Parliamentary Procedures:
A Short History

Ever wonder how parliamentary procedures came about? Rather than being a recent development, parliamentary law can be traced back many centuries. The Anglo-Saxon tribes in England followed rules similar to parliamentary procedure by the fifth century A.D. During the early English Parliament, the rules were improved upon and it is from the word "Parliament" that the term "parliamentary procedure" came about.

Although originating in Britain, parliamentary law was developed mainly in America. In 1801 Thomas Jefferson compiled a manual of parliamentary practices. This handbook became the basis for the rules followed by the United States Congress. Later a book by Luther Cushing of Massachusetts further spread the use of parliamentary procedure to voluntary organizations.

The actual hands-on usage of parliamentary procedure did not become widespread in the United States until Henry Martyn Robert published his famous Rules of Order in 1876. Robert's Rules of Order established a systematic method for organizing and conducting meetings. Henry Martyn Robert was an engineering officer in the regular Army. He was asked to preside over a church meeting and realized that he did not know how to conduct such a meeting. He decided to study a few books then available on the subject. From time to time, due to his military duties, he was transferred to various parts of the United States where he found virtual parliamentary disorder since each member from a different part of the country had differing ideas of correct procedure. To bring order out of chaos he decided to write Robert's Rules of Order as it came to be called.

This widely used book has gone through nine editions since the first publication and has sold over four million copies. The tenth, current, edition has been updated with the growth and usage of parliamentary procedures worldwide. Much of the work associated with the updates on the editions is a result of persons who either knew and worked with the original author or knew and worked with persons who did.

Most homeowners associations attempt to follow Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised (1990 Edition). However, in keeping with the modern times, many associations have adopted specific procedural rules to shorten the debate and make the orderly flow of the meeting less cumbersome. Here are some procedures to consider adopting that further clarify Robert's Rules of Order.

Suggested Adaptations to Roberts Rules of Order:

Allow alternating debate on the issue. One speaker would present information in favor of the motion; then allow a presentation by a speaker opposed to the motion. When no one wishes to speak on a particular side, ask unanimous consent to end debate. "Is there any objection to closing discussion? Hearing no objection, discussion is closed."

When seeking out discussion, encourage new discussion rather than permit repetition by the speakers.

Always provide an opportunity for those who have not spoken to address the motion on the floor.

On the agenda, record a start and end time for each discussion item. This will let speakers know in advance how much time is available.

Along those same lines, announce at the beginning of the meeting what time the meeting will adjourn. Board members often police themselves if they are aware of a deadline.

Ask for a motion to end discussion. ("Is there a motion to close debate?").

If it is perceived that discussion on an issue may become quite lengthy, set a specific discussion time. ("Is there a motion to limit total debate to (20) minutes?").

Establish speaking rules for all meetings:   Limit the speaker's time to no more than (3) minutes. Limit the speaker to one opportunity to verbalize on the issue. Ask speakers to direct their comments to the chair.