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'''Parliamentary procedure''' is the set of rules governing meetings and deliberations by [[Congress]], [[parliament]]s and most meetings by societies.  There are two competing codes:  [[Robert's Rules of Order]] and [[Sturgis' Code of Parliamentary Procedure]].

'''Parliamentary procedure''' is the set of rules governing meetings and deliberations by [[Congress]], [[parliament]]s and most meetings by societies.  There are two competing codes:  [[Robert's Rules of Order]] and [[Sturgis' Code of Parliamentary Procedure]].  A third code of procedure is the American Institute of Parliamentarians Standard Code of Parliamentary Procedure.

Robert's Rules of Order is used by Congress, and is more complex.<ref> Robert's Rules can be read online here: http://www.rulesonline.com/</ref>  Sturgis' Code has the advantage of simplicity.  An organization's bylaws, or tradition, defines which set of rules it uses.  On basic points, there is little difference between the two sets of rules, but a master of procedure can cite obscure provisions in the appropriate set of rules to help his cause.

Robert's Rules of Order, known simply as "Robert's Rules," is used by Congress, and is the most complex.<ref>Robert's Rules can be read online here: http://www.rulesonline.com/</ref>  Sturgis' Code has the advantage of simplicity.  An organization's bylaws, or tradition, defines which set of rules it uses.  On basic points, there is little difference between the two sets of rules, but a master of procedure can cite obscure provisions in the appropriate set of rules to help his cause.

The source of Robert's Rules was originally Congress itself.  In 1876 General Henry M. Robert first published the rules of Congress for the benefit of membership societies that required deliberative meetings.

The source of Robert's Rules was originally Congress itself.  In 1876 General Henry M. Robert first published the rules of Congress for the benefit of membership societies that required deliberative meetings.