WorksheetsChapter 3 - Robert's Rules of Order, In Brief
Total questions: 35
Worksheet time: 18mins
A proper way for the chair to state the question on a main motion is to say
“It has been moved and seconded that [or ‘to’]...[repeating the motion].
“The question is on the motion [or ‘to’]...[repeating the motion].
“It is moved and seconded that [or ‘to’]...[repeating the motion].
The main motion is one that
brings business before the assembly.
can be made while another motion is pending.
has the highest rank.
A proper way to present a simple main motion is to say
“I make a motion....”
“I motion to.....”
“I move that....”
The basic form of motion by which business is introduced is
a subsidiary motion.
an incidental motion.
an original main motion.
an incidental main motion
A member is said to be “recognized” when:
He/she stands and addresses the chair
They speak from their seat and shout out debate
The chair designates them as the next speaker
A person who is not the first to rise and address the chair may be given preference in being recognized if
the chair knows and approves of his position on a question.
he asks for preferential treatment because of another engagement.
he is the maker of the motion and has not spoken to the question.
As soon as a member has made a motion, he
resumes his seat.
remains standing, knowing that he will be recognized first.
remains standing in case any member wishes to suggest a change in the motion.
Before a member in an assembly can speak in debate he must
have paid the dues required by the organization.
get the attention of the chair by raising his hand.
obtain the floor
A member is said to have yielded the floor when:
When the president taps the gavel
They sit down after speaking
When someone else begins to speak
A motion is said to be pending when:
The chair has stated it and it is under consideration
After it has been voted on
When a member makes a motion
Debate is:
Best when done loudly
Argument designed to tear down the reputation of other members
Discussion on the merits of the question
Debate on a question must
be confined to the merits of the pending question and any amendments.
last no longer than ten minutes.
be confined to the merits of the pending question.
Abstentions are:
Instances in which members who are present do not vote
Instances when members wish to express their disapproval with a vote
Necessary if a member feels too strongly about a subject
Abstentions are:
Not counted and have no effect on the vote result
Counted if the member wants it to be
Counted as half votes
In order to introduce a main motion, a member must:
Introduce their motion while seated
Seek the floor, be recognized by the chair, explain their motion, and state their motion
Seek the floor, be recognized by the chair, and state their motion
Copies of written motions should always be distributed to:
The president and secretary
The president, the secretary, and the chair of the membership committee
Members of the public who are interested in the organization
The purpose of a second is
for the chair’s guidance as to whether the chair should state the question on the motion, thus placing it before the assembly.
for the assembly’s guidance to ensure that more than one person is in favor of the motion.
ensure that the record is clear who wanted to consider the particular motion.
The chairman should state the motion so that:
He/she can see if members want to consider the motion
Members will understand the exact wording of the motion
Members can decide if they want to second the motion
Before stating a motion, the chairman should:
Determine if the motion is in order, make sure that that wording is clear
Decide whether he/she favors the motion
Tell the member who made the motion, “You are out of order,” if the motion is not in order.
The phrase “Are you ready for the question?”:
Gives members a chance to debate, make amendments, or make other motions related to the main motion
Takes too much time to ask and isn’t necessary
Means that a member should answer a question on the current matter
The chair’s announcement of the result of the vote should include
the motion is adopted (or lost) and the effect of the vote.
the ayes (or noes) have it. Is there any further business?
the ayes (or noes) have it, the motion is adopted (or lost) and the effect of the vote.
After the chairman announces the result of a vote:
The chairman should declare the effect of the vote
The chairman may veto the vote if he/she prefers
The chairman raps the gavel on the table seven times
The correct way for the chair to put the question to the assembly is:
“The question is on the motion that…”
“The question that we must consider here today is…”
“We are currently considering the question that…”
The correct way for the chair to announce the result of the vote is:
“The (ayes/noes) have it, and the motion is (adopted/lost).”
“The chair has spoken. The motion is (adopted/lost).”
“Our debate is finished. Motion adopted.”
After the result of a vote is announced, the chair should:
Call up the next item of business
Call for a recess
Adjourn the meeting
How is an item of business proposed in a meeting?
From a committee
Make a motion
Start a discussion
In order to speak in a meeting, you should:
Raise your hand and keep it up until the chair calls on you
After the previous speaker finishes, stand and say, “Mr. or Madam President”
After the previous speaker finishes, call out Mr. or Madam President”
What do you say to properly make a motion?
I’d like to make a motion
I motion that…
I move to/that…
A second means:
The seconder agrees with the motion
The seconder wants the motion to be considered
The seconder does not want the motion to be defeated
What is the next step after a motion is moved and seconded?
The chair states the motion (after making sure it is in order)
The members debate the motion
The members vote on the motion
Members who agree with the second should also second
Making a "third."
What are the two duties of the chair related to stating a motion?
Deciding who can speak on the motion and who can vote
Determining that the motion is in order and that it is clearly phrased
Making sure there is a second and that the motion is on the floor
What does debate mean?
Discussion on the merits of the motion
Disagreement about the motion
Argument between two members
What does the chair say when it appears no one else seeks recognition to speak?
It’s time to vote now or I’m going to take the vote now
The decision is that we will….
Are you ready for the question or Is there any further debate?
If there is no further debate, what does the chair say?
The question is on the adoption of the motion that…
We’re going to vote on the motion
It’s time to vote on the question
Which of the following is the correct form to announce the result of a vote?
The motion passes
The ayes have it and the motion is adopted
The next item of business is…
