Mixed Deck — All CP Topics Flashcards

When an organization's constitution is silent on a procedure, what is the correct course of action?

Answer: The organization's parliamentary authority fills the gap

When governing documents are silent on a procedure, the organization's adopted parliamentary authority (such as RONR) provides the applicable rules.

What is the role of confidentiality in a parliamentarian's work?

Answer: It is essential to protect sensitive information discussed in meetings

Confidentiality is essential in a parliamentarian's work to protect sensitive information discussed in meetings. Members and committees often share private details or strategic plans that should not be disclosed outside the meeting. Maintaining confidentiality builds trust and encourages open, honest discussion without fear of inappropriate dissemination.

What is the correct standard order of business prescribed by RONR for a deliberative assembly?

Answer: Minutes, Reports, Special Orders, Unfinished Business and General Orders, New Business

RONR prescribes the standard order of business as: Reading and Approval of Minutes; Reports of Officers, Boards, and Committees; Special Orders; Unfinished Business and General Orders; New Business.

What is the primary purpose of parliamentary procedure?

Answer: To ensure fairness and order during meetings

The primary purpose of parliamentary procedure is to ensure fairness and order during meetings. It provides a structured framework for conducting business, allowing all members to participate, express their views, and make decisions democratically. By following established rules, meetings can proceed efficiently, respectfully, and with clear outcomes.

Which principle applies when two provisions of the same bylaw article appear to conflict?

Answer: The specific provision controls over the general provision

A well-established rule of document interpretation is that the specific provision controls over a general provision on the same subject.

When an organization adopts RONR as its parliamentary authority, which statement is true regarding RONR's applicability?

Answer: RONR applies to all situations not covered by the organization's own rules

The parliamentary authority fills gaps in the organization's own governing documents but does not override them.

A motion is postponed to the next meeting. Where does it appear in the order of business at that meeting?

Answer: Under special orders if it was postponed as a special order, or under unfinished business and general orders otherwise

A postponed motion resurfaces at the meeting to which it was postponed either as a special order (if so designated) or as a general order under unfinished business and general orders.

How should a parliamentarian handle a situation where the governing documents are unclear?

Answer: Seek clarification and apply general principles of fairness

When governing documents are unclear, a parliamentarian should not make arbitrary decisions. Instead, they should seek to clarify the intent behind the rule, perhaps by referring to the organization's history or purpose. They then apply general parliamentary principles of fairness, common sense, and the rights of all members to ensure consistent and equitable application of rules.

Under RONR, committee members deliberate under which rules?

Answer: More informal rules—no need for seconds, freer debate

Committees operate under more informal procedures: motions do not require seconds, members may speak multiple times, and debate is more relaxed.

When interpreting a bylaw that was adopted before the current parliamentary authority was adopted, what rule applies?

Answer: The provision is interpreted under the currently adopted parliamentary authority

Governing documents are interpreted in light of the currently adopted parliamentary authority, not the one in effect when the provision was written.

What should a parliamentarian do if they encounter a situation outside their area of expertise?

Answer: Defer to the judgment of those with more expertise

If a parliamentarian encounters a situation outside their area of expertise, they should defer to the judgment of those with more specialized knowledge. Attempting to advise on unfamiliar topics could lead to incorrect guidance and procedural errors. Recognizing limitations and seeking expert consultation ensures that the organization receives accurate and appropriate advice.

What is the purpose of a 'tellers committee' during a ballot election?

Answer: Distribute, collect, and count ballots and report results

Tellers distribute ballots, collect them, count votes, and report the numerical results to the chair who then announces the outcome.

When a main motion is 'committed,' all pending amendments:

Answer: Go to the committee along with the main motion

When a main motion is referred to committee, all pending amendments go with it so the committee considers the full picture.

The primary purpose of a nominating committee is to:

Answer: Identify and recruit qualified candidates for each office

The nominating committee identifies, recruits, and presents qualified candidates to ensure competitive and capable slates for each office.

Which of the following describes 'informal consideration' as a simplified alternative to a committee of the whole?

Answer: The assembly agrees to consider a matter as if in committee without formal procedure

Informal consideration allows the assembly to discuss a matter under relaxed rules without formally going into a committee of the whole.

What is the parliamentary term for the procedure that allows the assembly to 'undo' an action taken at a previous meeting?

Answer: Rescind

The motion to rescind strikes out an action taken at a prior meeting; the motion to reconsider applies only within the same meeting.

Which of the following motions can be used to bring back a motion that was laid on the table?

Answer: Take from the table

The motion to take from the table resumes consideration of a matter that was previously laid on the table.

What is the role of the parliamentarian during a meeting?

Answer: To ensure members follow proper protocol and rules

The role of the parliamentarian during a meeting is to serve as an advisor to the presiding officer and members on matters of parliamentary law and procedure. They ensure that members follow proper protocol and rules, helping to maintain order and fairness. The parliamentarian does not make decisions or vote, but rather provides expert guidance to facilitate smooth and correct meeting conduct.

What is the parliamentary status of business transacted without a quorum present?

Answer: Null and void unless ratified by the full membership

Business transacted without a quorum is null and void and has no legal effect unless the full membership ratifies it at a subsequent meeting with a quorum present.

A motion is said to be 'out of order' when it:

Answer: Conflicts with higher authority rules or the main motion

A motion is out of order when it violates the organization's governing documents, applicable law, or a higher-ranking rule.