Eleanor Finch
Robert's Rules of Order is a guide to running meetings and making decisions as a group. It outlines a structured approach to handling motions, amendments, and debates, ensuring fair and efficient decision-making. When it comes to amending a constitution, Robert's Rules provide specific guidelines and procedures to follow. The process involves proposing and voting on amendments, with the aim of perfecting the motion before the final vote. Amendments can be primary or secondary, and there are rules specifying proper and improper types of amendments. Understanding and effectively applying Robert's Rules is essential for groups seeking to make informed and democratic choices, especially when dealing with complex or controversial issues.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Main Motion | A proposal for action, discussed and voted on by the group |
| Small Boards | Discussion without a specific motion is allowed for groups of up to 12 people |
| Amendment Types | Primary (to a Main Motion), Secondary (to a Primary Amendment), Tertiary (not allowed) |
| Voting Order | Vote on the Amendment before voting on the Main Motion |
| Improper Amendments | Non-germane, contradictory, changing motion type, striking out effective words, frivolous/absurd, nonsensical |
| Friendly Amendment | The chair asks "Is there a second?" without asking the maker of the motion for acceptance |
| Amendment of Amendments | Allowed, but Primary and Secondary Amendments cannot exceed the scope of the notice |
| Subsidiary Motions | Motions that modify, postpone, or refer the Main Motion to a committee |
| Motion to Suspend the Rules | Used to do something ordinarily against the rules, e.g., extending a deadline |
| Withdrawal or Modification | Allowed before voting begins, even if the motion has been amended |
| Bylaw Amendments | Require a two-thirds vote or a majority of the entire membership with previous notice |
| Revision to Bylaws | Fundamental changes to the structure of the organization, treated as a new set of bylaws |
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What You'll Learn
Primary and secondary amendments
According to Robert's Rules of Order, a group should make a Main Motion, or a proposal for action, before holding any discussion. However, in small boards 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 can propose to amend the motion to strengthen it or make it more likely to pass.
Amendments to a Main Motion are called Primary Amendments. During the discussion of a Primary Amendment, a change may be offered, which is called a Secondary Amendment. The Secondary Amendment is discussed and voted on before any further action is taken. No tertiary amendments are allowed.
There are several ways to amend a motion:
- Add or insert words (at the end of the motion or in the middle)
- Substitute (this can be challenging, and Robert's Rules of Order should be studied before attempting this type of amendment)
Robert's Rules specify that certain types of amendments are improper:
- An amendment that is not germane (relevant)
- An amendment that, if passed, would be equivalent to voting "no" on the original motion
- An amendment that changes one type of motion into another type
- An amendment that strikes out the words that put the motion into effect
- An amendment that is frivolous or absurd
- An amendment that would result in nonsensical wording
It is important to note that you vote on the Amendment before voting on the motion. This allows the group to perfect the motion before the final vote is taken. However, it is also acceptable to vote on the main motion first and consider other details later.
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Subsidiary motions
A subsidiary motion can be used to substitute one paragraph for another within a main motion. This is done by first entertaining amendments to the paragraph to be struck out and then, once it has been perfected, entertaining amendments to the paragraph to be inserted. After both paragraphs have been perfected, the question is put to a vote on whether to substitute one paragraph for the other. It is important to note that a paragraph that has been substituted for another cannot be amended afterward, except by adding to it.
Another type of subsidiary motion is the motion to amend. This type of motion enables changes to pending questions by inserting or adding words, sentences, or paragraphs, or by substituting one paragraph for another. Amendments must be relevant or "germane" to the motion they seek to amend. It is improper to offer an amendment that is frivolous or absurd, or one that would result in wording that doesn't make sense.
A subsidiary motion can also be used to postpone action on a main motion. This can be done by making a motion to postpone to a certain time, such as a specific date or the next meeting, or by making a motion to refer, which sends the motion to a committee for further consideration. These motions must be made and seconded before the main motion is voted on.
It is important to note that an amendment to a main motion is called a primary amendment, and any changes offered to this primary amendment are called secondary amendments. While secondary amendments are allowed, tertiary amendments are not permitted.
