Isabella Carter
Amendments are an essential aspect of Robert's Rules of Order, providing a structured framework for organizations to adapt and refine their motions. The process of amending a constitution under Robert's Rules is a meticulous one, requiring careful consideration of various factors. This includes the distinction between temporary and permanent provisions, the specific wording used, and the voting requirements needed for adoption. Amendments can be proposed, discussed, and voted on, with the option to amend them further or withdraw them before voting begins. The rules also outline the roles of the chair and the group, emphasizing the collaborative nature of decision-making. Understanding and effectively utilizing Robert's Rules of Order empowers organizations to navigate the complexities of amending their constitutions with clarity and efficiency.
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What You'll Learn
Primary and secondary amendments
According to Robert's Rules of Order, a group will typically make a Main Motion, or proposal for action, before any discussion. However, in small groups of up to 12 people, it is acceptable to hold a discussion without a specific motion. Once a Main Motion has been made, seconded, and stated by the chair, it can be amended during the discussion. A member may propose to amend the motion to strengthen it or make it more likely to pass.
Amendments can be made in several ways, including adding or inserting words at the end or in the middle of the motion. It is important to note that Robert's Rules specify certain types of amendments that are improper, such as amendments that are not germane (relevant), or those that would change the original motion's intent.
A Primary Amendment is an amendment to a Main Motion. During the discussion of a Primary Amendment, a Secondary Amendment may be proposed, which is a change to the Primary Amendment. The Secondary Amendment is then discussed and voted on before any further action is taken. It is important to note that no tertiary amendments are allowed per Robert's Rules.
The chair plays a crucial role in the amendment process. When a "friendly amendment" is offered, the chair should immediately ask for a second. It is important to remember that the motion belongs to the entire group, and the maker of the motion has the same rights as any other member. Amendments can be amended, and it is essential to follow the proper procedures outlined in Robert's Rules of Order to ensure a fair and orderly process.
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Rules for small boards
Robert's Rules of Order provide a comprehensive guide to conducting meetings and amending constitutions. Here are some rules and guidelines specifically relevant to small boards:
Discussion and Voting
Small boards, typically those with up to 12 members, have some flexibility regarding discussions. They can choose to hold discussions without a specific motion, which larger groups cannot do. In such cases, the recommended process is to discuss the motion, amend it if necessary, and then vote on it.
Amendments
Amendments are changes made to a motion before voting on it. They can take several forms, including adding or inserting words, striking out words, or substituting a paragraph with another. When amending a motion, it's important to avoid tautology, such as using phrases like "amend, or add to, or repeal." The word "amend" covers any change to the constitution.
Germane Amendments
An amendment must be germane, or relevant, to the motion. An amendment that changes the meaning of the original motion from "yes" to "no" is not allowed. Additionally, an amendment that transforms one type of motion into another or strikes out the words that activate the motion is improper.
Voting on Amendments
Before voting on the main motion, the group votes on any proposed amendments. This allows the group to perfect the motion before making a decision. However, it is also acceptable to vote on the main motion first and address specific details later.
Quorum
A quorum refers to the minimum number of members required to be present for a meeting to proceed. Small boards should be cautious when amending rules regarding quorums. While a quorum is necessary for transacting business, it is generally advisable to have a larger attendance for important decisions. Previous notice of significant actions is recommended if a fair attendance is not expected.
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The role of the chair
Handling Main Motions and Amendments
Firstly, the chair must understand the difference between a Main Motion and an amendment. A Main Motion is a formal proposal for action, which should be discussed and voted on. An amendment, on the other hand, is a suggested change to the Main Motion, which can take several forms, such as inserting or adding words, striking out words, or substituting one paragraph for another.
Facilitating Discussion and Voting
When a Main Motion is made, the chair states it clearly and facilitates the discussion. If an amendment is proposed, the chair ensures it is properly seconded and then guides the debate on the amendment. The chair should also ensure that the amendment is relevant to the Main Motion and rule on any questions regarding its applicability, subject to appeal.
