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Referencing the content of Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised with contrasts noted in the minority report

Meeting Mechanics · Chapter 5

Bylaws, special rules, and which authority controls

Teach - applying authority

Why this chapter matters

How to tell which rule source governs when more than one text seems to apply.

Chapter outline

  1. How to resolve a rule conflict
  2. How to explain rule precedence to someone new

Vocabulary (6)

bylaws
The basic internal rules of the organization.
special rule of order
A rule the assembly adopts for its own procedure that differs from the default authority.
standing rule
A continuing rule about administration rather than parliamentary procedure.
custom
A repeated practice that may guide action when it does not conflict with higher rules.
precedence of rules
The order in which governing sources control when they conflict.
jurisdiction-specific authority
A source that applies only within a particular body or tradition.

Sequence practice (2 puzzles on Parliamentor)

How to resolve a rule conflict

Practice the flow until you can explain it without the screen.

  1. Name the exact question
  2. Check the charter, constitution, or bylaws
  3. Check special rules and adopted procedure
  4. Consult the parliamentary authority that applies
  5. Note any custom that fills gaps without conflict
How to explain rule precedence to someone new

Practice the flow until you can explain it without the screen.

  1. Start with the organization's own governing documents
  2. Explain the assembly's procedural defaults
  3. Show where custom helps and where it does not control
  4. Give one real example and the source that decided it

Quick fire sample (6 of 6 on Parliamentor)

Which term best matches this definition: The basic internal rules of the organization.
  1. bylaws
  2. special rule of order
  3. standing rule
  4. custom
Which term best matches this definition: A rule the assembly adopts for its own procedure that differs from the default authority.
  1. bylaws
  2. standing rule
  3. custom
  4. special rule of order
Which term best matches this definition: A continuing rule about administration rather than parliamentary procedure.
  1. special rule of order
  2. custom
  3. standing rule
  4. bylaws
Which term best matches this definition: A repeated practice that may guide action when it does not conflict with higher rules.
  1. standing rule
  2. custom
  3. bylaws
  4. special rule of order
Which term best matches this definition: The order in which governing sources control when they conflict.
  1. precedence of rules
  2. bylaws
  3. special rule of order
  4. standing rule
Which term best matches this definition: A source that applies only within a particular body or tradition.
  1. bylaws
  2. special rule of order
  3. standing rule
  4. jurisdiction-specific authority

Some topics in this course differ across field references. See when sources disagree on Parliamentor before you teach from this sheet alone.

Full scored drills are on Parliamentor at /courses/meeting-mechanics/chapters/05/print/. Answers are not marked on this sheet.