If a convention is called to form a permanent organization, permanent officers are elected

If a convention is called to form a permanent organization, permanent officers are elected

A. before the meeting opens.

B. directly after the chairman pro tem opens the meeting.

C. after the adoption of the bylaws.

D. at a special session after the convention adjourns sine die.

Answer: C

In forming a new, unincorporated society, Article 1/: Object of the bylaws should be

In forming a new, unincorporated society, Article 1/: Object of the bylaws should be

A. specific.

B. more than one sentence.

C. general.

D. should be written so that only the members can understand it.

Answer: C

Who is generally appointed by the presiding officer to assume the chair if a motion to refer to a committee of the whole is adopted?

Who is generally appointed by the presiding officer to assume the chair if a motion to refer to a committee of the whole is adopted?

A. Secretary

B. Vice-president

C. Treasurer

D. Parliamentarian

Answer: B

What is the minimum number of committee members that can call a meeting if the chairman does not?

What is the minimum number of committee members that can call a meeting if the chairman does not?

A. Two

B. Three

C. Four

D. None of the above. Only the committee chairman can call a meeting.

Answer: A

If an organization wishes a historical account to be part of the official history of the society, after a presentation by the historian, it must be

If an organization wishes a historical account to be part of the official history of the society, after a presentation by the historian, it must be

A. approved by all the officers.

B. formally adopted by the assembly.

C. referred to a Special Committee for further study.

D. in the form of a recommendation from the appropriate Standing Committee.

Answer: B

Correspondence of an official nature is normally read by the

Correspondence of an official nature is normally read by the

A. recording secretary.

B. corresponding secretary.

C. president.

D. vice-president.

Answer: A

Which statement is false regarding nominating committees?

Which statement is false regarding nominating committees?

A. Members of a nominating committee are not barred from becoming nominees.

B. The nominating committee may nominate more than one candidate for each office.

C. In an organized society, the chair should appoint the nominating committee.

D. All nominees should be contacted by the nominating committee before announcing their nomination.

Answer: C

In an election, John received 50 votes, Mary received 49 votes, and Jane received 48 votes. Which person received a plurality?

In an election, John received 50 votes, Mary received 49 votes, and Jane received 48 votes. Which person received a plurality?

A. John

B. Mary

C. Jane

D. None of the above

Answer: A

An assembly has 30 regular members in attendance at a meeting and the president, who is the presiding officer. If all 30 of the regular members voted, how many would have to vote in favor of a main motion "to have a dance next Saturday" in order for it to be adopted? Assume the presiding officer does not vote.

An assembly has 30 regular members in attendance at a meeting and the president, who is the presiding officer. If all 30 of the regular members voted, how many would have to vote in favor of a main motion "to have a dance next Saturday" in order for it to be adopted? Assume the presiding officer does not vote.

A. 20
B. 21
C. 15
D. 16

Answer: D

The assembly can adopt the motion to close debate immediately on a pending question if two thirds of those vote

The assembly can adopt the motion to close debate immediately on a pending question if two thirds of those vote

A. for a Division of the Question.

B. to Postpone the Question.

C. for the Previous Question.

D. to Postpone the Question Indefinitely.

Answer: C

Members should be given preference in recognition for debate from the chair if they

Members should be given preference in recognition for debate from the chair if they

A. made a committee report and want to implement a motion.
B. moved to take a motion off the table.
C. made a motion and have not already spoken.
D. All of the above

Answer: D

The Program is usually presented

The Program is usually presented

A. after the meeting is adjourned.

B. before new business.

C. during roll call.

D. just before the meeting is adjourned.

Answer: D

Which of the following terms or phrases deal with the order in which business is taken up in a session?

Which of the following terms or phrases deal with the order in which business is taken up in a session?

A. Agenda

B. Order of Business

C. Orders of the Day

D. All of the above

Answer: D

Only the affirmative vote may be reconsidered on the motion to

Only the affirmative vote may be reconsidered on the motion to

A. Recess.

B. Postpone Indefinitely.

C. Adjourn.

D. Amend.

Answer: B

If you wanted to take up a question out of its proper order, what form would you use?

If you wanted to take up a question out of its proper order, what form would you use?

A. "I move to postpone the motion indefinitely to consider... "

B. "I move to rescind the motion and debate the motion to... "

C. "I move to suspend the rules and take up... "

D. "I move the previous question and..."

Answer: C

The motion to Take From the Table is classified as a (an)

The motion to Take From the Table is classified as a (an)

A. Privileged Motion.

B. Bring back Motion.

C. Main Motion.

D. Incidental Motion.

Answer: B

Which of the following is an incidental motion?