Once the amendment is voted on, the chair announces the result and states the question that is then before the assembly, ensuring everyone understands the current status of the motion.
Substitute Motions
In some cases, a substitute motion may be offered as an alternative to the original motion. In this case, the chair follows a specific procedure: debating and amending the original motion, then debating and amending the substitute motion. The chair then puts forward a vote on whether to substitute the original motion with the new one.
Suspending Rules
The chair also has a role in suspending rules. If a member wishes to suspend a rule to complete a task, they can appeal to the chair, who will inquire if there are any objections. If there are none, the chair directs the member to proceed as if the rules had been formally suspended.
Friendly Amendments
When a "friendly amendment" is offered, the chair should immediately ask for a second. The chair must treat the motion as belonging to the entire group, ensuring that the maker of the motion does not have more or less power than any other member.
In conclusion, the role of the chair in amending a constitution according to Robert's Rules is to guide the process, ensure proper procedure is followed, facilitate discussion and voting, and maintain the integrity of the motion and amendment process.
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Votes and voting thresholds
Robert's Rules of Order outlines specific guidelines for amending a constitution, including voting procedures and thresholds.
When it comes to voting on amendments, Robert's Rules prescribe a specific order. Firstly, you vote on the amendment itself, and then you proceed to vote on the main motion. This sequence might seem counterintuitive, as it involves deciding on specific details before confirming the overarching decision. However, the purpose of this approach is to allow the group to perfect the motion before taking the final vote. While this sequence is recommended, it is also acceptable to vote on the main motion first and address the amendments subsequently.
In terms of voting thresholds, Robert's Rules specify that a simple majority vote is typically required for adopting a rule or resolution of a permanent nature. This majority vote can also be used to suspend or rescind such a standing rule, provided that notice of the proposed action was given at a previous meeting or in the meeting notice. If no prior notice is given, rescinding a standing rule requires a majority vote of the entire membership or a two-thirds vote.
To ensure greater stability for a rule, it can be incorporated into the constitution, bylaws, or rules of order. These documents are designed to safeguard against sudden changes and require both prior notice of amendments and a higher voting threshold, typically a two-thirds vote, for their adoption. This higher threshold reflects the importance of these foundational documents and helps ensure that any changes represent the deliberate views of the entire society rather than the opinions or wishes of a particular group.
Amendments to constitutions should be carefully worded to avoid unnecessary repetition or redundancy. The word "amend" is sufficient to cover any change, whether it involves adding, striking out, or replacing words or paragraphs. When it comes to amending bylaws, Robert's Rules specify that bylaws of a nature similar to rules of order can be suspended or amended with a two-thirds vote.
It's worth noting that in large organisations, it is uncommon for a majority of members to be present at every meeting. Therefore, a small quorum, or minimum number of members required for decision-making, is established. In such cases, advance notice of all bills, amendments, and motions is typically required.
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Motions to suspend the rules
Robert's Rules outlines specific procedures for suspending rules, which are fundamental principles of parliamentary law. These principles cannot be suspended, even with unanimous agreement from the members.
The following are examples of fundamental principles that cannot be suspended:
- Allowing only one question to be considered at a time.
- Limiting the right to vote to members present at the time of voting during a legal meeting.
- Protecting the rights of absentees or individual members, including their right to participate fully in a meeting (e.g., attending, voting, speaking, making motions, etc.), except in cases of proper disciplinary action or under specific provisions.
Additionally, certain rules cannot be suspended, such as bylaws, which serve as a contract between members, and procedural rules prescribed by statute or laws governing the organization. For example, if a state corporation law mandates a specific procedure, it cannot be suspended.
It is important to note that the motion to suspend a rule may not always be combined with the motion it affects. This is because the outcome of the original motion may be uncertain, even if the suspension of rules to consider it is authorized. In such cases, the suspension of rules might be authorized for an agenda item that is taken out of its regular place on the agenda.
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