Parliamentary Procedure Vocabulary

Front

A coordinated system used to conduct business when working in a group; allows everyone to be heard and make decisions without confusion.

Back

Parliamentary procedure

Front

This person will call the meeting to order, recognize members to the floor, state motions, announce the vote and maintain order; a neutral body, that cannot offer debate on a motion or make motions and can only vote if it is to make or break a tie.

Back

Chairman or chairwoman

Front

What is the main role of someone who is familiar with the duties of the chair and can step in if the chair becomes unable to serve?

Back

Vice chairman or chairwoman

Front

Serves as the official record keeper of the organization, keeps the roll of members and minutes of the meeting and record of proceedings of the previous meeting as well as take notes to report at the next meeting.

Back

Secretary

Front

The custodian of the funds for the organization; receives all of the incoming money and disburses the money according to instructions specified by the organization; common tasks include preparing the organization’s budget, making sure the books are audited and filling out appropriate tax forms; gives a report at the meeting.

Back

Treasurer

Front

Brings a proposal or item of business on which the group is to make a decision; sometimes referred to as the question.

Back

motion

Front

Brings a new item of business before the group; can be further subdivided into two categories: original main motions and incidental main motions.

Back

Main motion

Front

A motion which brings an item of business before the meeting

Back

Original main motion

Front

A main motion that is related to the business of the assembly or its past or future action

Back

incidental main motion

Front

What is made while a main motion is pending?

Back

Secondary motion