Key Terms Related to Assemblies Quiz

Key Terms Related to Assemblies

• Chair: Presiding officer of the assembly responsible for maintaining order.
• Floor: The right to speak during a meeting; also refers to the assembly itself.
• Table: Metaphor for postponing a topic for future consideration ("lay on the table").
• Gavel: Tool for the chair to signal decisions; different taps represent different actions.
• Committee: Group appointed for specific tasks or matters.
• Proponent: Person introducing a motion to the assembly.
• Majority: Larger portion of members whose decisions prevail.
• Minority: Smaller portion of members that lacks control over decisions.

Key Terms Related to Meetings

• Meeting: A gathering for deliberation and conducting business.
• Regular Meeting: Scheduled meetings per organization’s bylaws.
• Special Meeting: Called for urgent, specific matters.
• Session: Series of meetings until adjourned indefinitely.
• Agenda: List of discussion items for the meeting.
• Order of Business: Sequence of agenda items discussion.
• Quorum: Minimum members present for a valid meeting.
• Adjourn: Officially closing a meeting.
• Recess: Short break during the meeting.
• Minutes: Official record of meeting proceedings.

Terms Related to Discussions, Actions, and Motions

• Motion: Formal proposal for decision by the assembly.
• Resolution: Written form of a formal motion.
• Debate: Discussion about a motion or question at hand.
• Pending Motion: A motion that hasn’t been resolved yet.
• Point of Order: Request to address procedural errors.
• Second: Support signal for a motion allowing further discussion or voting.

Terms Related to Voting

• Ballot Vote: Written and secret voting method.
• Majority Vote: More than half of votes cast.
• Plurality Vote: Largest number of votes when multiple options exist.
• Two-Thirds Vote: Requires two-thirds for approval.
• Tie Vote: Equal votes necessitating a decision from the chair.

Terms Related to Governing Documents

• Articles of Incorporation: Legal document detailing rights and agreements of an organization.
• Bylaws: Basic governing rules of an organization.
• Charter: Document authorizing a local group under a parent organization.
• Rules of Order: Written procedures for meeting conduct.
• Standing Rules: Temporary or semi-permanent rules that can change as needed.

Characteristics of Motions

• Interrupting the Floor: Most motions cannot interrupt a speaker; exceptions exist for urgent matters or rights.
• Seconding a Motion: Most motions require a second for discussion, except certain procedural motions.
• Debatability: Debatable motions allow discussion; categorized as full or limited debate.
• Amendability: Amendable motions can be modified; includes fully and partially amendable categories.
• Vote Requirement: Majority is typical, but certain motions (e.g., suspensions) require a two-thirds vote.
• Order of Precedence: Determines the ranking of motions; higher-ranked motions can interrupt lower-ranked ones.
• Applicability: Main motions do not apply to others; subsidiary motions can affect main motions.
• Related Motions: Certain motions can modify, refer, or limit discussion on other motions.
• Renewability: Generally, lost motions cannot be renewed unless circumstances change; procedural motions may be renewable.

Test your knowledge of key terms associated with assemblies and meetings. This quiz covers terminology such as chair, floor, gavel, and more, providing a comprehensive overview of assembly-related concepts. Perfect for anyone looking to enhance their understanding of meeting dynamics.