Chapter 10 - Robert's Rules of Order, In Brief

The highest ranking set of rules is:

• Law

• Corporate Charter

• Bylaws or Constitution

• Rules of Order

• Standing Rules

A corporate charter is required:

• If and only if an organization is incorporated and required by state law

• In all cases

• Only when it is necessary to clarify the constitution and by-laws

The highest ranking document WITHIN an organization is:

• Law

• Corporate Charter

• Bylaws or Constitution

• Rules of Order

• Standing Rules

A main motion that goes against a group's by-laws is:

• Never in order

• In order if there is unanimous consent

• In order by a 2/3 vote

Rules of order:

• Regulate the conduct of business in meetings

• Are unnecessary and may actually slow down business

• Supersede by-laws

Special rules of order:

• Allow an organization to adopt rules that better suit its needs

• Require a 3/4 vote

• Supersede

Standing rules:

• Relate to administrative details

• Supersede by-laws

• Can be instituted at the call of the president

Custom:

• Is a practice that the group has adopted through habit

• Supersedes standing rules

• Is written into a book called "Ye Olde Customs Book"

Copies of the organization's corporate charter, bylaws, special rules of order, and standing rules should be provided to all members.

• True

• False

In addition to the group's purpose and object, bylaws tend to include provisions for (choose all that apply):

• Qualifications of membership and selection of members

• Officers, committees, meetings, and quorum

• An executive board or board of directors

• Their (the by-laws) amendment

• The group's parliamentary authority