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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]]. |
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| | Robert's Rules of Order is used by Congress, and is more complex. Sturgis' Code has the advantage of simplicity. | | Robert's Rules of Order is used by Congress, and is more complex. Sturgis' Code has the advantage of simplicity. |
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| − | 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. |
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| | + | == Fundamentals == |
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| | + | All deliberative bodies of people brought together to make decisions must abide by some procedural rules. This includes corporations and organizations, both for-profit and non-profit, fraternities, sororities, Republican and Democratic Clubs, councils, associations, legislatures, commissions, committees of government, and so on. Once the number of members in attendance exceeds a handful, and once there is the potential for disagreement, procedures are needed to keep order and promote efficient and fair resolution of issues. |
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| | + | There must be a Chairman to call on people and resolve disputes about procedure. One of the first acts of the Constitutional Convention of 1787 was to elect George Washington as its Chairman. The Chairman has significant power under parliamentary procedure. He recognizes speakers and can cut them off. He can declare motions to be "out of order" and thus not suitable for discussion or vote. He decides disputes about procedure. He can ask for advice of legal counsel on a contentious issue if he thinks it will be advantageous to his own views on the issue. Perhaps most important of all, he can end the meeting on his own once it extends beyond its scheduled time, as often happens. This can prevent continuation of debate on a contentious issue. The Chairman also has influence over the scheduling of agenda items before the meeting is adjourned. |
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| | + | Out of courtesy to appear impartial, the Chairman usually does not vote except to break a tie. |
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| | + | But each member of a parliamentary session also has significant powers of his own. Each member has the right to speak and the right to bring motions. |
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| | + | Motions are how business is conducted under parliamentary procedure. There is no general right to discussion. If there is no pending motion, then the Chairman can suggest adjournment. Discussion takes place only in the context of a pending motion that has been brought by a member of the body. |
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| | ==References== | | ==References== |
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| | <references/> | | <references/> |
| | [[Category:Political Terms]] | | [[Category:Political Terms]] |