CP Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield CP facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. An 'executive session' restricts: → Non-members and those without a need to know from participation
2. What business may be transacted at a special meeting called to consider a proposed amendment to the bylaws? → Only the bylaws amendment and directly related matters
3. Under RONR, what is the first step when a member's conduct is disruptive during a meeting? → The chair calls the member to order
4. Which method of filling in a blank is used when multiple numbers or names are proposed? → Vote on each proposal until one gets a majority
5. What is quorum in a parliamentary procedure? → The number of members required to hold a meeting
6. After a substitute amendment is adopted, what becomes the main motion? → The substitute text, which is then open to further amendment
7. When an organization has no quorum present but needs to deal with an emergency, it may: → Take action only to fix the quorum problem, adjourn, or recess
8. What is the parliamentary term for the procedure that allows the assembly to 'undo' an action taken at a previous meeting? → Rescind
9. The purpose of an 'objection to consideration' is to: → Prevent the assembly from even considering a harmful or improper main motion
10. Under RONR, committee members deliberate under which rules? → More informal rules—no need for seconds, freer debate
11. A 'friendly amendment' under strict parliamentary procedure is: → Not recognized—all amendments must follow regular procedure
12. What is the role of bylaws in governing documents? → To establish the foundational rules for the organization’s operation
13. Under RONR, what constitutes a 'majority vote' unless otherwise specified? → More than half of votes cast, excluding abstentions
14. A motion to 'table' a main motion in US parliamentary practice means to: → Set it aside temporarily with intent to return
15. When a 'previous question' motion is adopted, what is the immediate effect? → Debate ends and the assembly votes immediately
16. Who appoints the members of a special committee if the motion creating it does not specify? → The chair, unless the assembly decides otherwise
17. What should the chairperson do if a vote is tied? → Cast the deciding vote or follow the organization's procedure
18. If no candidate receives a majority in a ballot election, the correct procedure is to: → Hold additional ballots until a majority is achieved
19. The motion to 'ratify' is used to: → Confirm an action taken without proper authority that the assembly can legally approve
20. Can a committee take binding action on behalf of the organization without assembly approval? → Only if the bylaws grant the committee that specific authority
21. The term 'abstain' in voting means a member: → Does not vote at all
22. When can the assembly instruct a committee that is currently studying a matter? → At any time before the committee makes its final report
23. What is the role of a parliamentarian when a member violates the rules? → Point out the violation and advise on the correct procedure
24. A 'quasi-committee of the whole' differs from a full committee of the whole in that: → The chair remains in the chair instead of appointing a committee chair
25. Which class of motions takes precedence over all other motions when raised? → Privileged motions
26. If ballots are destroyed before a recount is demanded, the likely parliamentary result is: → The result stands but a recount is impossible
27. What is the effect of a negative vote on the motion to 'postpone indefinitely'? → The main motion remains before the assembly
28. What is the best way to address the chairperson's inappropriate behavior? → Raise a point of order to address the violation
29. Under RONR, what notice is generally required before a special meeting can be held? → Reasonable notice as defined by the bylaws, sent to all members
30. Which of the following motions is NOT debatable? → Lay on the table