January 3, 2000  (Difficulty level = 2)

Question:  Using Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised (1990 Edition), what motion allows an assembly to avoid a particular main motion altogether without discussion?

Answer:   Objection to the Consideration of a Question (which is not debatable, not amendable, and requires a two-thirds vote against consideration to pass).  Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised (1990 Edition) §26 (p. 266).

January 10, 2000  (Difficulty level = 4)

Question:  Demeter's Manual of Parliamentary Law  uses the mnemonic "S-H-I-P" as a reminder of the subjects to which a member can raise a question of privilege.  What does each letter stand for in the catchword "S-H-I-P"? 

Answer:   S-H-I-P = S-safety; H-health; I-integrity, and protection of P-property.  Demeter, p. 106.  

January 17, 2000  (Difficulty level = 3)

Question:  Sturgis Standard Code of Parliamentary Procedure recognizes that one use of the motion to suspend the rules is to "cancel out everything that has been done" on a motion when "the parliamentary situation in a meeting becomes so confused that neither the chair nor the members can figure out how to proceed."  What is the name given to this use of the motion to suspend the rules? 

Answer:   The "Gordian Knot" Motion, p. 81.  

January 24, 2000  (Difficulty level = 3)

Question:   A particular organization meets monthly and must be concerned about the following laws/rules.  Arrange them in order from most important to least important according to Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised (1990 Edition).  

Bylaws   
Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised (1990 Edition)
Ordinary Standing Rules
Federal Law
Special Rules of Order
Constitution
State Law
Articles of Incorporation

Answer:   Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised (1990 Edition) § 2 (p. 9-18):
Federal Law
State Law
Articles of Incorporation
Constitution
Bylaws   
Special Rules of Order
Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised (1990 Edition)
Ordinary Standing Rules

January 31, 2000  (Difficulty level = 4)

Question:   You are at a special meeting of a church congregation called for the purpose of considering whether or not to sell a piece of church property.  During discussion of the only business to be considered at the meeting, a member obtains the floor and moves to table the motion for which the meeting was called.  Is the motion to table in order if your parliamentary authority is Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised (1990 Edition)?  

Answer:   No, the motion to table is not in order.  "At a special meeting, it is dilatory and out of order to move to lay on the table the matter for which the meeting has been called."  Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised (1990 Edition) § 17 (p. 213). 

February 7, 2000  (Difficulty level = 2)

Question:   You are at a monthly meeting of your organization and a member moves to "dispense with the reading of the minutes."  If adopted, what is the effect of this motion according to Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised (1990 Edition)?  

Answer:    Contrary to popular usage, the motion to "dispense with the reading of the minutes" does not do away with the reading of the minutes, but simply means that the minutes will not be read and approved at the regular time.  The minutes should still be approved at the meeting.  If not, the minutes of the past meeting "must be read at the following meeting before the reading of the later minutes."  Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised (1990 Edition) § 47 (p. 464). 

February 16, 2000  (Difficulty level = 3)

Question:   You are the parliamentarian for a monthly meeting following Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised (1990 Edition).  Votes are traditionally taken by a show of hands.  After a relatively close vote, a member calls for a division of the assembly.  The member makes clear that he only expects a rising vote, not a counted vote.  The chair feels that a division is not necessary because the previous vote was by hands and was the same as a division.  Is the member entitled to a rising vote?   

Answer:    Yes, because a hand vote is not the same as a division.  "Whenever a member doubts the result of a voice (viva voce) vote or a vote by show of hands . . . he can call for a Division of the Assembly, thereby requiring the vote to be taken again by rising."  Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised (1990 Edition) § 29 (p. 276). 

February 21, 2000  (Difficulty level = 5)

Question:   A convention has been called for the purpose of forming a state society.  The chairman of the Convention Arrangements Committee has called the meeting to order and has asked for a motion to authorize the appointment of the Credentials, Rules, and Program Committees.  A point of order is raised that no motion of any kind is in order because the Credentials Committee has not reported and no one knows who the properly appointed delegates are.  Is the point of order well taken if the parliamentary authority is Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised (1990 Edition)?

