On Your Feet

On Your Seat?

By David Mezzera, PRP

How quickly can you think on your feet (such as when talking face-to-face with a client who has a question) . . . or on your seat (such as sitting next to the chair in a large assembly)? This quiz is to challenge you to gain speed and accuracy when you are called upon to give a parliamentary answer—whether on your feet or on your seat . For each of these 12 triads (in honor of the 12th edition of RONR), read the 3 statements quickly and immediately determine which one of the three is inaccurate or incorrect—recognizing, then, that the other two are correct and accurate . Start thinking quickly!

1 . A . Each motion in RONR has 8 Standard Descriptive Characteristics (SDCs) .

B . In RONR, there are 5 classes of motions identified .

C

. According to RONR, typical bylaws have 8 separate articles .

2 . A . The difference between a merger and a consolidation is based on the sizes of the groups combining .

B

. An adjourned meeting is the same as a continued meeting .

C . A dilatory action or motion is one which obstructs, delays, or thwarts the will of the assembly .

3 . A . Previous Question can sometimes be altered (amended?) while it is pending .

B . Previous Question always requires a two-third vote .

C . Chart II in the tinted pages (t6-t33) shows all of the SDCs for each of the motions and procedures listed therein .

4 . A . Amending bylaws or special rules of order does not always need to require previous notice .

B . Preferential voting is a quick way to get a plurality winner .

C . The last 3 §s of RONR deal with disciplinary procedures .

5 . A . Queues can be composed of either a list of members seeking the floor or stacks of motions to process .

B . A motion is made and seconded . If a modification is suggested and the maker agrees, the seconder may withdraw the second .

C . There is actually no difference between processing the motions to Postpone Definitely and Lay on the Table .

6 . A . Rescind and Expunge from the Minutes requires a majority vote of the entire membership, not just of those present and voting .

B . Stand at Ease is a motion added only in recent editions of RONR .

C . In the absence of the secretary, a secretary pro-tem should be elected— not appointed .

7 . A . If a VP is unable or unwilling to ascend to a vacant president position, (s)he loses the VP position as well .

B . So as not to sound like a horse, you should never vote by exclaiming “nay . ”

C . Any single member may object to unanimous consent without a second being required to the objection .

8 . A . If there’s too much work for one person, choosing a co-chair for a committee is a good idea .

B . “Your Chair” is a better self-reference than “I” for the presiding officer .

C . “Chairperson” is frequently encountered and may be used in some assemblies .

9 . A . A formal motion to approve the minutes is not necessary, although such a motion is not out of order .

B

. “Secret” ballot is redundant since all ballot votes are secret .

C . A parliamentarian’s role during a meeting is purely an advisory and consultative one .

10

. A . In a mass meeting, a quorum is the number of persons present at the time .

B . A treasurer’s regular report requires no action of acceptance by the assembly .

C . A second is never needed if a motion comes from any committee .

11 . A . Running a deliberative assembly using postal mail, email or facsimile has been authorized now beginning with the 12th edition .

B

. It is possible for a person who is not a member of an assembly to be appointed to a committee of the group .

C . Making an undebatable motion may be prefaced by a few words of explanation by the motion’s maker .

12 . A . To Annul is really the same procedure as to Rescind or Repeal .

B . Division of a Question is really the same as Division of the Assembly, just using different words .

C . A motion to Consider by Paragraph is the same as a motion to Consider Seriatim .

Answers are on page 35 with 12th ed. references.

David Mezzera, PRP, is a past president of the California State Association of Parliamentarians and past District 8 Director.