Robert's Rules Of Order | Quick Reference

Roberts Rules, full te= xt (1915 version)
Introduction to Robe= rt's Rules
Quick Chart of Motions<= /a>
Chart of Motions = in Arabic

Robert's Rule= s of Order - Summary Version

For Fair and Orderly Meetings & Conventions

Provides common rules and procedures for deliberation and debate in order to place the whole membership on the same footing and speaking the same langua= ge. The conduct of ALL business is controlled by the general will of the whole membership - the right of the deliberate majority to decide. Complementary = is the right of at least a strong minority to require the majority to be deliberate - to act according to its considered judgment AFTER a full and f= air "working through" of the issues involved. Robert's Rules provides= for constructive and democratic meetings, to help, not hinder, the business of = the assembly. Under no circumstances should "undue strictness" be all= owed to intimidate members or limit full participation.

The fundamental right of deliberative assemblies require all questions to be thoroughly discussed before taking action!

The assembly rules - they have the final say on everything!
Silence means consent!

Obtain the floor (the right to speak) by being the first to stand when the person speaking has finished; state Mr./Madam Chairman. Raising your hand means nothing, and standing while another = has the floor is out of order! Must be recognized by the Chair before speaking!

Debate can not begin until the Chair has stated the motion or resolution and asked "are you ready for the question?&q= uot; If no one rises, the chair calls for the vote!

Before the motion is stated by the Chair (the quest= ion) members may suggest modification of the motion; the mover can modify a= s he pleases, or even withdraw the motion without consent of the seconder; = if mover modifies, the seconder can withdraw the second.

The "immediately pending question" is the last question stated by the Chair! Motion/Resolution - Amendment - Mot= ion to Postpone

The member moving the "immediately pending question" is entitled to preference to the floor!

No member can speak twice to the same issue until everyone else wishing to speak has spoken to it once!

All remarks must be directed to the Chair. Remarks = must be courteous in language and deportment - avoid all personalities, nev= er allude to others by name or to motives!

The agenda and all committee reports are merely recommendations! When presented to the assembly and the question is stated, debate begins and changes occur!

The Rules

Point of Privilege: Pertains to noise, personal comfort, etc. - may interrupt only if necessary!

Parliamentary Inquiry: Inquire as to the correct motion - to accomplish a desired result, or raise a point of o= rder

Point of Information: Generally applies to information desired from the speaker: "I should like to ask the (speaker) a question."

Orders of the Day (Agenda): A call to adhere to the agenda (a deviat= ion from the agenda requires Suspending the Rules)

Point of Order: Infraction of the rules, or improper decorum in speaking. Must be raised immediately after the error is made

Main Motion: Brings new business (the next item on the agenda) before the assembly

Divide the Question: Divides a motion into two or more separate motions (must be able to stand on their own)

Consider by Paragraph: Adoption of paper= is held until all paragraphs are debated and amended and entire paper is satisfactory; after all paragraphs are considered, the entire paper is then open to amendment, and paragraphs may be further amended. Any Preamble can not be considered until debate on the body of the paper h= as ceased.

Amend: Inserting or striking out words or paragraphs, or substituting whole paragraphs or resolutions

Withdraw/Modify Motion: Applies only after question is stated; mover can accept an amendment without obtaining the floor

Commit /Refer/Recommit to Committee: State the committ= ee to receive the question or resolution; if no committee exists include siz= e of committee desired and method of selecting the members (election or appointment).

Extend Debate: Applies only to the immediately pending question; extends until a certain time or for a certain period of time

Limit Debate: Closing debate at a certain time, or limiting to a certain period of time

Postpone to a Certain Time: State the time the motion or agenda item will be resumed

Object to Consideration: Objection must be stated before discussion or another motion is stated

Lay on the Table: Temporarily suspends further consideration/action = on pending question; may be made after motion to close debate has carried= or is pending

Take from the Table: Resumes consideration of item previously "lai= d on the table" - state the motion to take from the table <= /span>

Reconsider: Can be made only by one on the prevailing side who= has changed position or view

Postpone Indefinitely: Kills the question/resolution for this session - exception: the motion to recons= ider can be made this session

Previous Question: Closes debate if successful - may be moved to &= quot;Close Debate" if preferred

Informal Consideration: Move that the ass= embly go into "Committee of the Whole" - informal debate as= if in committee; this committee may limit number or length of speeches or close debate by other means by a 2/3 vote. All votes, however, are for= mal.

Appeal Decision of the Chair: Appeal for the as= sembly to decide - must be made before other business is resumed; NOT debatab= le if relates to decorum, violation of rules or order of business

Suspend the Rules: Allows a violation of the assembly's own rules (ex= cept Constitution); the object of the suspension must be specified

© 1997 Beverly Kennedy