Terminology
The term used to describe the exclusive right to speak in debate.
What is “the floor”?
This motion sends a proposal to a smaller group for study, refinement, or recommendations.
What is Refer?
Any member may raise this when they believe the rules are being violated.
What is a Point of Order?
The chair must remain this during debate and not express personal opinions.
What is impartial?
This is the first item of business, where the chair establishes that the group can legally meet.
What is Call to Order + Quorum?
The process by which the chair formally authorizes a member to speak.
What is recognition?
This privileged motion allows the assembly to take a short break.
What is Recess?
This motion used during debate requires a 2/3 vote because it limits a fundamental right of members.
What is Previous Question (ending debate)?
Before stating a motion for debate, the chair must confirm this procedural step has occurred.
What is that the motion has been seconded?
This motion ends the meeting, but only after it has been voted on and declared by the chair.
What is Adjourn?
This term refers to the minimum number of members required to conduct business.
What is a quorum?
This motion is used to stop debate immediately and go directly to a vote.
What is Previous Question (Call the Question)?
The standard maximum time a member may speak per turn, unless the rules are changed.
What is 10 minutes?
This verb describes what the chair must do after every vote, stating the outcome and next steps.
What is announce (or declare) the result?
Under Robert’s Rules, this is the only type of committee that can be granted the authority to act on behalf of the entire organization between meetings (with limitations set by the bylaws).
What is an executive committee?
This term describes a motion that modifies or changes a pending main motion.
What is an amendment?
This motion kills a main motion without a direct vote on it.
What is Postpone Indefinitely?
Under standard RONR rules, a member may speak this many times on the same question?
What is twice?
How many times must a Chair ask a question before they can move on? Example: Is there any debate...
This term describes items not on the agenda that may still be introduced under certain rules or bylaws.
What is New Business
This phrase is used after the results of a voice vote are not clear.
What is, "Division of the House" or "Division"?
This motion challenges the chair’s ruling and sends the decision to the assembly.
What is Appeal? or "Shall this stand?" or "Shall the decision of the chair be sustained"?
This motion that alters what is being discussed is considered out of order?
What is "Amend the Amendment to the Amendment"
This action is required if the chair wishes to speak in debate.
What is relinquishing the chair (handing off the gavel)?
This rule allows the group to bypass normal procedure for a specific purpose, requiring a 2/3 vote.
What is Suspend the Rules?