Roberts Rules of Order | Page 5

work can be misled in examining any particular subject. Cross references are freely used to save repeating
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from other sections, and by this means, the reader, without using the index, is referred to everything in the Rules of Order that has any bearing upon the subject he is investigating. The references are by sections, and for convenience the numbers of the sections are placed at the top of each page. The motions are arranged under the usual classes, in their order of rank, but in the index under the word motion will be found an alphabetical list of all the motions generally used. In reference to each motion there is stated:
(1) Of what motions it takes precedence (that is, what motions may, be pending, and yet it be in order to make this motion). (2) To what motions it yields (that is, what motions may be made while this motion is pending). (3) Whether it is debatable or not. (4) Whether it can be amended or not. (5) In case the motion can have no subsidiary motion applied to it, the fact is stated [see Adjourn, �� 11, for an example: the meaning is, that the particular motion to adjourn, for example, cannot be laid on the table, postponed, committed or amended]. (6) The effect of the motion if adopted. (7) The form of stating the question when peculiar, and whatever other information is necessary to enable one to understand the question.

Part II. While the second part covers the entire ground of the first
part, it does so in a much simpler manner, being intended for those who have
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no acquaintance with the usages of deliberative assemblies. It also explains the method of organizing an assembly or society, and conducting a meeting. The motions are treated on an entirely different plan, being classified according to the objects for which they are used, and those of each class compared together so that the reader may obtain the best motion for the accomplishment of any given object. It omits the complications of parliamentary law, and has but few references to the rules of Congress, or those in this Manual. In order to make it complete in itself, it was necessary to repeat a few pages from the first part.
Definitions.
In addition to the terms defined above (taking precedence of, yielding to and applying to, see p. 14), there are other terms that are liable to be misunderstood, to which attention should he called.
Meeting and Session.--In this Manual the term "meeting" is used to denote an assembling together of the members of a deliberative assembly for any length of time, during which there is no separation of the members by adjournment. An adjournment to meet again at some other time, even the same day, terminates the meeting, but not the session, which latter includes all the adjourned meetings. The next meeting, in this case, would be an "adjourned meeting" of the same session.
A "meeting" of an assembly is terminated by a
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temporary adjournment; a "session" of an assembly ends with an adjournment without day, and may consist of many meetings [see Session, �� 42].
Previous Question--This term is frequently understood to refer to the question previously under consideration. As used in this country it is equivalent to a motion to "Stop debate, and proceed to voting on all the questions before the assembly," with certain exceptions, where it affects only one motion (as to postpone, to reconsider and an appeal; See �� 20 for a full explanation).
Shall the Question be Considered (or discussed)? This question, which is put as soon as a subject is brought before an assembly, if any member "objects to its consideration" (or "discussion," or "introduction"), is not intended to merely cut off debate, but to prevent the question from coming before the assembly for its action. If decided by a two-thirds vote in the negative, the question is removed from before the assembly immediately [see �� 15].
Whenever the word "assembly," which is used throughout these rules, occurs in forms of motions (as in Appeals, �� 14), it is better to replace it by the special term used to designate the particular assembly; as for instance, "Society," or "Convention," or "Board." The term "Congress," when used in this Manual, refers to the House of Representatives of the U.S.
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Part I.
Rules of Order.
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Art. I. Introduction of Business. [��� 1-5.]
1. All business should be brought before the assembly by a motion of a member, or by the presentation of a communication to the assembly. It is not usual, however, to make a motion to receive the reports of committees [�� 30] or communications to the assembly; and in many other cases in the ordinary routine of business, the formality of a motion is dispensed with; but should