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. When the bylaws authorize a board to 'fill vacancies,' does this include filling a vacancy in an elective office? → Yes, unless the bylaws specifically exclude elective offices
3. 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
4. Under RONR, what is the first step when a member's conduct is disruptive during a meeting? → The chair calls the member to order
5. The term 'incidental motions' refers to motions that: → Arise incidentally out of the business at hand and must be decided before proceeding
6. 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
7. Which of the following motions is NOT debatable under RONR? → Previous Question
8. What is quorum in a parliamentary procedure? → The number of members required to hold a meeting
9. The principle of 'neutrality' for a parliamentarian-of-record means: → The parliamentarian does not advocate for any outcome but advises impartially on procedure
10. What is the effect of the motion to 'postpone definitely' (postpone to a certain time)? → It defers consideration to a specified future time and makes it a general order
11. After a substitute amendment is adopted, what becomes the main motion? → The substitute text, which is then open to further amendment
12. After a recess is declared, the chair calls the meeting back to order. At what point on the agenda does business resume? → Exactly where it was interrupted when recess was called
13. 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
14. A motion is on the floor and a member moves to 'lay it on the table.' The chair should: → Immediately put it to a vote without debate
15. What is the parliamentary term for the procedure that allows the assembly to 'undo' an action taken at a previous meeting? → Rescind
16. When an organization adopts RONR as its parliamentary authority, which statement is true regarding RONR's applicability? → RONR applies to all situations not covered by the organization's own rules
17. The purpose of an 'objection to consideration' is to: → Prevent the assembly from even considering a harmful or improper main motion
18. When a motion to Reconsider is made, which condition must be met regarding who makes the motion? → It must be made by a member who voted on the prevailing side
19. Which of the following statements is TRUE about the motion to 'call for the orders of the day'? → It is a privileged motion that forces adherence to the adopted agenda
20. Under RONR, committee members deliberate under which rules? → More informal rules—no need for seconds, freer debate
21. A 'friendly amendment' under strict parliamentary procedure is: → Not recognized—all amendments must follow regular procedure
22. What is the role of bylaws in governing documents? → To establish the foundational rules for the organization’s operation
23. Under RONR, what constitutes a 'majority vote' unless otherwise specified? → More than half of votes cast, excluding abstentions
24. A motion to 'table' a main motion in US parliamentary practice means to: → Set it aside temporarily with intent to return
25. When a 'previous question' motion is adopted, what is the immediate effect? → Debate ends and the assembly votes immediately
26. Who appoints the members of a special committee if the motion creating it does not specify? → The chair, unless the assembly decides otherwise
27. What should the chairperson do if a vote is tied? → Cast the deciding vote or follow the organization's procedure
28. The 'consent agenda' (consent calendar) technique is primarily used to: → Approve routine, non-controversial items collectively with a single vote
29. If no candidate receives a majority in a ballot election, the correct procedure is to: → Hold additional ballots until a majority is achieved
30. The motion to 'ratify' is used to: → Confirm an action taken without proper authority that the assembly can legally approve