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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.

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.

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.

Parliamentary procedure requires 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.

Out of courtesy to appear impartial, the Chairman usually does not vote except to break a tie.  In small groups or meetings, it is more common for the Chairman to vote.  <ref> http://www.parlipro.org/faqanswers.htm</ref>   

Out of courtesy to appear impartial, the Chairman usually does not vote except to break a tie.  In small groups or meetings, it is more common for the Chairman to vote.  <ref> http://www.parlipro.org/faqanswers.htm</ref>   

In order to remain impartial, the Chairman does not usually make motions.  However, the Chairman can encourage motions by saying something like "The chairman will entertain a motion to..." or "Is there a motion to suspend the rules that interfere with hearing the speaker at this time?"<ref>http://www.parlipro.org/faqanswers.htm</ref>

In order to remain impartial, the Chairman does not usually make motions.  However, the Chairman can encourage motions by saying something like "The chairman will entertain a motion to..." <ref>http://www.parlipro.org/faqanswers.htm</ref>

Each member of a parliamentary session also has significant powers of his own.  Each member has the right to speak, vote and bring motions.  If the Chairman is a member, he also has these rights.

Each member of a parliamentary session also has significant powers of his own.  Each member has the right to speak, vote and bring motions.  If the Chairman is a member, he also has these rights.