Answer:    The point of order is not well taken, and the motion is appropriate.  "Until the report of the Credentials Committee is received, no business can be transacted except to authorize the presiding officer to appoint the above-mentioned committees, or to ratify the previous appointment of them."  Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised (1990 Edition) § 59 (p. 636). 

February 28, 2000  (Difficulty level = 3)

Question:   You are at the monthly meeting of an organization following Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised (1990 Edition).  A main motion, amendment, and motion to refer are pending.  A motion is made and adopted to close debate on all pending motions.   The motion to refer is voted on and defeated.  The motion to amend is voted on and adopted.  The chair begins to state, "The question is on the adoption of the main motion as amended . . .," when she notices a member seeking recognition.  The member is recognized and moves to table the main motion on the grounds that something else of immediate urgency has arisen.  Is the motion to table in order given that the previous question has already been adopted and several votes taken?  

Answer:    Yes, the motion to table is in order.  "If debate has been closed by ordering the Previous Question or by the expiration of the time to which debate was limited, then up until the moment of taking the last vote under the order, the questions still before the assembly can be laid on the table."  Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised (1990 Edition) § 17 (p. 210). 

March 6, 2000  (Difficulty level = 4)

Question:   Your parliamentary authority is Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised (1990 Edition).  Under what circumstances is an appeal not debatable?  

Answer:    When the appeal "(a) relates to indecorum or a transgression of the rules of speaking; (b) relates to the priority of business; or (c) is made while the immediately pending question is undebatable."  Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised (1990 Edition) § 24 (p. 256). 

March 13, 2000  (Difficulty level = 5)

Question:   You are at the regular monthly meeting of your civic club during New Business.  A very important budget matter was tabled at the last meeting.  You are presently discussing a motion on the entertainment for the annual meeting, when a member states in debate that in the event the main motion on entertainment is voted down, she will offer a different motion covering the question.  The entertainment motion is put to a vote and voted down.  Can you now move to Take from the Table the important matter from the previous meeting if the parliamentary authority is Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised (1990 Edition)?   Why or why not?

Answer:  No.  "Even if no question is pending, a motion to Take from the Table cannot interrupt a series of motions connected with bringing up a single item of business, but must wait until the complete series is disposed of.  For example, . . . when a main motion has just been voted down after a member stated in debate that in that event he would offer a different motion covering the case."  Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised (1990 Edition) § 33 (p. 297). 

March 20, 2000  (Difficulty level = 2)

Question:   You are arranging a national convention.  The bylaws provide that your parliamentary authority is Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised (1990 Edition).  What three reports must be adopted (and in what order) to make the convention official?  

Answer:  "The official organization of the convention is brought about by the separate consideration and adoption of the reports of three committees mentioned above--the Credentials Committee, the Committee on Standing Rules, and the Program Committee, in that order."   Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised (1990 Edition) § 58 (p. 603). 

March 27, 2000  (Difficulty level = 3)

Question:  A presiding officer is convinced that a member is  using parliamentary motions for obstructive purposes.  What procedural course of action can the presiding officer take to resolve the situation, according to Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised (1990 Edition)?

Answer:  "Whenever the chair becomes convinced that one or more members are using parliamentary forms for obstructive purposes, he should either not recognize these members or he should rule that such motions are out of order--but he should never permit his personal feelings to affect his judgment in such cases.  If the chair only suspects that a motion is not made in good faith, he should give the maker of the motion the benefit of the doubt.   The chair should always be courteous and fair, but at the same time he should be firm in protecting the assembly from imposition."   Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised (1990 Edition) § 38 (p. 337). 

April 3, 2000  (Difficulty level = 2)

Question:  A motion is made and seconded to suspend a convention standing rule to permit the introduction of a main motion that would otherwise be out of order.  The delegate who plans to introduce the main motion asks for permission to speak first on the motion to suspend the rules.  The delegate who moved to suspend the rules also asks to speak.  Who should the presiding officer recognize first to speak to the motion to suspend the rules, if your parliamentary authority is Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised (1990 Edition)?

