Parliamentary procedure

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Parliamentary procedure is the name given to the set of rules governing the decision-making process used by a deliberative assembly.

The Common Law of Parliamentary Procedure and Robert's Rules of Order are two frequently used bodies of parliamentary procedure. A number of other bodies of parliamentary procedure also exist; in particular, most national legislatures, as well as the General Assembly and Security Council of the United Nations, have their own set of parliamentary rules. Most sets of parliamentary procedure enforce majority rule through voting, while others are specifically designed to facilitate consensus decision-making. Parliamentary rules vary widely amongst assemblies.

In legislative bodies subject to English Common Law, the parliamentary procedure used by most assemblies is the Common Law of Parliamentary Procedure plus any specific rules of order and special rules of order the assembly has also adopted.

In other organizations, Robert's Rules of Order is the most commonly used form of parliamentary law. Other bodies of parliamentary procedure are used in some fields of endeavor; one such exception is The Standard Code of Parliamentary Procedure, widely used in organizations in the world of medicine.

The basis of parliamentary procedure is the deliberative assembly meeting to make decisions. The goal of parliamentary procedure is to allow the majority to make decisions effectively and efficiently while protecting the rights of the minority and giving each member or delegate the right to voice his or her opinion. Parliamentary procedure allows for smooth and prompt discussion and decision making on topics of importance to a society.

Business is conducted through motions which cause actions to happen. Members bring business before the assembly by introducing main motions, or dispose of this business (through subsidiary motions and incidental motions). Parliamentary procedure also allows for rules in regards to nomination, voting, disciplinary action, apeals, dues, and the drafting of organization charters, constitutions, and bylaws.

Individuals who are proficient in parliamentary law are titled parliamentarians. There are several organizations that offer certification programs for parliamentarians, including the National Association of Parliamentarians and American Institute of Parliamentarians. Agriculture teachers who coach teams in the National FFA Organization (formerly Future Farmers of America) parliamentary procedure contest can earn the title Associate Parliamentarian (or AP). Parliamentarians perform an important role in many meetings, including counseling organizations on parliamentary law, holding elections, or writing amendments to the constitution and bylaws of an organization.

Inidividuals wanting to learn more about parliamentary procedure can study