Why Do We Use Parliamentary Procedure

Why Do We Use Parliamentary Procedure?

Parliamentary Procedures are based on several principles:

1. Perhaps the most important is the principle of rights.

The right of the majority to ultimately rule
The right of the minority to be heard
The right of the individual to participate in the decision-making process

2. There is also the principle of—one thing at a time.

This is of great importance in the process
It keeps the meeting conducted in an orderly fashion
However, it recognizes that some things may justifiably, temporarily interrupt the proceedings

3. There is the principle of germaneness.

This ensures that amendments directly relate to the main motion
It also ensures that speeches directly relate to the business before the body

4. The principle of balance finds its way into the procedures in some rules.

Speeches should alternate between positive and negative as much as possible
Also, when a vote is taken, the affirmative and negative must be taken on all motions. Unless, your group’s customs operate in other ways.

5. Last, but not least, is the principle of parliamentary courtesy.

One must debate measures, not members
Treat one another with decency, no matter what you think of them or their opinions on the matter.
Decorum should be understood at all times.

These principles sometimes come in conflict with one another and are sometimes abstract. Therefore, the purpose of rules is to bring a procedural balance that considers all principles and establishes a specific process by which those principles interact and work. In other words, the rules represent principles. Both give specific guidance on method to provide a reasonable compromise in the event of conflict.

Regardless of a person’s perception of the principles, the rules must be allowed to govern conduct. These rules are not always specific enough in certain instances; as a result, people may disagree about their application. For that reason, members of an organization must agree to follow a certain set of rules, such as Robert’s Rules of Order, or establish more specific rules within the Constitution and By-Laws or some other official manual. In parliamentary rules, as with law, the specific shall take priority over the general. Having an established set of procedures precludes members from claiming that rules do not apply in certain situations because they seem, in their interests, to violate the principles of parliamentary law. Once these rules and procedures have been agreed upon and established by an organization, they are to be followed by the letter. Traditions and customs may change over time. This may necessitate tweaking of rules and procedures in the future.

by Sean Higgins, Grand Counselor, 2005-07