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Substituting words
It is important to note that amendments should be germane (relevant) and not change the meaning of the original motion. For example, an amendment that strikes out the words that put the motion into effect or makes the wording nonsensical would be improper.
Amendments can also be amended, which are called secondary amendments. These are discussed and voted on before any further action is taken. However, tertiary amendments are not allowed.
When amending bylaws, the rules regarding the scope of notice and limits on primary and secondary amendments do not apply. This is because bylaw amendments often involve extensive rewrites that make fundamental changes to the structure of an organization. Therefore, any part of the proposed revision can be amended before it is adopted, as if the bylaws were being considered and adopted for the first time.
It is worth noting that, in the case of bylaw amendments, if your bylaws have no provisions for their amendment, a two-thirds vote with previous notice or a majority of the entire membership without notice is required. Additionally, primary and secondary amendments to bylaw amendments cannot exceed the scope of the notice.
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Friendly amendments
In the context of Robert's Rules of Order, an amendment is a proposal to change a motion—a proposed action—being considered by a group. Amendments can be classified into two types: hostile and friendly. Hostile amendments are suggested with the intention of making the original motion ineffective or defeating its purpose. On the other hand, friendly amendments are proposed with the sincere belief that they will improve the original motion.
It is important to note that amendments can be made to a Main Motion, which is the initial proposal for action presented by the group. A member may propose an amendment to strengthen the motion or make it more likely to pass. Amendments can be made by adding or inserting words, but they must be relevant and not change the nature of the original motion. For example, an amendment could be suggested to specify the type of computers to be purchased, without altering the main intent of the motion.
The process of handling friendly amendments is similar to that of any other amendment. The presider can say, "A friendly amendment is handled just like any other amendment. Is there a second?" This approach provides a clear procedural path while avoiding any potential embarrassment. If the presider turns to the original maker of the motion to seek their approval, any member can raise a "point of order" to stop the action and clarify the mistake.
It is worth mentioning that, according to Robert's Rules, certain types of amendments are improper. These include amendments that are not germane (relevant), amendments that effectively negate the original motion, amendments that change the type of motion, amendments that strike out the operative words, and amendments that are frivolous or result in nonsensical wording.
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Suspending the rules
In United States parliamentary procedure, Robert's Rules outlines the steps for a deliberative assembly to suspend its normal rules to do something that it could not do otherwise. This is called a "motion to suspend the rules". A motion to suspend the rules may be made at any time when no question is pending, or while a question is pending, provided it is for a purpose connected with that question.
A motion to suspend the rules allows an assembly to temporarily set aside rules that it would normally have to follow. This enables members to act contrary to the usual rules. The reason for suspending the rules must be specified, and whatever is specified is the only business that can be conducted under the suspension. For example, if an assembly wanted to finish Motion A before leaving, someone would move for a suspension of the rules in order to complete the consideration of Motion A.
It is important to note that not all rules are subject to suspension. Rules that cannot be suspended include bylaws, fundamental principles of parliamentary law, rules protecting the rights of absentees or individual members, and procedural rules prescribed by statute.
A motion to suspend rules requires a second for adoption and is not open to debate or amendments. It also cannot be reconsidered. A two-thirds vote is necessary to suspend a parliamentary order or order of business. If an assembly wishes to suspend an ordinary standing rule of the society, it must have a majority vote. For non-controversial motions, the assembly may vote by general or unanimous consent.
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Frequently asked questions
A Main Motion is a proposal for action that is presented to the body for its approval.
A subsidiary motion is one that modifies (amends) a main motion, postpones action on that main motion, or refers the main motion to a committee for study and report.
An amendment to a Main Motion is called a Primary Amendment.
When discussing a Primary Amendment, a change may be offered, which is called a Secondary Amendment.
Robert's Rules specifies that certain types of amendments are improper, such as amendments that are not germane (relevant) or that change the meaning of the original motion. Amendments can be amended, but "tertiary amendments" are not allowed.