Answer:  Neither, because this is a trick question (it is April 1st week!).  The motion to suspend the rules is not debatable or amendable.  Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised (1990 Edition) § 25 (p. 260). 

April 10, 2000  (Difficulty level = 3)

Question:  A motion is made and seconded that, "The club sponsor a pool party this summer at a cost not to exceed $500."  Following some discussion, a motion is made to amend the motion by changing "pool party" to "picnic."  The motion to amend receives a second and is now under discussion.  A member is recognized and moves to make an "amendment to the amendment" by striking the word "summer" and inserting in its place "fall" (so that the event will be in the fall, rather than the summer).  Is this motion to amend in order if your parliamentary authority is Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised (1990 Edition)?

Answer:  No.  While it is proper to propose an "amendment to an amendment" (often referred to as a "secondary amendment"), the amendment must propose a change to the primary amendment.  In the example above, the proposed secondary amendment has nothing to do with the primary amendment of changing "pool party" to "picnic," but pertains to another part of the main motion.  As a result, such an amendment is out of order at the present time.  Once consideration of the primary amendment is completed, such a motion to amend "summer" to "fall" would be in order.  Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised (1990 Edition) § 12 (p. 130).

April 17, 2000  (Difficulty level = 4)

Question:  Your organization's bylaws require the nomination and election of officers to be considered at the May meeting.  You are responsible for preparing the agenda for the May meeting.  Where should the nomination and election of officers be placed in the order of business, if your parliamentary authority is Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised (1990 Edition)?

Answer:  "Matters that the bylaws require to be considered at a particular meeting, such as the nomination and election of officers, may be regarded as special orders for the meeting and be considered under the heading of Special Orders in the order of business."  (In other words, after Reports of Special Committees, but before Unfinished Business and General Orders.)  Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised (1990 Edition) § 40 (p. 352).

April 24, 2000  (Difficulty level = 4)

Question:  This Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives presided over the most celebrated  and sensational of all quorum controversies.  On January 29, 1890, he ruled that the presiding officer could ascertain a quorum with his eyes, and not simply rely on the ears of the Clerk in calling the roll (which resulted in some members remaining silent in their chairs and not being counted towards the quorum).  When members realized they might actually be counted towards quorum, some dodged under desks, others rushed for the doors, and one member kicked open a locked door and fled.  This Speaker's book, Parliamentary Rules, is still used as a parliamentary authority.  Who was the Speaker and where was he from?

Answer:  Thomas B. Reed from Maine.  His book is often referred to as Reed's Rules.

May 1, 2000  (Difficulty level = 2)

Question:  You are attending the monthly meeting of an civic organization that follows Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised (1990 Edition).  A member introduces a motion to hold a spring picnic the following month at a nearby park.  A member raises a point of order that the motion is out of order in that the motion is identical to a motion presented, discussed, and defeated at the last monthly meeting.  Is the point of order well taken?

Answer:  No, the point of order is not well taken.  A motion cannot be renewed during the same session in which it has already been before the assembly, except where its renewal is permitted by a specific rule.  Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised (1990 Edition) § 37 (p. 331).   However, the typical rule is that "each regular meeting [of an organization] normally completes a separate session."  Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised (1990 Edition) § 9 (p. 90).  As a result, a defeated motion can be brought up again at a subsequent meeting.

May 8, 2000  (Difficulty level = 5)

Question:  A typical main motion is pending at a monthly meeting of an organization following Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised (1990 Edition).  What is the maximum number of subsidiary motions that can be pending on the main motion at one time?  What are the motions?

Answer:  26 subsidiary motions can be pending at one time (12 are through variations on the motion for the previous question).  They are as follows (in order from highest precedence to least):

MAIN MOTION

May 15, 2000  (Difficulty level = 4)

Question:  I am a motion in Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised (1990 Edition).  In fact, I am the only subsidiary motion that cannot be reconsidered at all.  Which motion am I?

