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Difficulty 2

Under Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised (12th Edition), does the motion to Fix the Time to Which to Adjourn actually adjourn the present meeting?

No. "The object of the motion to Fix the Time to Which to Adjourn . . . Is to set the time, and sometimes the place, for another meeting to continue business of the session, with no effect on when the present meeting will adjourn."  RONR (12th ed.) 22:1.

Under Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised (12th Edition), what is the name of the motion that permits any member to call for a rising, uncounted vote when the result of a voice vote or vote by show of hands is inconclusive.

Division of the Assembly. RONR (12th ed.) 29. FYI, a call for a Division does not require that the member be recognized and can be yelled for from the audience.

In Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised (12th Edition), what is the name of the motion for requesting a short break in the meeting?

Recess. RONR (12th ed.) 20.

In Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised (12th Edition), one of the most important steps in handling a motion is the presiding officer repeating the wording of a motion once a motion that is in order has been made and seconded (if a second was required). What is the name of this step?

"Stating the question." RONR (12th ed.) 4:15.

According to Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised (12th Edition), what should be stated in the last paragraph of minutes?

The hour of adjournment. RONR (12th ed.) 48:4 (12).    

Using Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised (12th Edition), what motion would be used to take a matter from a committee that has previously been referred to it?

The motion to Discharge a Committee. RONR (12th ed.) 36.

In Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised (12th Edition), what is the name of a motion to exclude all nonmembers (except absolutely necessary staff, if any)?

A motion to "go into executive session." RONR (12th ed.) 9:24-25.

In Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised (12th Edition), what class of motions "assist the assembly in treating or disposing of a main motion (and sometimes other motions)"?

Subsidiary motions. RONR (12th ed.) 6:3.

According to Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised (12th Edition), "If an embarrassing main motion has been brought before the assembly, a member can propose to dispose of [the] question without bringing it to a direct vote, by moving to ________ _________."

Postpone Indefinitely. RONR (12th ed.) 6:5(1).

Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised (12th Edition) distinguishes between the more formal procedures required by larger deliberative bodies and more flexible/informal rules for "small boards." What does RONR define as a "small board"? 

"In a board meeting where there are not more than about a dozen members present, some of the formality that is necessary in a larger assembly would hinder business." RONR (12th ed.) 49:21.

What motion and what vote is required in Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised (12th Edition) to bring the assembly to an immediate vote on one or more pending questions?

Previous Question, which requires a two-thirds vote. RONR (12th ed.) 16:1.

In Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised (12th Edition), what is the name of a substitution of an entirely new set of bylaws?

A revision. RONR (12th ed.) 57:5.

If you are attending a meeting following Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised (12th Edition), what would you say to get the attention of the presiding officer if you have a question about parliamentary procedure?

"Madam President, I rise to a parliamentary inquiry." Or, "parliamentary inquiry."  RONR (12th ed.) 33:4.

In Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised (12th Edition), the proper words for responding to a vote taken by voice are AYE and ___.

"NO." RONR (12th ed.) 4:37.

Using Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised (12th Edition), what is the proper motion to bring back for further consideration a motion which has already been voted on during the meeting on the same day (or the following day for a multi-day convention)?

Reconsider, which requires a majority vote. The idea is that a body should not have to revisit an already voted upon issue at the same meeting without a majority vote wishing to. RONR (12th ed.) 37.

Using Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised (12th Edition), what is the proper motion to undo or revisit/change a previously adopted motion at a subsequent meeting?

Rescind/Amend Something Previously Adopted. RONR (12th ed.) 35:1.

What is the name of changes to Bylaws that are "so extensive and general that they are scattered throughout the bylaws" and effectuated through the substitution of an entirely new set of bylaws?

A "revision." RONR (12th ed.) 57:5.

If your parliamentary authority is Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised (12th Edition), what is the name of the method by which (a) a motion can be adopted without the steps of stating the question and putting the motion to a formal vote or (b) action can be taken without even the formality of a motion?

"Unanimous consent" (formerly called "general consent"). RONR (12th ed.) 4:58.

If your parliamentary authority is Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised (12th Edition), must the advice of the parliamentarian to a presiding officer be followed?

No. "After the parliamentarian has expressed an opinion on a point, the chair has the duty to make the final ruling and, in doing so, has the right to follow the advice of the parliamentarian or to disregard it." RONR (12th ed.) 47:54.

Under Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised (12th Edition), is a second to a motion required in a small board or a committee?

No. RONR (12th ed.) 4:9n7, 49:21, 50:25.

What is the term for the "number of members who must be present in order that business can be validly transacted"?

"Quorum." RONR (12th ed.) 40:1.

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 (12th Edition).

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 (12th ed.) 20:3.

