Roberts Rules

Question 1

What is the primary purpose of Robert’s Rules of Order?

Answer 1

To provide a standardized method for conducting meetings and making decisions.

Question 2

True or False: Robert’s Rules are only applicable to governmental meetings.

Answer 2

False

Question 3

What is a quorum?

Answer 3

The minimum number of members required to be present for the meeting to conduct business.

Question 4

Fill in the blank: A __________ is a formal proposal that the board takes action on.

Answer 4

motion

Question 5

What does it mean to ‘second’ a motion?

Answer 5

To show that at least one other member supports the motion and wants it to be discussed.

Question 6

What is the role of the chairperson in a meeting?

Answer 6

To preside over the meeting, ensuring order and facilitating discussion.

Question 7

True or False: Members can interrupt a speaker at any time.

Answer 7

False

Question 8

What is an agenda?

Answer 8

A list of items to be discussed at a meeting.

Question 9

What is a point of order?

Answer 9

A request for clarification on the rules or procedures being followed in the meeting.

Question 10

When can a motion be amended?

Answer 10

During the discussion before a vote is taken.

Question 11

What is the purpose of the minutes?

Answer 11

To provide an official record of what occurred during the meeting.

Question 12

True or False: All members have equal speaking time during discussions.

Answer 12

True

Question 13

What does it mean to table a motion?

Answer 13

To postpone consideration of a motion to a later time.

Question 14

What is a vote of no confidence?

Answer 14

A vote to indicate that the board no longer supports a person in a leadership position.

Question 15

Fill in the blank: A __________ is a formal way to end a meeting.

Answer 15

adjournment

Question 16

What is a special meeting?

Answer 16

A meeting called to address specific issues outside the regular meeting schedule.

Question 17

True or False: Members can speak more than once on the same motion.

Answer 17

True, but typically only after all members who wish to speak once have done so.

Question 18

What is a committee report?

Answer 18

A summary of findings and recommendations presented by a committee to the board.

Question 19

What does it mean to call the question?

Answer 19

To end debate on a motion and proceed to vote.

Question 20

What is the difference between a primary motion and a secondary motion?

Answer 20

A primary motion introduces a new topic, while a secondary motion relates to the primary motion.

Question 21

What is a closed meeting?

Answer 21

A meeting that is not open to the public, often for sensitive discussions.

Question 22

True or False: All decisions made in a meeting must be unanimous.

Answer 22

False

Question 23

What does it mean to yield the floor?

Answer 23

To give up one’s right to speak to allow another member to speak.

Question 24

What is the purpose of a motion to reconsider?

Answer 24

To bring back a motion that has already been voted on for further consideration.

Question 25

Fill in the blank: The __________ is the person who takes notes during the meeting.

Answer 25

secretary

Question 26

What is the purpose of a roll call vote?

Answer 26

To record the votes of each member individually.

Question 27

What is the standard voting method used in meetings?

Answer 27

Voice vote, unless a member requests a different method.

Question 28

True or False: Members can vote by proxy.

Answer 28

False, unless specifically allowed by the organization's rules.

Question 29

What is a main motion?

Answer 29

A proposal that introduces a new item of business to the floor.

Question 30

What is the purpose of a motion to suspend the rules?

Answer 30

To temporarily set aside the established rules for a specific purpose.

Question 31

Fill in the blank: A __________ is an informal discussion of an issue before a formal motion is made.

Answer 31

discussion

Question 32

What is the consequence of a tie vote?

Answer 32

The motion fails, as a tie does not achieve the required majority.

Question 33

What does it mean to withdraw a motion?

Answer 33

To formally take back a motion that has been made before it is voted on.

Question 34

What is an executive session?

Answer 34

A portion of a meeting closed to non-members to discuss confidential matters.

Question 35

True or False: A member can speak for an unlimited amount of time.

Answer 35

False, speaking time is typically limited.

Question 36

What is a friendly amendment?

Answer 36

An amendment to a motion that is accepted by the original proposer.

Question 37

What is the role of the sergeant-at-arms?

Answer 37

To maintain order during the meeting.

Question 38

What does it mean to divide the question?

Answer 38

To separate a motion into two or more parts so they can be voted on individually.