Which of the following is an incidental motion?

A. Division of the Assembly

B. Fix the Time to Which to Adjourn

C. Lay on the Table

D. Call for the Orders of the Day

Answer: A

What is one difference between the motion to Amend a pending motion and to Amend Something Previously Adopted?

What is one difference between the motion to Amend a pending motion and to Amend Something Previously Adopted?

A. An amendment to a pending motion is a main motion.

B. The motion to Amend Something Previously Adopted is always debatable.

C. An amendment to a pending motion requires a two-thirds vote to be adopted.

D. The motion to Amend Something Previously Adopted does not need a second.

Answer: B

With a main motion and an amendment pending, which of the following motions would be out of order?

With a main motion and an amendment pending, which of the following motions would be out of order?

A. Lay on the Table

B. Recess

C. Postpone Indefinitely

D. Refer to a Committee

Answer: C

Assume a few members constantly called out "Division!" on all voice votes even though the outcome was obviously unanimous. What would you do as chairman?

Assume a few members constantly called out "Division!" on all voice votes even though the outcome was obviously unanimous. What would you do as chairman?

A. Conduct the rising vote.

B. Tell the members to stop disrupting the assembly.

C. Either not recognize the members or rule the request out of order.

D. Have the assembly vote on whether they wish the division.

Answer: C

Adoption of the motion to Rescind and Expunge From the Minutes requires a minimum affirmative vote of

Adoption of the motion to Rescind and Expunge From the Minutes requires a minimum affirmative vote of

A. all the members.

B. two-thirds of all the members.

C. a majority of the entire membership.

D. only the officers of an organization.

Answer: C

The object of the motion to Take From the Table is to make pending again a motion that was

The object of the motion to Take From the Table is to make pending again a motion that was

A. postponed to a certain time at the last meeting.

B. postponed indefinitely.

C. rescinded.

D. laid on the table.

Answer: D

A Point of Information is a request directed through the

A Point of Information is a request directed through the

A. parliamentarian.

B. secretary.

C. presiding officer.

D. member speaking.

Answer: C

Which of the following must be ordered after a demand by only one member?

Which of the following must be ordered after a demand by only one member?

A. Object to Consideration

B. Division of the Assembly

C. Withdrawal of a Motion (during debate)

D. Previous Question

Answer: D

Which motion below can a chairman make?

Which motion below can a chairman make?

A. Previous Question

B. Postpone Indefinitely

C. Reconsider

D. Object to the Consideration

When the incidental motion to Appeal is debatable, no member can speak more than once except the

When the incidental motion to Appeal is debatable, no member can speak more than once except the

A. member who proposed the Appeal.

B. member who seconded the Appeal.

C. presiding officer, who may speak twice.

D. officers of the organization.

Answer: C

The privileged motion to Fix the Time to Which to Adjourn

The privileged motion to Fix the Time to Which to Adjourn

A. may be applied to any motion.

B. is not debatable

C. does not require a second.

D. cannot be amended as to the date.

Answer: B

If a question is pending at an organized monthly meeting and an adjournment closed the meeting, the pending motion

If a question is pending at an organized monthly meeting and an adjournment closed the meeting, the pending motion

A. is taken up as the first item under unfinished business at the next monthly meeting.

B. must be introduced again at the next meeting in order to be considered.

C. is laid on the table.

D. is lost.

Answer: A

Which of the following is true of the privileged motion to recess?

Which of the following is true of the privileged motion to recess?

A. It may provide for a recess at a later time.

B. It requires that the duration of the recess be included in the motion.

C. The vote may be reconsidered .

D. It is "privileged" only when it is proposed while another question is pending.

Answer: D

Assume you are chairman at a meeting. The orders of the day are called for, and you sense that the assembly would prefer to consider the pending question. What would be the proper procedure?

Assume you are chairman at a meeting. The orders of the day are called for, and you sense that the assembly would prefer to consider the pending question. What would be the proper procedure?

A. Proceed with fulfilling the request for the orders of the day.

B. The chair could call for a vote on whether the assembly wishes to consider the orders of the day.

C. Ignore the request and proceed with the pending question.

D. Call the member who called for the orders of the day out of order

Answer: B

The Previous Question is said to be exhausted when

The Previous Question is said to be exhausted when

A. it is voted on and not adopted.

B. all the pending motions have been adopted.

C. all the motions on which it was ordered have been finally disposed of

D. all the pending motions that have been adopted have been lost.

Answer: C

Which one of the following motions is not debatable but is amendable?

Which one of the following motions is not debatable but is amendable?