If your parliamentary authority is Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised (12th Edition), should an officer (such as the treasurer) move the implementation of any recommendations contained in the officer's report during a meeting?

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." RONR (12th ed.) 41:14.

A quorum for the regular monthly meeting of an organization following Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised (12th 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?

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. RONR (12th ed.) 40:7.

You are attending a monthly meeting that follows Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised (12th 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?

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 "would have the effect of converting one parliamentary motion into another." RONR (12th ed.) 12:22. This proposed 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, so long as the motion is in order procedurally at the given moment. 

A motion is made at a meeting that follows Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised (12th 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?

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 whether to 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." RONR (12th ed.) 4:12-13.

Your organization follows Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised (12th Edition). After being recognized, a member moves "that five delegates be sent to the national convention," and the motion is seconded. What should you say as presiding officer to "state the question on the motion" prior to debate?

"It is moved and seconded that five delegates be sent to the national convention." RONR (12th ed.) 4:15(a).

What should be in the first paragraph of your organization's minutes if Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised (12th Edition) is the parliamentary authority?

(1) The kind of meeting (regular, special, etc.); (2) the name of the society; (3) the date and time of meeting (and place if varies); (4) the fact that the chairman and secretary were present or their substitutes; and (5) whether the minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved and the date of that meeting if it was other than a regular business meeting. RONR (12 ed.) 48:4.

A motion has been debated and amended several times at the monthly meeting of a voluntary association. A member then rises and states: "I make a friendly amendment that the motion be amended to add 'and Assistant Treasurer' after the word 'Treasurer.' This should clear up the confusion about the motion, and I am certain there will be no opposition from the maker of the original motion." The maker of the motion immediately stands and states, "I accept the friendly amendment."

The parliamentary authority is Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised (12th Edition). Is the proposed amendment adopted?

Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised (12th Edition) only describes the term “friendly amendment” in one short paragraph in 12:91. As used in some societies, a friendly amendment is a proposed change which becomes part of a motion simply by its acceptance by the maker of the original motion. Widespread use of friendly amendments violates fairness principles of parliamentary procedure in that it takes rights away from the majority and places control in the hands of two members--the proposer of the amendment and the maker of the original motion.

Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised (12th Edition) provides as follows: "Until the chair states the question, the maker has the right to modify his motion as he pleases, or to withdraw it entirely. After the question has been stated by the chair, the motion becomes the property of the assembly, and then its maker can do neither of these things without the assembly's consent (see 33:11-19); but while the motion is pending the assembly can change the wording of the motion by the process of amendment (12) before acting upon it.” RONR (12 ed.) 4:19.

As to the brainteaser, it is not appropriate to simply adopt the amendment with only the involvement of the two members. The proper procedure would be for the presiding officer to ask if there is any objection by anyone to the amendment. If not, the proposed amendment can be adopted by unanimous consent. If any member objects to the proposed amendment, the chair should ask for a second and process the motion as any other formal amendment.

According to Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised (12th Edition), what is the difference between "stating the question" and "putting the question"?

By "stating the question," the chair formally places a motion before the assembly by stating "the exact motion and indicat[ing] that it is open to debate (and certain other parliamentary processes . . .) in the manner . . . appropriate to the case." By "putting the question," the chair puts the motion to a vote. RONR (12 ed.) 4:14-34.

The Chairman of an organization operating under Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised (12th Edition) relinquishes the chair in order to speak on a controversial motion. After further debate, the motion is postponed until next month's meeting. When the motion comes back on for discussion the following month, should the Chairman preside?

No. Whether at the same meeting or another one, a presiding officer who has spoken to a motion should not return to the chair until the matter is resolved. "The presiding officer who relinquished the chair then may not return to it until the pending main question has been disposed of, since he has shown himself to be a partisan as far as that particular matter is concerned." RONR (12 ed.) 43:29.

A motion is pending that will require a two-thirds vote for adoption. An amendment is then proposed from the floor. According to Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised (12th Edition), what vote is required to adopt the amendment?

Majority. "Requires a majority vote, regardless of the vote required to adopt the question to be amended.” RONR (12th ed.) 12:7(7).

You are arranging a national convention. The bylaws provide that your parliamentary authority is Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised (12th Edition). What three reports must be adopted (and in what order) to make the convention official?

"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." RONR (12th ed.)  59:11.

Which Subsidiary motion is not debatable, but is amendable, and requires a two-thirds vote for adoption?

Limit or Extend Limits of Debate. RONR (12th ed.) 15:5(5-7).

Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised (12th Edition) states that "the minimum essential officers for the conduct of business in a deliberative assembly" are a _____________ and a ________________.

The "presiding officer, who conducts the meetings and sees that the rules are observed, and a secretary, or clerk, who makes a written record of what is done--usually called 'the minutes.'" RONR (12th ed.) 3:6.