Answer:  The motion to Lay on the Table.  A defeated motion to Lay on the Table can be renewed later.  An adopted motion to Lay on the Table can be addressed by moving to Take the Question from the Table.  Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised (1990 Edition) § 17 (p. 210).

May 22, 2000  (Difficulty level = 1)

Question:  Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised (1990 Edition) gives the maker of a motion preference over other members in speaking to his motion first.  Does the maker of the motion also have a right to speak last?

Answer:  No.  The maker has no rights in speaking other than the right to speak first to the motion.  Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised (1990 Edition) § 3 (p. 30).

May 29, 2000  (Difficulty level = 3)

Question:   What terms are used in Sturgis Standard Code of Parliamentary Procedure in place of the motions to "Lay on the Table" and the "Previous Question" (the terms used in Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised (1990 Edition))?

Answer:  Lay on the Table = Motion to Postpone Temporarily

Previous Question = Motion to Close Debate

Sturgis Standard Code of Parliamentary Procedure, p. 58 and 62.

June 6, 2000  (Difficulty level = 2)

Question:   A quorum for the regular monthly meeting of an organization following Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised (1990 Edition) is 100 members.  Only five members show up at the time and place of the meeting (the weather is REALLY bad).  Can the meeting be called to order?

Answer:    Yes, the meeting can be called to order.  However, the only actions that can be taken are to fix the time to which to adjourn, adjourn, recess, or take measures to obtain a quorum.  Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised (1990 Edition) § 39 (p. 342-343)

June 18, 2000  (Difficulty level = 4)

Question:   Demeter's Manual of Parliamentary Law uses the mnemonic NO-MOM-PA to remember the fundamental subjects which make up an acceptable set of bylaws.  What does each letter stand for?  What additional basic bylaws articles does Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised (1990 Edition) include that are not listed in Demeter as a fundamental subject?

Answer:    

1. Name
2. Object
3. Membership
4. Officers
5. Meetings
6. Parliamentary authority
7. Amendments to bylaws

Demeter's Manual of Parliamentary Law, p. 179-180.

RONR 1990 includes "Executive Board (or Board of Directors)," and "Committees."  Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised (1990 Edition) § 55.

June 26, 2000  (Difficulty level = 2)

Question:  Which of the following motions is in order even while the privileged motion to adjourn is pending, according to Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised (1990 Edition)?

Answer:  Due to the strict time limitations on its introduction, the motion to reconsider can be made (but not taken up) while the privileged motion to adjourn is pending or even after the assembly has voted to adjourn.  Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised (1990 Edition) § 21 (p. 237).

July 3, 2000  (Difficulty level = 4)

Question:  What is the difference between "bullet voting" and "cumulative voting"? 

Answer:  "Bullet voting" is casting a vote for only one candidate or option when you have the option of casting several votes.  (For example, four candidates are running for two open seats.  You cast a vote for only one candidate, essentially "depriving" the other candidates of your additional vote.)  

"Cumulative voting" permits voters to allocate votes among various candidates and is often used in the election of corporate directors.  (For example, you have 100 shares of stock and are permitted to vote for two candidates.  Under cumulative voting, you might be able to cast your 200 votes for one candidate, increasing the probability that the candidate will be elected.)  Cumulative voting permits a minority of shareholders to have an influence on the outcome of an election.

July 10, 2000  (Difficulty level = 4)

Question:   Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised (1990 Edition) distinguishes between ordinary standing rules and convention standing rules.  What is the vote required to adopt such rules and to suspend such rules?

Answer:    Ordinary standing rule--majority to adopt, suspended temporarily by majority vote.

Convention standing rule--majority or two-thirds to adopt (depending on whether adopted as a "package" or individually and on the nature of the rule), suspended temporarily by majority vote.

Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised (1990 Edition) § 2 (p. 18) and 58 (p. 613-614).

