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CHAPTER XX

PARLIAMENTARY LAW

SECTION I-INTRODUCTORY

Rules of

Order.

PROPOSE in this chapter to present to the student a practical epitome of parliamentary law. The outline given conforms in its general principles to the manuals used in legislative bodies throughout the United States. It is also concise in statement, compact in form, and suitable to the organization and government of any formal gathering or body. I shall show how to begin and conduct a meeting for the transaction of business, how to organize a permanent association, and how to regulate the proceedings of any legislative or deliberative body. Finally, I shall offer an example of a Constitution and By-Laws suitable for a lyceum or debating club.

SECTION II-INFORMAL ASSEMBLY

Let us begin with an informal gathering of men, without officers. At such a meeting some prominent man, who has been influential in call- Temporary ing the people together, will rise, briefly

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Officers.

state the object of the gathering, and ask for nominations for temporary Chairman. In case only one nomination is made, the vote may be taken viva voce, but if several names are presented the vote should be by ballot. The nominee receiving the largest number of votes is elected.

The temporary Chairman takes the chair and calls for nominations for a temporary Secretary, who is elected in the same manner as the temporary Chairman. If the meeting is merely for the transaction of special business, as when a gathering of the employees is held to pass resolutions on the death of a member of a firm, the temporary officers remain until the purpose in view has been accomplished and the meeting adjourns. On the other hand, if the meeting has been called for the purpose of perfecting an organization, as a club of any sort, the work of the temporary officers continues until a Constitution and By-Laws have been framed and adopted. The work of framing the Constitution and By-Laws is generally entrusted to a special committee appointed for the purpose. The committee makes its report at a future meeting, and the assembly acts on the report (Sec. VII.-A). The Constitution prescribes the number of officers, the manner of their election, whether by ballot or otherwise, and their duties. Consequently, the first step to be taken after adopting the Constitution and By-Laws is the election of permanent officers.

SECTION III-ORGANIZATION

A-Officers

The officers of a parliamentary body differ in their number and their duties according to the nature of its organization. Thus the presiding officer in legislative assemblies is generally termed the Speaker. But other organized bodies usually have the following officers:

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The presiding officer is called the President. is his duty to occupy the chair, and to conduct the business of the organization in exact ac- 1. The cordance with the Constitution, By-Laws,

President.

and the adopted Rules of Order. He should call the meeting to order, ascertain whether a quorum is present (Sec. III.-C), and formally declare the body open for business.

The President must recognize any member rising to address the Chair, must entertain all lawful motions, must rule upon questions of order, must enforce strict decorum, and must appoint all committees not otherwise provided for. When a motion is made and seconded the President must state it clearly to the assembly. To this end he may at any time require the submission of motions in writing. Having stated the motion, if debatable, he must give opportunity for discussion (Sec. VII.). This ended, the President must state the motion again, put it to vote, and announce the result.

The duties of the presiding officer require a perfect knowledge of the Constitution, By-Laws, and