A. Lay on the Table

B. Commit or Refer

C. Postpone Indefinitely

D. Limit or Extend Limits of Debate

Answer: D

Assume a main motion is pending that you feel needs to be studied further. What should you do?

Assume a main motion is pending that you feel needs to be studied further. What should you do?

A. Obtain the floor and say,"I move we study the motion further."

B. Rise, and without obtaining the floor say, "I object to the consideration of the question."

C. Obtain the floor and say, "I move that the main motion be referred to a committee to be appointed by the chairman."

D. From your seat, and without obtaining the floor say, "I move we rescind this motion."

Answer: C

After a section of a resolution has been substituted for another, how can the substituted section be amended?

After a section of a resolution has been substituted for another, how can the substituted section be amended?

A. By adding words.

B. By striking out words.

C. By inserting words.

D. By striking out and inserting words.

Answer: A

Which of the following is false regarding an amendment?

Which of the following is false regarding an amendment?

A. An amendment can be applied to itself.

B. Debate on an amendment is permissible only for the member who proposed the amendment.

C. The presiding officer cannot debate an amendment unless the chair is given up to the next ranking officer.

D. An amendment requires a majority vote to be adopted.

Answer: B

The motion to Postpone Indefinitely is used by

The motion to Postpone Indefinitely is used by

A. the chair to place a main motion on the agenda at the next regular meeting.

B. a member to send a main motion to a standing committee.

C. members who wish to change the pending main motion.

D. the assembly to show that it does not wish to take a position on the main motion.

Answer: D

Assume that a main motion is pending and an amendment is made and seconded. Then another member moves to refer the main motion and the amendment to a committee. Which motion would be voted on first?

Assume that a main motion is pending and an amendment is made and seconded. Then another member moves to refer the main motion and the amendment to a committee. Which motion would be voted on first?

A. Main Motion
B. Amendment
C. Refer to a Committee
D. None of the above

Answer: C

The main difference between the rules governing original and incidental main motions is that incidental main motions

The main difference between the rules governing original and incidental main motions is that incidental main motions

A. need not be seconded.

B. cannot have an Objection to the Consideration of a Question applied to them.

C. cannot be amended.

D. can only be debated one time by each member

Answer: B

A meeting that is called to be held at a time different from the regular meeting to consider one or more items, is called a (an)

A meeting that is called to be held at a time different from the regular meeting to consider one or more items, is called a (an)

A. adjourned meeting.
B. executive meeting.
C. special meeting.
D. sine die meeting.

Answer: C

Which standard descriptive characteristic below is true?

Which standard descriptive characteristic below is true?

A. The main motion ranks the highest in precedence of all motions.

B. A main motion may be proposed when another member has the floor.

C. A main motion may not be debated.

D. A main motion is amendable

Answer: D

A member may call the chair's attention to a breach of rules by immediately

A member may call the chair's attention to a breach of rules by immediately

A. calling out "Question! "

B. rising to a Point of Information.

C. proposing a motion to Suspend the Rules that are being violated.

D. making a Point of Order.

Answer: D

Which motion would you propose if you wanted to close debate and vote immediately on a pending motion?

Which motion would you propose if you wanted to close debate and vote immediately on a pending motion?

A. Postpone Definitely
B. Previous Question
C. Lay on the Table
D. Amend

Answer: B

Rules are designed for the protection of

Rules are designed for the protection of

A. nonmembers.
B. the minority.
C. the majority.
D. all the members.

Answer: B

If a rising vote is inconclusive, the chair should

If a rising vote is inconclusive, the chair should

A. ask for another voice vote and order it to be counted.

B. order another rising vote and order it to be counted.

C. take another rising vote.

D. declare the vote a tie.

Answer: B

A proper statement by the chairman after a motion has been made and seconded is

A proper statement by the chairman after a motion has been made and seconded is

A. "It is moved that ..."

B. "It is moved and seconded that . . ."

C. "The motion has been made and seconded that . .."

D. "Is there debate on the motion that ...?"

Answer: B

A motion is brought before the assembly by a member

A motion is brought before the assembly by a member

A. making a motion and the chairman stating it.

B. making a motion, another member seconding it, and the chair stating it.

C. proposing, seconding and debating a motion.

D. asking the chair to offer a specific topic open for debate and then taking an immediate vote .

Answer: B

A convention commonly

A convention commonly

A. uses the same order of business prescribed for regular quarterly meetings.

B. accepts and uses the order of business recommended by the officers.

C. adopts its own order of business.

D. does not follow an order of business.

Answer: C

One principal advantage of incorporating a society is that the officers and members

One principal advantage of incorporating a society is that the officers and members