July 17, 2000  (Difficulty level = 2)

Question:   You are attending a monthly meeting that follows Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised (1990 Edition).  A main motion and an amendment to the main motion are pending.  A member gains the floor and moves "a substitute motion that the matter be referred to committee."  According to the organization's parliamentary authority, is this terminology correct?  Why or why not?

Answer:    No, the terminology is not correct.  A "substitute" is one of the forms of the motion to amend and can be used to strike out an entire paragraph, section, or article and to insert something different in its place.  A rule of amendments is that it is out of order to propose an amendment that "has the effect of converting one parliamentary motion into another."  This amendment would convert the pending motion into the motion to refer and is therefore out of order.  However, a member could obtain the floor and simply make the motion to refer to committee (as long as the motion is in order procedurally at the given moment).  Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised (1990 Edition) § 12 (p. 134 and 150).

July 24, 2000  (Difficulty level = 3)

Question:   According to Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised (1990 Edition), which of the following items should be included in minutes?

1. Notices of motions
2. Names of members present
3. Date and time of meeting
4. All main motions and the wording in which each motion was adopted
5. Debate by members
6. Names of movers of motions
7. Names of seconders of motions
8. The time of adjournment

Answer:    Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised (1990 Edition) § 47 (p. 458-460):

1. Notices of motions -- YES
2. Names of members present -- NO
3. Date and time of meeting -- YES
4. All main motions and the wording in which each motion was adopted -- YES
5. Debate by members -- NO
6. Names of movers of motions -- YES
7. Names of seconders of motions -- NO
8. The time of adjournment -- YES

July 31, 2000  (Difficulty level = 3)

Question:   You are a member of a board with fewer than a dozen members.  According to Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised (1990 Edition), name four ways in which the rules governing such a meeting are different than the rules that hold in other assemblies.

Answer:   Any of the following from Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised (1990 Edition) § 48 (p. 477-478):

1. Members are not required to obtain the floor before making motions or speaking
2. Motions need not be seconded
3. No limit to the number of times a member can speak
4. Informal discussion permitted
5. Votes permitted at times with no motion introduced
6. Chairman need not rise while putting questions
7. The chairman can speak and usually makes motions and votes

August 7, 2000  (Difficulty level = 2)

Question:   A motion is made at a meeting that follows Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised (1990 Edition).  Following debate by the maker of the motion, a member raises a point of order that the motion was never seconded.  How should the presiding officer rule on the point of order?

Answer:   The presiding officer should rule that the point of order is not well taken.  "The requirement of a second is for the chair's guidance as to whether he should state the question on the motion, thus placing it before the assembly."  "After debate has begun or, if there is no debate, after any member has voted, the lack of a second has become immaterial and it is too late to make a point of order that the motion has not been seconded."   Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised (1990 Edition) § 4 (p. 35-36).

August 14, 2000  (Difficulty level = 2)

Question:   A voice vote is taken at a meeting that follows Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised (1990 Edition).  A member questions the outcome of the vote and wishes to have the vote counted.  Can the member demand a counted vote?

Answer:   No, a single member cannot demand a counted vote.  However, the member can move for a counted vote (which requires a second, is not debatable, and takes a majority vote).   While the member can demand a "division," this is simply an uncounted standing vote and may not resolve questions about the outcome of the vote.  Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised (1990 Edition) § 30 (p. 278-280).

August 21, 2000  (Difficulty level = 3)

Question:   An organization that follows Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised (1990 Edition).  anticipates a particularly difficult meeting and wants to bring in an outside person to chair the meeting.  Is such a procedure allowed, and if so, what must be done to permit a nonmember to preside?

Answer:   Yes, it is appropriate for an invited nonmember who is skilled in presiding to chair.  "[S]uch an arrangement can be made with the approval of the assembly if the president and the vice-president(s) concur."  Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised (1990 Edition) § 46 (p. 439).

