All Rules Are Connected By Lorenzo R. Cuesta, PRP
The beauty of Robert’s rules is that all of the rules make sense. There are no arbitrary or capricious rules anywhere, just as there are no independent or isolated rules. Every rule impacts many other rules, and every rule is impacted by many other rules. This web of rules creates a solid substructure. When one learns one parliamentary attribute in one part of the book, one finds that knowledge of that attribute facilitates the understanding of other concepts in other parts of the book. The connection is clearly evident among the rules even if some connections might be somewhat subtle. For instance, what is the unique or uncommon parliamentary attribute within each of the following examples of rules from Robert’s rules? Answers can be found on page 10.
First Example: 1. Lay on the Table 2. Reconsider the Vote 3. Recount a Vote Second Example: 1. Amend an Agenda 2. Amend the Minutes Third Example: 1. Polls 2. Nominations Fourth Example: 1. Required Notice 2. Object to the Consideration of a Question Fifth Example: 1. Write-in Vote 2. Remove from the President the Authority to Preside Sixth Example: 1. Consent Calendar 2. Convention Standing Rules
Lorenzo R. Cuesta is a Professional Registered Parliamentarian. He has served as a parliamentarian for boards, conventions, and annual meetings in and beyond California for more than 20 years. He is a frequent contributor to the National Parliamentarian and an annual workshop presenter at the NAP convention and conference. (http://www.roberts-rules.com, parliam@roberts-rules.com) www.parliamentarians.org
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