PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE CHEAT SHEET

The 4 Basic Principles of Parliamentary Procedure 1. Only one subject may claim the attention of the executive board at one time. 2. Everything that is presented is entitled to a full and free debate. 3. Every member of the SGA has rights equal to every other member. 4. The personality and desires of each member should be merged into the larger unit of the organization. The 6 Basic Steps to Every Motion Every action that someone would like to happen needs to be approved by all voting members in the SGA. This calls for a motion. 1. Motion: a. A Senator raises their hand to signal the Senate Chairperson b. The Senator is then recognized by the chairperson c. The Senator makes a motion i. Common Mistake: 1. Senators dont wait to be recognized and start making motion 2. Senators start discussing their motion before the proper time 2. Second: a. Another Senator must second the motion in order to move on i. Common Mistake: 1. The Senator who seconds the motion starts discussing it 3. Restate Motion: a. Senate Chairperson restates the motion to the assembly i. Common Mistake: 1. Motion is restated differently. 4. Debate: a. The Senators debate the motion b. Only one Senator can speak at a time c. Common Mistake:. i. Senators talk to each other rather than directly to the Senate Chairperson ii. Debate continues without constructive discussion. (President has the power to put a motion to a vote at any time.) 5. Voting: a. The Senate Chairperson restates the motion and then asks for votes for those in favor, apposed, and abstentions from voting. b. This SGA uses a show of hands to calculate the majority of the vote i. Common Mistakes: 1. The Senate Chairperson does not restate the motion 6. Verdict and Instruction: a. The Senate Chairperson announces the result of the voting b. The Senate Chairperson instructs the corresponding officer to take action c. The Senate Chairperson introduces the next item of business or asks the assembly for the next motion i. Common Mistakes:

PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE CHEAT SHEET

1. Senate Chairperson fails to pronounce the results of the voting 2. No one is instructed to take action Alternative Actions on Motions 1. Amending a Motion: When a motion is made and someone wishes to change the motion in a way that he sees fit. A motion to amend must be seconded. After it is seconded, debate on the motion can only be about the update motion with the amendment, not without. No more than 2 amendments on any motion are allowed a. Amendments are generally made to clarify, change, or add to an amendment. 2. Table a Motion: This should be used when someone believes that the SGA should not decide on this motion at this time. Once the motion is put to the table, there is no time limit to when it has to be revisited. a. How to lay a motion on the tablei. A senator states that they wish to lay a motion on the table ii. The motion needs to be seconded by a member of the senate iii. The Senate Chair brings this to a vote, where majority is needed for it to pass iv. This is not debatable or amendable -The reasons for tabling could be: b. Someone is absent that might be very instrumental in this decision c. This might be more appropriate after another motion is decided d. More information is needed before moving forward. 3. Postpone Definitely: Essentially, the motion is tabled; however, discussion is delayed until a certain time. If any of these actions (table and postpone) is called then the decision is immediately put to a vote and a majority vote decides. Quick List of Common Phrases
Phrase I move that we I move that we refer this motion to Point of order Point of personal privilege I move that we table the motion I call the question Point of inquiry I move that we postpone this motion to I would like to amend the motion and move that we Point of information Meaning Make a motion. Refer a motion to someone. Breach of Roberts Rules, Constitution, or Bylaws. Asking for something to be fixed or to leave the room. Table the discussion of a particular motion. Call a vote to end debate on a motion. Asks the Senate Chairperson for more information on the motion. Postpone a motion definitely. Amend a motion. Asking for more information on a particular matter.