A. can deduct expenses from their state income taxes while serving the organization.

B. can change the bylaws without a vote of the members.

C. are protected from personal liability under obligations that may be incurred by the organization.

D. use the facilities of the organization for their personal profit.

Answer: A

One principal advantage of incorporating a society is that the officers and members

One principal advantage of incorporating a society is that the officers and members

A. can deduct expenses from their state income taxes while serving the organization.

B. can change the bylaws without a vote of the members.

C. are protected from personal liability under obligations that may be incurred by the organization.

D. use the facilities of the organization for their personal profit.

Answer: C

In a deliberative assembly, a proposition may be adopted by a majority vote, which means that a motion must be approved by

In a deliberative assembly, a proposition may be adopted by a majority vote, which means that a motion must be approved by

A. all the members present who vote .

B. two-thirds of the voting members.

C. more than half of the members present and voting .

D. exactly half of the members in the organization.

Answer: C

The vote required to adopt the motion "Limit or Extend Limits of Debate" is

The vote required to adopt the motion "Limit or Extend Limits of Debate" is

a) a majority vote.
b) a 2/3rds votes.
c) the request or call of one member.

Answer: B

When a main motion, an amendment and a motion to postpone the pending question to a certain time are pending, the first vote is taken on

When a main motion, an amendment and a motion to postpone the pending question to a certain time are pending, the first vote is taken on

a) the motion to Postpone to a Certain Time.
b) the amendment.
c) the main motion.

Answer: A

If it appears that a motion will require time or study to perfect, it would be appropriate for a member to make a motion to

If it appears that a motion will require time or study to perfect, it would be appropriate for a member to make a motion to

a) Postpone Indefinitely.
b) Commit.
c) Postpone Definitely.

Answer: B

A "main motion" is still within the control of the assembly after

A "main motion" is still within the control of the assembly after

a) rejection by a negative vote.
b) it has been laid on the table.
c) adoption.

Answer: B

All "subsidiary" motions can be applied to an

All "subsidiary" motions can be applied to an

a) original or incidental main motion.
b) original main motion only.
c) incidental main motion only.

Answer: A

An "incidental main motion"

An "incidental main motion"

a) relates to the business of the assembly, or its past or future action.
b) is incidental to the pending question.
c) must be germane to the original main motion.

Answer: A

A short intermission in a meeting is

A short intermission in a meeting is

a) a break.
b) a recess.
c) an adjournment.

Answer: B

To change what the assembly has adopted requires

To change what the assembly has adopted requires

a) something more than was necessary to adopt it in the first place.
b) that the action take place before the end of the next regular meeting.
c) previous notice and 2/3rds vote.

Answer: A

A Request to be Excused from a Duty is

A Request to be Excused from a Duty is

a) a "privileged" motion.
b) a "subsidiary" motion.
c) an "incidental" motion.

Answer: C

A single member can require a

A single member can require a

a) counted vote.
b) standing vote.
c) ballot vote.

Answer: B

When a motion is made up of two parts of a single subject capable of standing as separate questions, a member may request that the parts be considered and voted on as if they were distinct questions by making the motion:

When a motion is made up of two parts of a single subject capable of standing as separate questions, a member may request that the parts be considered and voted on as if they were distinct questions by making the motion:

a) for Division of the Question.
b) to Amend the motion by striking out one of the parts.
c) to Postpone to a Certain Time one of the parts.

Answer: A

If a member does not want an original main motion even discussed at a meeting, he can

If a member does not want an original main motion even discussed at a meeting, he can

a) move to Postpone Indefinitely.
b) raise an Objection to the Consideration of the Question.
c) rise to a Question of Privilege.

Answer: B

Most "incidental" motions

Most "incidental" motions

a) are debatable.
b) are not debatable.
c) need not be seconded.

Answer: B

"Incidental" motions

"Incidental" motions

a) usually deal with questions of procedure arising out of another pending motion.
b) are not in order when another has the floor.
c) have rank.

Answer: A

The effect of the adoption of the motion to Fix the Time to Which to Adjourn is to establish

The effect of the adoption of the motion to Fix the Time to Which to Adjourn is to establish

a) a special meeting.
b) a regular meeting.
c) an adjourned meeting.

Answer: C

When a motion to Recess is made while another motion is pending, it is

When a motion to Recess is made while another motion is pending, it is 

a) a "privileged" motion.
b) an "incidental main" motion.
c) an "incidental" motion.

Answer: A

When the privileged motion to Adjourn is pending, the motion to

When the privileged motion to Adjourn is pending, the motion to

a) Lay on the Table is in order.
b) Limit or Extend Limits of Debate is in order.
c) Fix the Time to Which to Adjourn is in order.

