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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]].

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. Robert's Rules can be read online here: http://www.rulesonline.com/ Sturgis' Code has the advantage of simplicity.

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.

=== Tricks for Opposing a Motion ===

=== Tricks for Opposing a Motion ===

There are many parliamentary tricks for opposing a motion.  The first is to get to the microphone (or raise your hand) as soon as possible to speak against it.  The early speakers carry more influence than the later speakers.  Raising many questions about the motion,and its possible consequences, can deter people from voting for it.

There are many parliamentary tricks for opposing a motion.  The first is to get to the microphone (or raise your hand) as soon as possible to speak against it.  The early speakers carry more influence than the later speakers, because their words have more impact when the members are interested and paying attention, before growing bored by extended discussion.  Raising many questions about the motion and its possible consequences can deter people from voting for it.

A particularly powerful trick to oppose a motion is to stand up during its discussion and move to "table" it for now.  If that motion to table is seconded, then it has the effect of ending all discussion on the original motion and discussion begins only on the motion to table.  A similar type of motion is to move to refer the issue to a committee, or move to postpone the motion to a future meeting.  It only takes a majority vote to suspend the motion in this manner.   

A particularly powerful trick to oppose a motion is to stand up during its discussion and move to "table" it for now.  If that motion to table is seconded, then it has the effect of ending all discussion on the original motion.  A motion to lay on the table is not debatable and cannot be modified by any qualifiers.  The proper format is simply saying "I move to lay the question on the table". <ref>http://www.parlipro.org/table.htm</ref>  If the motion to table contains qualifiers, then it is a regular motion and open to debate.  A similar type of motion is to move to refer the issue to a committee, or move to postpone the motion to a future meeting.  It only takes a majority vote to suspend the motion in this manner.   

A point of order can be raised against a motion at any time, even by someone who is not at the microphone, if there is an argument that the motion is improper in any way.  For example, perhaps the motion conflicts with the bylaws, or members did not receive proper notice of it a certain number of days before the meeting (if that is required by the bylaws).  The Chairman must rule on a "point of order," and there is no vote.  If the Chairman is himself against the motion, then he could terminate it right there.

A point of order can be raised against a motion at any time, even by someone who is not at the microphone, if there is an argument that the motion is improper in any way.  For example, perhaps the motion conflicts with the bylaws, or members did not receive proper notice of it a certain number of days before the meeting (if that is required by the bylaws).  The Chairman must rule on a "point of order," and there is no vote.  If the Chairman is himself against the motion, then he could terminate it right there.