. Tm, yur pint is nt well taken. The bjectin t the cnsideratin is in rder. This bjectin may be raised befre there is any debate n the main mtin and may be made when anther has the flr. It cannt be debated r amended and must be put t a vte immediately. The cnsideratin f the questin has been bjected t. All in favr f cnsidering the questin, stand; ppsed, stand. There being tw-thirds ppsed, the main mtin will nt be cnsidered. OTE. If the mtin had passed, the President wuld annunce, There being less than tw-thirds ppsed, the bjectin is nt sustained and the questin is befre the club. Leader. (Explain that it was decided by a tw-thirds negative vte nt t cnsider the main mtin; therefre, the whle matter is dismissed fr the present sessin. The same mtin may be intrduced at any ther meeting. The bject f this mtin is t avid any item f business that may be unprfitable r cause dissensin in the club. This bjectin cannt be applied t amendments, bylaws, r reprts f cmmittees.) T Refer t a Cmmittee Leader. The bject f referring t a cmmittee is t cmmit r recmmend t a standing r special cmmittee a questin that may be mre carefully investigated and put int better shape fr the grup t cnsider than can be dne in the grup itself. First Helper. (Rise.) Mr. President. President. Bb. First Helper. I mve that the Willing Wrkers 4-H Club make arrangements with the Grange t use the Grange Hall as a meeting place. Secnd Helper. I secnd the mtin. President. It has been mved and secnded that the Willing Wrkers 4-H Club make arrangements with the Grange t use the Grange Hall as a meeting place. Is there any discussin? Third Helper. (Rise.) Mr. President. President. Helen. Third Helper. I believe it is impssible t cme t a cnclusin n this imprtant mtin withut further investigatin. There may be ther places available fr meetings. In rder that the club may get all the infrmatin necessary, I mve that the mtin be referred t a cmmittee.. President. T what cmmittee shall the mtin be referred? Third Helper. (Rise.) Mr. President. President. Helen. Third Helper. I wish t add t my mtin the wrds f three t be appinted by the President. President. It has been mved and secnded that the mtin befre the club 20

23 be referred t a cmmittee f three appinted by the President. Secnd Helper. I secnd the mtin. President. Is there any discussin? All in favr, stand; ppsed, stand. Mtin carried. te: By securing the additin t the mtin befre stating the mtin, the President saved extra vting r amendments t this mtin.. Leader. (Discuss the imprtance f this mtin and its relatinship t the club.) T Rescind a Mtin Leader. The purpse f the mtin t rescind r repeal is nt t recnsider the vte upn a mtin, but t render ineffective the vte frmerly taken n it. A mtin previusly made and vted n may be recnsidered the day it was vted n r the fllwing meeting day. After that, the mtin t rescind is in rder, but a mtin t recnsider is ut f rder. The mtin t rescind may be applied t the vte n all main mtins, questins f privileges and appeals. A mtin t rescind is nt in rder if, as a result f a vte, smething has been dne which cannt be undne, r a resignatin has been acted upn, r sme member has been elected t r expelled frm membership r ffice, and has been ntified f the fact. If a mtin is t be rescinded, ntice must be given at a preceding meeting r in the call fr the meeting; r if such ntice has nt been given, a tw-thirds vte f thse vting r a majrity vte f the entire membership is necessary. If ntice is given, a regular majrity vte is required. First Helper. (Rise.) Mr. President. President. Jhn. First Helper. I mve t rescind the mtin passed at ur last meeting in December by which this rganizatin went n recrd as being ppsed t help furnish a cmmunity meeting hall. Secnd Helper. I secnd the mtin. President. It has been mved and secnded that the club rescind the mtin passed at ur meeting in December by which this rganizatin went n recrd as being ppsed t help furnish a cmmunity meeting hall. Will the Secretary please read the mtin referred t? Secretary. (Find and read the mtin.) President. Is there any discussin? First Helper. I think that peple generally are favrable t a cmmunity meeting place and that we shuld be, t. Secnd Helper. I believe that since this has becme a cmmunity prject we shuld help, t. President. If there is n further discussin, all in favr f the mtin t rescind this mtin, stand; ppsed, stand. Tw-thirds f the members present favr rescinding this mtin, s the mtin is rescinded and shuld be s marked by the Secretary. 21

