Parliamentary Law History Quiz

Brief History

• Parliamentary Law regulates proceedings of assemblies through established rules and practices known as parliamentary procedure.
• Originated in England during the reign of King Edward VI from 1547-1553, notably within the English Parliament.
• The English Common Law influenced the legal systems of American colonies, ultimately evolving into a distinct American Parliamentary procedure.
• The Philippines adopted its parliamentary procedures from the American system, in part through Jefferson’s Manual.
• Common Parliamentary Procedures are designed to address the needs of various deliberative bodies, exemplified by Robert’s Rules of Order.

Fundamental Principles (Parliamentary Procedure)

• All members possess equal rights and responsibilities within the assembly.
• Decisions made by the majority are binding, reinforcing the principle of majority rule.
• Protection of minority opinions is essential, ensuring their voices are heard.
• Motions should focus on a singular subject to maintain clarity and order.
• Full and open debate is required, allowing diverse viewpoints to be expressed.
• Every motion presented must undergo a voting process for legitimacy.
• The collective interest of the group takes precedence over individual opinions.
• The presiding officer is required to remain neutral and impartial during proceedings.

Nature and Importance

• Designed to be inclusive, Parliamentary Law seeks to streamline conduct in meetings, facilitating efficient decision-making.
• The system emphasizes legal validity in the decisions made by the assembly, focusing on practicality rather than rituals.

Jargons & Terms

• Chair: Refers to the presiding officer or the position of leadership during meetings.
• Floor: Represents the space for all members other than the presiding officer, or their right to address the assembly.
• Meeting: An official gathering aimed at conducting business, characterized by continuous attendance without extended interruptions.
• Member: An individual entitled to full participation, including voting rights.
• Motion: A formal suggestion made by a member for the assembly to take specific action.
• Precedence: Denotes the priority or rank assigned to different motions.
• Question: A term synonymously used for motion, often employed informally to initiate a vote on a proposal.