Parliamentary Procedure 101: Managing Debate

To be used as a quick reference for yourself, your friends, and your opponents. Reprinted Fall 2015.

> Member is recognized by the chair obtains the floor

> Motion is made and seconded

> No second if motion is made by a committee of more than one

> Chair states motion and asks if there is any debate, or if assembly is ready for the question .

> Maker of motion has option to speak first—in favor of the motion .

> Other members alternate speaking “For” and “Against . ”

> Time allowed for speaking is 10 minutes each, per RONR (11th ed) .

• Can be modified—Change adopted in Agenda or Convention Rules .

• Can be limited or extended with a subsidiary motion .

• If another member has a question, the time is taken out of current speaker’s time; therefore, the member who has the floor need not yield his time and the question can be raised after the current speaker has finished debate .

> Time allowed for Debate can be set with agenda, Convention Rules, or Special Rules .

> Amendment to main motion—Made and seconded .

• Debate on Amendment

• Vote on Amendment

• If not adopted, return to debate on Main Motion

• If adopted, go back to main motion with amendment

> Continue debate on Main Motion until debate is exhausted

• Generally, cannot cut off debate

• Requires 2/3 vote if member calls for Previous Question

> Chair states motion as it will be voted on, which may be different from original stated motion

> Time control—Use a timekeeper

> Chair does not participate in debate—Remains impartial

• Exception—Vacates chair until motion is handled, which is not advisable

• Sits down during debate

• Can participate and vote if in a committee

• May clarify facts if misinformation is given to members during debate

> Participant protocol

• Wait to be recognized

• Address the Chair, not the assembly

• Be courteous

• Do not use member’s names

> Presiding officer asks—Ready for the Question

• Cannot cut off debate if a member rises to debate

• Unless the action is dilatory

> Rights of debate cannot be transferred

> Member can speak no more than twice on same motion on same day

• Cannot speak a 2nd time until all have had an opportunity to speak once

BLuNDER #1