Question 39

Fill in the blank: A __________ is a request for information or clarification during a meeting.

Answer 39

point of information

Question 40

What is the purpose of a motion to limit debate?

Answer 40

To set a time limit on discussion of a motion.

Question 41

True or False: The chairperson can vote on motions.

Answer 41

True, but typically only to break a tie.

Question 42

What is the role of the treasurer in a meeting?

Answer 42

To report on the financial status and present the budget.

Question 43

What is a privileged motion?

Answer 43

A motion that addresses urgent matters that require immediate attention.

Question 44

Fill in the blank: A __________ is a motion that brings a matter back before the group.

Answer 44

reconsideration

Question 45

What does it mean to call for a division?

Answer 45

To request a more precise method of voting when the result is unclear.

Question 46

What is the main difference between a regular meeting and a special meeting?

Answer 46

A special meeting is called to address specific issues outside the regular agenda.

Question 47

True or False: Members can make motions during the open floor discussion.

Answer 47

True

Question 48

What is the role of the parliamentarian?

Answer 48

To advise the chair on parliamentary procedure and rules.

Question 49

What does it mean to 'take from the table'?

Answer 49

To bring a previously tabled motion back for discussion.

Question 50

Fill in the blank: A __________ is a motion that expresses the board's opinion on an issue.

Answer 50

resolution

Question 51

What is the purpose of a motion to extend debate?

Answer 51

To allow additional time for discussion on a motion.

Question 52

True or False: A motion must be seconded to be considered.

Answer 52

True

Question 53

What is a call to order?

Answer 53

An announcement made by the chair to start the meeting.

Question 54

What does it mean to have the floor?

Answer 54

To have the right to speak during a meeting.

Question 55

What is an agenda item?

Answer 55

A specific topic listed for discussion during a meeting.

Question 56

Fill in the blank: A __________ is a formal declaration that a motion has been adopted.

Answer 56

resolution

Question 57

What is the purpose of a motion to lay on the table?

Answer 57

To temporarily set aside a motion for future consideration.

Question 58

True or False: Only the chair can make motions.

Answer 58

False

Question 59

What is the function of the agenda?

Answer 59

To organize the topics to be discussed during the meeting.

Question 60

What does it mean to 'speak to the motion'?

Answer 60

To provide arguments for or against a specific motion.

Question 61

Fill in the blank: A __________ is a motion that requires immediate attention.

Answer 61

privileged motion

Question 62

What is the purpose of a motion to amend?

Answer 62

To change the wording or details of a motion before voting.

Question 63

True or False: Members must show respect and civility during discussions.

Answer 63

True

Question 64

What is a main motion?

Answer 64

A motion that introduces a new subject for discussion.

Question 65

What is the significance of a motion being 'carried'?

Answer 65

It means the motion has been approved by a majority vote.

Question 66

What does it mean to 'recess' a meeting?

Answer 66

To take a short break during the meeting.

Question 67

Fill in the blank: A __________ is a formal complaint or issue raised by a member.

Answer 67

grievance

Question 68

What is the role of the vice-chair?

Answer 68

To assist the chair and take over their responsibilities in their absence.

Question 69

True or False: The chairperson has the authority to silence disruptive members.

Answer 69

True

Question 70

What does it mean to 'vote by acclamation'?

Answer 70

To vote unanimously without a formal count.

Question 71

What is a motion for previous question?

Answer 71

A motion to end debate and proceed to a vote.

Question 72

Fill in the blank: A __________ is a point raised that is not directly related to the current motion.

Answer 72

point of order

Question 73

What is the purpose of a motion to withdraw?

Answer 73

To retract a motion made before it has been voted on.

Question 74

True or False: All members are required to vote on every issue.

Answer 74

False

Question 75

What is the role of the secretary during a meeting?

Answer 75

To record minutes and keep official documents.

Question 76

What does it mean to 'call for a vote'?

Answer 76

To request that members cast their votes on a motion.

Question 77

Fill in the blank: A __________ is a detailed account of the proceedings of a meeting.

Answer 77

minute

Question 78

What is the definition of a standing rule?

Answer 78

A rule that governs the internal operations of the organization.