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Quizzes > Quizzes for Business > Government

Parliamentary Procedure Quiz: Test Your Skills

Unlock Your Knowledge of Meeting Rules Today

Difficulty: Moderate
Questions: 20
Learning OutcomesStudy Material
Colorful paper art depicting elements related to Parliamentary Procedure Quiz

Ready to master the rules of formal meetings? This 15-question Parliamentary Procedure Quiz challenges students and professionals to refine their knowledge of motions, debate rights, and voting methods. The quiz is perfect for anyone looking to improve meeting facilitation skills and can be freely customized in our user-friendly editor. Discover related challenges like the Election Ballot Closing Procedure Quiz or the Grievance Procedure Compliance Quiz and browse all quizzes for more. Unlock your procedural expertise today!

What is the main purpose of the motion to adjourn?
To postpone consideration of a motion
To limit debate on a pending motion
To introduce new business
To end the meeting immediately
The motion to adjourn is a privileged motion whose purpose is to end the meeting immediately. Once adopted, all business ceases. It does not modify, delay, or introduce business.
Which type of motion is used to introduce new items of business?
Incidental motion
Main motion
Privileged motion
Subsidiary motion
A main motion is the primary method for bringing new business before the assembly. Subsidiary, privileged, and incidental motions handle procedural aspects of pending business.
What is the first item in the standard order of business?
New business
Approval of minutes
Adjournment
Reports of committees
After calling the meeting to order, the assembly first approves the minutes of the previous meeting. This establishes a record of what was decided before proceeding.
What type of vote is required for a simple majority decision?
Unanimous consent
More than half of members present and voting
Two-thirds of votes cast
A plurality of votes
A simple majority requires more than half of the votes cast by members present and voting. It excludes abstentions and is lower than a two-thirds threshold.
What is the purpose of an amendment to a motion?
To refer the motion to a committee
To postpone consideration indefinitely
To end debate on the main motion
To change the wording of the main motion
An amendment is used to modify the wording of a pending main motion. It does not end debate, refer to committee, or kill the motion indefinitely.
Which vote threshold is needed to close debate by calling the previous question?
Unanimous consent
Two-thirds of members present
Simple majority
One-fifth of members present
The previous question motion requires a two-thirds majority to end debate immediately. This higher threshold protects the rights of the minority by requiring broad support to close debate.
What privileged motion is used to take an immediate short break?
Motion to commit
Motion to recess
Motion to adjourn
Motion to lay on the table
The motion to recess is a privileged motion that permits a temporary break without ending the meeting. A motion to adjourn ends the session, and subsidiary motions serve different purposes.
Which motion challenges the chair's ruling on a point of order?
Point of privilege
Division of the assembly
Appeal from the decision of the chair
Suspend the rules
An appeal brings the chair's ruling on a point of order to the assembly for decision. A point of privilege addresses personal or collective rights, not the chair's ruling.
In the standard order of business, what follows new business?
Unfinished business
Reports of officers
Adjournment
Announcements and miscellaneous
After new business, the assembly hears announcements and miscellaneous items before adjournment. Unfinished business always precedes new business.
How many members must request a roll call vote to require it?
Any single member
One-fifth of the members present
A majority of votes cast
Two-thirds of votes cast
Standard rules permit one-fifth of members present to demand a roll call vote. A single member can call for a division of the assembly but not a roll call.
Which motion is not debatable or amendable?
Refer to committee
Previous question
Postpone indefinitely
Main motion
The motion for the previous question to close debate is undebatable and unamendable. Other motions such as main motions or referring to committee can be debated and amended.
During debate on a motion, how many times may a member speak to that motion on the same day?
Twice
Once
Unlimited times
Three times
Parliamentary rules generally allow a member to speak twice on the same motion per day, and not again until others have had the opportunity. This ensures fair participation.
If an amendment is ruled out of order, which motion should a member use to challenge that ruling?
Suspend the rules
Appeal
Point of order
Division of the assembly
An appeal is the proper motion to challenge the chair's ruling that an amendment is out of order. A point of order is used to call attention to a breach, not to contest a ruling already made.
To send a pending motion to a committee for further study, which type of motion is used?
Motion to adjourn
Motion to table
Motion to postpone indefinitely
Motion to commit or refer
The motion to commit or refer is a subsidiary motion used to send a pending motion to a committee. Tabling sets it aside, and postponing indefinitely defeats it without committee study.
Which of the following is a privileged motion?
Lay on the table
Limit debate
Question of privilege
Postpone definitely
A question of privilege is a privileged motion dealing with the rights and comfort of the meeting or members. The other options are subsidiary motions controlling debate or disposition of business.
Who is eligible to make the motion to reconsider?
A member who voted on the prevailing side of the original vote
A member who abstained from the vote
Any member regardless of how they voted
Only the member who moved the original motion
The motion to reconsider must be made by a member who voted on the winning side and must be made within the specified time. Members who voted against or abstained cannot make the motion.
Which privileged motion has the highest precedence?
Adjourn
Fix the time to which to adjourn
Question of privilege
Recess
Among privileged motions, fixing the time to which to adjourn takes highest precedence, followed by adjourn, recess, and question of privilege. This hierarchy governs which motion is considered first.
What is the effect of a tie vote on a main motion?
The motion is defeated
The motion passes tentatively
The vote is postponed
The chair casts a deciding vote
A tie vote fails to achieve a majority, so the motion is defeated. Under most parliamentary authorities, the chair does not break a tie except in specific circumstances.
By what method can the assembly approve the minutes without a formal vote?
Roll call vote
Unanimous consent
Ballot vote
Voice vote
Minutes are typically approved by unanimous consent if no member objects, thus avoiding a formal vote. A voice, ballot, or roll call vote involves a formal tally of votes.
In what order are multiple levels of amendments considered?
Primary amendment, secondary amendment, main motion
Secondary amendment, primary amendment, main motion
Secondary amendment, main motion, primary amendment
Main motion, primary amendment, secondary amendment
First the secondary amendment (to amend the amendment) is debated and voted on, then the primary amendment (to amend the main motion), and finally the main motion itself. This sequence preserves logical order.
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Learning Outcomes