Your convention follows Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised (12th Edition). In what order should the following committee reports be adopted at the beginning of the convention: Program, Standing Rules, Credentials?

"[T]he Credentials Committee, the Committee on Standing Rules, and the Program Committee, in that order." RONR (12th ed.) 59:11.

According to Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised (12th Edition), one type of deliberative assembly is a meeting of an unorganized group which is announced “as open to everyone (or everyone within a specified sector of the population) interested in a particular problem or purpose defined by the meeting's sponsors,” and which is called with a view to appropriate action to be decided on and taken by the meeting body. What is this type of assembly?

A mass meeting. RONR (12th ed.) 1:10.

Your organization follows Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised (12th Edition). A motion is made at a monthly meeting and heated discussion follows. A member then rises and points out that the motion was never seconded and is therefore out of order. Is the Point of Order well taken?

No. "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. If a motion is considered and adopted without having been seconded—even in a case where there was no reason for the chair to overlook this requirement—the absence of a second does not affect the validity of the motion's adoption." RONR (12th ed.) 4:13.

Using Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised (12th Edition), what motion allows an assembly to avoid a particular main motion altogether without discussion?

Objection to the Consideration of a Question (which is not debatable, not amendable, and requires a two-thirds vote against consideration to pass). RONR (12th ed.) 26.

You are attending the monthly meeting of a civic organization that follows Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised (12th 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?

No, the point of order is not well taken. A motion cannot be renewed during the same session at which it has already been before the assembly, except where its renewal is permitted by a specific rule. RONR (12th ed.) 38:3. However, the typical rule is that "each regular meeting [of an organization] normally completes a separate session." RONR (12th ed.) 9:6. As a result, a defeated motion can be brought up again at a subsequent meeting.

According to Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised (12th Edition), this is a committee that is appointed, as the need arises, to carry out a specified task, at the completion of which the committee automatically ceases to exist. What is this type of committee called?

A "special committee" (or "select committee" or "ad hoc committee"). RONR (12th ed.) 50:10.

The Standard Code of Parliamentary Procedure (4th Edition)("Sturgis") notes that members of an organization may be unaware of related motions previously adopted or may overlook them. What is The Standard Code's name for the process by which an earlier motion is repealed when a later motion is adopted that conflicts in whole or in part with the motion or motions previously adopted?

Repeal by implication. The Standard Code of Parliamentary Procedure (4th Edition), p. 30.  

According to Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised (12th Edition), "a member who has spoken twice on a particular question on the same day has ____________ his right to debate that question for that day."

"Exhausted." RONR (12th ed.) 4:28.

You are attending a meeting that closely follows Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised (12th Edition). During debate, a member raises a Point of Order that a rule of debate has been violated. Upon the member resuming his seat after making the point of order, what should the chair do?  

"The chair then rules whether 'the point of order is well taken' or 'is not well taken,' stating briefly his reasons, which are recorded in the minutes. If the chair desires, he can review the parliamentary situation without leaving the chair, but standing, before giving his ruling." RONR (12th ed.) 23:15.

According to Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised (12th Edition), should the officers of an assembly be counted in determining whether or not a quorum is present?

"If the officers are members of the assembly--as they usually are in ordinary societies--they are counted in determining whether a quorum is present." RONR (12th ed.) 3:6.

Complete the following sentence using Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised (12th Edition): "Except for the corporate charter in an incorporated society, the ____________ (as the single, combination-type instrument is called in this book) comprise the highest body of rules in societies as normally established today."   

"bylaws." RONR (12th ed.) 2:12.

The Standard Code of Parliamentary Procedure (4th Edition)("Sturgis") does not recognize the motion Fix the Time to Which to Adjourn. If a privileged motion to adjourn is pending under The Standard Code, how can another meeting be established?

"Under the Standard Code, if the privileged motion to adjourn is pending, it can be amended to specify when the meeting is to be resumed. The amendment is also privileged, meaning that because of its urgency it may interrupt for immediate consideration." The Standard Code of Parliamentary Procedure, p. 233.



What is the name given to a deliberative assembly that Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised (12th Edition) defines as follows: "[A] meeting of an unorganized group that is announced as open to everyone (or everyone within a specified sector of the population) interested in a particular problem or purpose defined by the meeting's sponsors, and that is called with a view to appropriate action to be decided on and taken by the meeting body"?

A mass meeting. RONR (12th ed.) 1:10.

Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised (12th Edition) has a motion by which a motion relating to a single subject containing several parts, each of which is capable of standing as a complete proposition, can be separated to be considered and voted on as if they were distinct questions. What is the name of the motion with this purpose?

"Division of a Question." RONR (12th ed.) 27:1.