Definitions & Terms
The minimum number of members of a body required to be present to make actions taken in that meeting valid.
Quorum
What motion is used to get an item on the floor for consideration, and what must follow this motion?
Motion to Approve or Disapprove, and a subsequent second.
What is the purpose of using Robert's Rules of Order?
To provide a framework for groups to facilitate discussion and achieve effective and orderly group decision-making.
What words would you normally use to start a motion?
"I move that" or "Motion to"
What actions can a board or commission take if there is no quorum?
Vote to adjourn, to take a break, or to set a new time to meet. Any other votes are null and void.
End the meeting formally, disbanding the body until its next meeting.
Adjourn
What is the amount of votes needed for most motions to be passed?
A majority
What controls the order in which a body considers items in its meeting?
The Agenda
What would you do to immediately end discussion on an item and take a vote?
Move to call the question.
Who created Robert's Rules of Order?
General Henry M. Roberts, an engineering officer in the Army. He was asked to preside over a public meeting in a church and realized he did not know how. It did not go well, and this motivated him to create a formal collection of rules for public meetings.
Notes that are taken during a meeting; these highlight the key issues discussed, motions proposed and voted on, and any other action taken during the meeting. These are presented at the next meeting for approval.
Minutes
What type of motion seeks to change the language of an item already on the floor for discussion?
Motion to Amend
The Chair of the body.
What three ways can you commonly vote on an item?
Yes, No, and Abstain. Aye and Nay are also acceptable. An abstention vote counts as a no.
How many times has Robert's Rules of Order been revised?
Twelve, with the 12th Edition being released in 2020.
Bylaws
What kind of motion is made to postpone consideration of an item to a future day or meeting?
Motion to Defer
What are the two types of business a body usually takes up for consideration?
Old Business and New Business
What do you do if you need to use the restroom or get a glass of water during a meeting?
Interrupt the meeting with Point of Personal Privilege and express your need to the Chair.
True or False: A body can only have one motion on the floor at a time.
False. Secondary motions can be on the floor with main motions (motion and motion to amend, motion and motion to defer, etc.). Only one QUESTION or VOTE can be considered at a time.
This person provides the body with unbiased guidance on parliamentary rules and procedures.
Parliamentarian
True or False: A motion to amend cannot itself be amended.
False. A motion to amend can be amended.
Who is permitted to make a motion to reconsider an item that has already voted upon?
Anyone who voted in the majority when the item was considered. Persons from the minority vote on that item may not do so.
True or False: If you have a quorum at the beginning of a meeting, an item can still be considered if someone recuses themselves from that item and the quorum is lost.
False. A quorum is measured by the number of members present to vote on an item at the time of its consideration.
What year was Robert's Rules of Order created?
1876, as an adaptation of the rules and practice of the United States Congress. The first edition of the book was called "Pocket Manual of Rules of Order for Deliberative Assemblies."