Introduction: Brief overview of Parliamentary Procedure

I. Debate in parliamentary session

1. Rules governing debate
1. Speaker must be recognized by the chair before speaking
2. The chair will recognize speakers representing differing points of view
3. Debate must be germane to the pending question
4. Debate is closed by…..
1. Passage of the previous question
2. When no speakers remain to be heard
3. When the time set by a motion to limit debate has arrived
5. Debate is not in order until the motion has been seconded and restated by the chair
6. Order of debate
1. The member making the motion
2. The member seconding the motion
3. Other members (alternate arguments for and against the motion)
2. Hints for debaters
1. Address remarks to the chair or the body as a whole, not to individuals
2. Be brief and specific (do not make extended speeches)
3. Remarks must be germane to the pending question (no tangential discussions)

II. Voting

1. Methods
1. Voice vote
2. Show of hands
3. Rising
4. Ballot
5. Roll Call
6. General Consent
7. Mail Vote
2. Terminology
1. Plurality—the greatest number of votes received
2. Simple majority—one more than half of the votes cast
3. Two-thirds majority
4. Unanimous (this could be general consent of the body)
3. The Chair
1. Cannot vote unless the vote will effect the overall outcome

1. To break a tie
2. To create a tie

    2. Can vote in any instance in which a ballot is used

D. General rules on voting
1. Members do not have to vote—even when present
2. Votes may be cast as "yes", "no", or "abstain"
3. Results are determined by the number of votes that are cast—not the number of members present
4. A vote is not officially complete until the chair announces the decision
5. These motions require a two-thirds majority (not all-inclusive)
1. Suspend the rules
2. Previous question
3. Limit, or extend the limits of, debate
4. Close nominations