September 5, 2000  (Difficulty level = 3)

Question:   A member of an organization that follows Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised (1990 Edition) wants to prepare a resolution in favor of naming a new school for John Doe.  John Doe has two major arguments in favor of such recognition: (1) he was the first superintendent of the school system many years earlier; and (2) he later went on to serve his state with distinction as Governor.  Using these facts, prepare a resolution with two "Whereas" clauses in proper form according to RONR 1990.

Answer:   While "Whereas" clauses are not required, they are sometimes included in a resolution when it is desirable to include a brief statement of background (or when it is the custom of the organization).  In this brainteaser, any language will do--it is the form that is important.

    Whereas, The first superintendent of the county school system was John Doe; and
    Whereas, John Doe went on to serve our state with distinction as Governor;
    Resolved, That the new school to be opened in August of 2001 shall be named the John Doe Elementary School.

Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised (1990 Edition) § 10 (which also notes appropriate variations on this language).

September 11, 2000  (Difficulty level = 4)

Question:   Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised (1990 Edition) states that in organizations with employees, the assembly or board can give instructions to an employee in a form very similar to a resolution, except the word "Resolved" is replaced with what word?

Answer:   "Ordered."  Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised (1990 Edition) § 10 (p. 107).

September 18, 2000  (Difficulty level = 3)

Question:   If your parliamentary authority is Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised (1990 Edition), under what circumstances is the motion to Appeal not debatable?

Answer:   When the motion "(a) relates to indecorum or a transgression of the rules of speaking; (b) relates to the priority of business; or (c) is made while the immediately pending question is undebatable."  Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised (1990 Edition) § 24 (p. 256).

September 25, 2000  (Difficulty level = 2)

Question:   If your parliamentary authority is Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised (1990 Edition), should an officer (such as the treasurer) move the implementation of any recommendations contained in her report during a meeting?

Answer:   No.  "If an officer, in reporting, makes a recommendation, he should not himself move its implementation, but such a motion can be made by another member as soon as the officer has concluded his report."  Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised (1990 Edition) § 40 (p. 350).

October 2, 2000  (Difficulty level = 3)

Question:   Your parliamentary authority is Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised (1990 Edition).  At the end of business at a regular meeting of an ordinary society, the chair asked, "Is there any further business?"  When there was no response, the chair adjourned the meeting.  Should the chair have asked for or waited for a motion to adjourn?

Answer:   No.  "When it appears that there is no further business in a meeting of an ordinary local society that normally goes through a complete order of business at each regular meeting, the chair, instead of waiting or calling for a motion to adjourn, can ask, "Is there any further business?"  If there is no response, the chair can then say, "Since there is no further business, the meeting is adjourned."   Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised (1990 Edition) § 22 (p. 240).

October 9, 2000  (Difficulty level = 4)

Question:   According to Sturgis Standard Code of Parliamentary Procedure, the motion to reconsider can only be applied to what type of motion?   Why?

Answer:   "Under the Standard Code, the motion to reconsider can  be applied only to the main motion.  For all other motions renewal can be achieved by simpler and more direct means."  Standard Code, page 226.  For example, motions that are procedural may be renewed at the discretion of the chair.  

October 16, 2000  (Difficulty level = 4)

Question:   Demeter's Manual of Parliamentary Law uses mnemonics to remember the rules to certain motions.  According to Demeter, the motion to Appeal From A Decision of the Chair can be applied to J,O,D.  What do these letters stand for? 

Answer:   "One way of remembering the general rule that no appeals can be taken from the Chair's rulings which arise out of known Facts, evident Truths, established Rules or operative Laws, but can be taken only from rulings which are based on his personal Judgment, Opinion or Discretion, is by the first letters thereof: F,T,R,L and J,O,D."  Demeter's Manual of Parliamentary Law, page 131."  

October 23, 2000  (Difficulty level = 3)

Question:   According to Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised (10th Edition), are board meetings usually open or closed to members of the organization?