  1. Identify standard parliamentary motions and their purposes.
  2. Analyse the correct order of business in formal meetings.
  3. Apply proper voting methods and decision-making rules.
  4. Demonstrate knowledge of debate and amendment procedures.
  5. Evaluate common rule violations and how to address them.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Understand the four types of motions - Dive into main motions that introduce new business, subsidiary motions that tweak or delay decisions, privileged motions that address urgent issues, and incidental motions that resolve procedural details. Mastering these gives you the power to steer any meeting like a seasoned chair. Parliamentary Motions Guide
  2. Familiarize yourself with the standard order of business - From reading and approving minutes to hearing officer and committee reports, wrapping up unfinished items, and launching into new business, this structure keeps meetings tight and on track. Think of it as your secret roadmap to flawless, productive gatherings. Parliamentary Procedure Overview
  3. Learn the various voting methods - Whether it's a quick voice vote for non”controversial issues, a rising vote for visual tallying, or a confidential ballot for sensitive decisions, each method has its moment to shine. Picking the right one ensures fairness and clarity every time. Voting Methods Explained
  4. Grasp debating and amending motions - Debate lets members hash out ideas, while amendments fine”tune the wording or intent of a motion. Remember, you can only have two levels of amendments - first”order to the main motion and second”order to that amendment - so keep your edits focused. Amendment Procedures
  5. Recognize and correct rule violations - Spot someone speaking out of turn or drifting off topic? Raise a "Point of Order" to restore decorum and uphold the rules. It's your toolkit for keeping meetings respectful and efficient. Parliamentary Procedure Basics
  6. Understand the friendly amendment - A friendly amendment is a helpful tweak to a motion that the original mover welcomes, but don't get too cozy - assembly consent is still required. It's a collaborative tool that speeds consensus when everyone's on board. All About Friendly Amendments
  7. Learn the "one question at a time" rule - Only one main motion can be pending before the assembly at any moment, ensuring laser”sharp focus and preventing procedural chaos. It's like having a powerful spotlight on the agenda's star item. Key Parliamentary Principles
  8. Know who can vote - Only members present at the meeting may cast votes, and each vote carries equal weight - no sidekicks or VIP passes here. This upholds the democratic spirit and keeps the process fair. Voting Eligibility Rules
  9. Master the rescinding process - If the assembly needs to undo a previously adopted motion, you can rescind it with a majority vote plus prior notice or a two”thirds vote without notice. It's your do”over button in parliamentary playbook. How to Rescind a Motion
  10. Appreciate the chair's crucial role - The chair acts as meeting maestro, calling the tune on points of order, guiding debates, and ensuring everyone plays by the rules. A skilled chair makes meetings smoother, faster, and way more fun. Role of the Chair
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