The regular program of procedure of an organization
To alter a motion by addition, deletion, or in any other way.
The Chairman or presiding officer. "Addressing the Chair" means speaking to the presiding officer. Being "Recognized by the Chair" means being given permission to speak further.
The Chairman has the following authority:
to decide in what order speakers shall be recognized
to refuse to recognize members offering dilatory, absurd, or frivolous motions
to restrain speakers within the limits of the rules
to enforce good decorum
to appoint committees
to decide points of order
to vote in cases where the vote would make or break a tie
The chair should avoid influencing a vote by his own comment on a motion.
Actions of the chair are subject to appeal.
To refer to a committee
The meeting, on a motion duly made, may "resolve itself into a committee of the whole." This means that the meeting is officially discontinued while everyone remains and becomes a member of a large special committee, which includes everyone present. A special chairman is appointed to preside over the committee.
When all those voting stand in separate "for" and "against" groups.
To separate a motion into different parts that are considered individually.
The privilege of speaking before the assembly.
The object is not merely to "postpone" but in effect to reject the motion.
When a member moves for "informal consideration," and the motion is adopted, the meeting lays aside formal rules, and allows each committee member to speak on the subject under consideration.
A formal proposal to a meeting that it take certain action.
An expression of the will of the assembly, in the form of a command.
A motion to drop the present discussion, and that the chairman announce the next matter to be taken up in accordance with the organization’s customary business routine.
An investigation to determine the proper course of procedure.
The privileges and rights of the meeting in connection with matters of physical comfort or ineligibility or misconduct of a member in the meeting.
The question is a proposition or motion that has been placed before the meeting for action by the chairman. To "move the question" is to demand that the chairman take a vote on the current motion.
An act of the assembly that declares facts, expresses opinion, but does not command.
To allow something to be done that would otherwise violate the meeting rules, but is not in conflict with the constitution or by-laws, or with the fundamental principles of parliamentary law.
To delay action on a motion.