Answer: C

A motion to Lay on the Table takes precedence over

A motion to Lay on the Table takes precedence over

a) other "subsidiary" motions.
b) the Motion to Take from the Table.
c) all "privileged" motions.

Answer: A

A subsidiary motion can be applied to any

A subsidiary motion can be applied to any 

a) "main" motion.
b) "privileged" motion.
c) "incidental" motion.

Answer: A

To put a motion aside temporarily when something else of immediate urgency has arisen a member should

To put a motion aside temporarily when something else of immediate urgency has arisen a member should 

a) rise to a Point of Order.
b) move to Lay on the Table.
c) move to Postpone Indefinitely.

Answer: B

When a member wishes to bring a pending question to an immediate vote, he should

When a member wishes to bring a pending question to an immediate vote, he should

a) rise to a Question of Privilege.
b) move to Refer the question.
c) move the Previous Question.

Answer: C

If a member wishes to propose a change in a pending question, which motion is used?

If a member wishes to propose a change in a pending question, which motion is used?

a) Amend
b) Refer to a committee
c) Postpone to a Certain Time

Answer: A

When a member wishes to have the pending matter given special study, what does the member do?

When a member wishes to have the pending matter given special study, what does the member do?

a) Move to Lay on the Table
b) Move to Postpone to a Certain Time
c) Move to Refer to a committee

Answer: C

To consider a motion later in the same meeting, a member may move to

To consider a motion later in the same meeting, a member may move to

a) object to the consideration of the question.
b) postpone the matter to a certain time.
c) postpone the matter indefinitely.

Answer: B

With a main motion pending and a motion to Amend being debated, which of the following motions would be out of order?

With a main motion pending and a motion to Amend being debated, which of the following motions would be out of order?

a) Lay on the Table
b) Limit or Extend Limits of Debate
c) Postpone Indefinitely

Answer: C

To reduce the time for debate, a member would move to

To reduce the time for debate, a member would move to

a) Postpone Indefinitely.
b) Object to the Consideration of a Question.
c) Limit or Extend Limits of Debate.

Answer: C

To delay consideration of the main motion until the next regular meeting a member would move to

To delay consideration of the main motion until the next regular meeting a member would move to

a) Lay on the Table.
b) Postpone indefinitely.
c) Postpone to a Certain Time.

Answer: C

The motion to Commit or Refer

The motion to Commit or Refer

a) is not debatable.
b) sends the main motion to a committee for study.
c) is not amendable.

Answer: B

The three basic processes of amendment are

The three basic processes of amendment are

a) insert or add, strike out, strike out and insert.
b) add, strike out and insert, substitute.
c) add, insert, strike out.

Answer: A

The motion Amend

The motion Amend

a) may be applied to any "subsidiary" motion.
b) modifies or clarifies the meaning of a pending motion before the pending motion itself is acted upon.
c) is out of order if the motion to Postpone Indefinitely is pending.

Answer: B

A motion to Postpone Indefinitely is used when a member wishes to

A motion to Postpone Indefinitely is used when a member wishes to

a) postpone the motion to the next meeting.
b) postpone the motion to a later time.
c) kill the main motion and avoid a direct vote on the question.

Answer: C

In a series of motions where all are pending and in order, which of the following would be voted on first?

In a series of motions where all are pending and in order, which of the following would be voted on first?

a) Previous Question
b) Limit or Extend Limits of Debate
c) Postpone Indefinitely

Answer: A

"Subsidiary" motions

"Subsidiary" motions

a) assist the assembly in disposing of a "main motion".
b) are of higher rank than "incidental" motions.
c) are all debatable.

Answer: A

The lowest ranking motion is

The lowest ranking motion is

a) Postpone indefinitely.
b) Main Motion.
c) Fix the Time to Which to Adjourn.

Answer: B

A "secondary" motion must be acted upon or disposed of before

A "secondary" motion must be acted upon or disposed of before

a) a "main motion" is in order.
b) an "incidental" motion is in order.
c) direct consideration of the "main motion" can be continued.

Answer: C

The classes of motions that together are called "secondary" motions are the

The classes of motions that together are called "secondary" motions are the

a) "main" motion, the "subsidiary" motions, and the "privileged" motions.
b) "subsidiary" motions, the "privileged" motions and the "incidental" motions
c) "privileged" motions, the "incidental" motions, and the "motions that bring a question again before the assembly".

Answer: B

The basic form of motion by which business is introduced is

The basic form of motion by which business is introduced is

a) a subsidiary motion.
b) an incidental motion.
c) a main motion.

Answer: C