24 Advanced Parliamentary Practice Prblems 22 Prblem 1 This prblem includes practice in the use f the previus questin n pending amendments, bjectin t recnsideratin f a questin, and tabling a mtin. The mtin, I mve the previus questin, cuts ff all debate n bth amendments and mtin. If a member wishes t rder r frce a vte n the amendment nly, he says, I mve the previus questin n the amendment. The vte is taken n the previus questin mtin. If it carries, the vte is then taken, first n the amendment t the amendment, if there is ne, then n the amendment. This leaves the mtin in the same psitin it was befre the previus questin was rdered. Helen. (Rise.) Mr. President. President. Helen. Helen. I mve that all 4-H Club girls wear unifrm dresses. Bill. I secnd the mtin. OTE: Amend this mtin by inserting green after unifrm; the amendment t the amendment by inserting wl after green. Grace. (Rise.) Mr. President. President. Grace. Grace. I am nt in favr f unifrm dresses fr schl. President. The member is ut f rder. Remarks shuld be n the amendment t the amendment limiting the discussin n the material t be used. Pete. (Rise.) Mr. President, I rise t a parliamentary inquiry. President. State the inquiry. Pete. Is it nt practically impssible t speak n the amendment withut als including the riginal mtin? President. While amendments are pending, the debate can relate nly t the amendment, r it may include the amendment and the mtin nly s far as a discussin f the amendment invlves a discussin f the amendment and the mtin. Grace. I mve the previus questin n the amendments. Helen. I secnd the mtin. President. The previus questin has been mved and secnded. This requires a tw-thirds vte. All in favr f the previus questin, stand; ppsed, stand. (Carry this prblem thrugh.) OTE: Vte n an amendment t the amendment, then the amendment. If the amendment t the amendment carries, but the amendment des nt, bth amendments are lst. Since every member has a right t intrduce subjects, it has been prvided by parliamentary law that when a questin unnecessary r imprper cmes, a member may bject t its cnsideratin. This applies nly t mtins intrducing a new subject. Objectin must be made after the questin has been stated by the Chair, but befre debate, amendment, r anther mtin is intrduced. Objectin des nt require secnding, cannt be debated r amended, and cuts ff debate n the questin bjected t until settled. It requires a tw-thirds

25 vte t carry the bjectin. If, hwever, the questin bjected t is nt secnded, there is n need f vting n the bjectin, fr the mtin is lst fr want f a secnd. Smetimes it is desirable t put a questin aside t be vted n later. T d this a member can mve t lay the questin n the table, and it remains there until taken frm the table. The mtin t lay n the table applies t nearly all parliamentary questins. The fllwing questins cannt be laid n the table: T adjurn T fix the time at which t adjurn T lay n the table Questins as t pririty f business T take frm the table T lay n the table cannt be amended r debated and requires just a majrity vte. When the mtin carries, it cannt be recnsidered, but may be taken frm the table. When the mtin is lst, it may be recnsidered. When an amendment is tabled, the riginal questin is tabled t. Jhn. (Rise.) Mr. President. President. Jhn. Jhn. I mve that all natins disarm as the nly means f permanent peace. Helen. (Rise.) Mr. President. President. Helen. Helen. I mve t amend the mtin by striking ut the wrd disarm and inserting frm a Wrld Curt. Bill. I secnd the mtin. President. (State the questin.) Jhn. (Rise.) Mr. President. President. Jhn. Jhn. I mve the amendment be laid n the table. Pete. I secnd the mtin. President. It is mved and secnded that the amendment be laid n the table. Jhn. (Rise.) Mr. President. President. Jhn. Jhn. I think the amendment shuld be vted n. President. Jhn is ut f rder. The questin cannt nw be debated as the mtin t lay n the table is befre the club. Jhn. (Rise.) Mr. President. President. Jhn. Jhn. I mve t amend the mtin t lay n the table by adding the wrds until next week. President. Jhn is ut f rder. A mtin t lay n the table cannt be amended. OTE. The club shuld vte n the questin t lay n the table. If it is passed, n further discussin is in rder. Pete. (Rise.) Mr. President. President. Pete. Pete. I mve t adjurn. Jhn. (Rise.) Mr. President. Jhn. I mve we lay the mtin t adjurn n the table. President. The mtin t adjurn cannt be laid n the table. (Take vte n adjurnment. ) 23