Answer:   "In most organizations, except those operating under the lodge system, by practice or sometimes by rule, membership meetings are open to the public, but board or committee meetings are customarily held in executive session.  In the latter case, members of the organization who are not members of the board or committee, and sometimes nonmembers, may be invited to attend, perhaps to give a report,  but they are not entitled to attend." RONR (10th ed.), p. 92-93."  

October 30, 2000  (Difficulty level = 3)

Question:   Your organization's bylaws provide that the executive director is an "ex-officio member of the board of directors," but give no other guidance.  Is the executive director allowed to vote and to make motions during meetings of the board of directors?  The parliamentary authority of the organization is Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised (10th Edition).

Answer:   Unless expressly stated differently in the bylaws, an ex-officio member has all rights of membership--including the right to participate in debate and to vote.  "In the executive board of a society, if the ex-officio member of the board is under the authority of the society (that is, if he is a member, officer, or employee of the society), there is no distinction between him and the other board members." RONR (10th ed.), § 50, p. 466."  

November 6, 2000  (Difficulty level = 4)

Question:   A main motion is pending at a meeting following Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised (10th Edition) as follows: "That the organization support the candidacies of Able, Brown, Charles, and David."  A motion is made to amend the motion by striking the word "Charles."  Can this amendment now be amended?

Answer:   No.  The motion to amend by striking out certain words can be amended only by striking out words from the primary amendment.  "As a consequence of the rule stated at the beginning of this paragraph, a primary amendment to strike out a single word cannot be amended."  RONR (10th ed.) § 10, p. 140.  

November 20, 2000  (Difficulty level = 3)

Question:   Your organization follows Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised (10th Edition).  A member has repeatedly questioned the motives of other members.  The chair has called the member to order, but the member refuses to be quiet.  Does the chair have the authority to order the offending member removed from the hall?

Answer:   No.  "Although the chair has no authority to impose a penalty or to order the offending member removed from the hall, the assembly has that power."  RONR (10th ed.) § 61, p. 627.  

November 27, 2000  (Difficulty level = 2)

Question:   A motion to recess is made at a meeting while no other question is pending.  What type of motion is this and what are its characteristics?  The parliamentary authority is Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised (10th Edition).  

Answer:   A motion to recess made while no question is pending is an incidental main motion.  It is debatable, amendable, and requires a majority vote.  RONR (10th ed.) § 6, p. 66.  

December 3, 2000  (Difficulty level = 4)

Question:   A particular convention standing rule was adopted by a two-thirds vote (following Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised (10th Edition)).  What vote is required to suspend the rule for a particular specified purpose?

Answer:   "Any standing rule of a convention (except one prescribing the parliamentary authority) can be suspended for a particular specified purpose by a majority vote, even if the rule required a two-thirds vote for its adoption.  Under such a suspension, however, the applicable rules in the parliamentary authority prescribed by the bylaws (or by a rule of the convention) come into force--as if the standing rule had not been adopted."  RONR (10th ed.) § 59, p. 601-602.  

December 10, 2000  (Difficulty level = 3)

Question:   A convention is considering the report of the resolutions committee (which has been presented as one motion on a series of different subjects).  The parliamentary authority is Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised (10th Edition).  What vote is required if a member wishes for one of the resolutions to receive separate consideration and a vote?

Answer:   None.  "[O]ne or more of the several resolutions must receive separate consideration and vote at the request of a single member, and the motion for Division of a Question is not used."  RONR (10th ed.) § 27, p. 265.  

December 17, 2000  (Difficulty level = 4)

Question:   One update in the new Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised (10th Edition) is the separation of a request that was previously included in the section on "Requests and Inquiries" into a new, separate section.  What is the request?

Answer:   Request to Be Excused from a Duty.  RONR (10th ed.) § 32, p. 277.  

Brainteaser Archive 2007

Brainteaser Archive 2006

Brainteaser Archive 2005

Brainteaser Archive 2004

Brainteaser Archive 2003

Brainteaser Archive 2002

Brainteaser Archive 2001

Brainteaser Archive 1999