INTRODUCTION TO PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE

Introduction to Parliamentary Procedure challenges members to demonstrate their understanding of the basic principles and rules used to conduct orderly and effective meetings. Through an objective test, members explore topics such as motions, voting procedures, and meeting structure based on parliamentary law.

Event Overview

Division: High School (9th & 10th graders only)
Event Type: Individual
Event Category: Objective Test, 100-multiple choice questions (breakdown of question by competencies below)
Objective Test Time: 50 minutes
Educational Alignments

Items Competitor Must Provide: Sharpened pencil, Fully powered device for online testing, Photo Identification, Conference-provided nametag, Attire that meets the Florida FBLA Dress Code

Items FBLA Provides: One piece of scratch paper per competitor, Internet access, Test login information

 Objective Test Competencies

·         Foundations of Parliamentary Procedure
·         Parliamentary Terminology
·         Meeting Structure and Order of Business
·         Handling a Main Motion
·         Classification of Motions
·         Voting and Elections

Test questions are based on the knowledge areas and objectives outlined for this event. Detailed objectives can be found in the study guide included in these guidelines.

District

Check with your District leadership for District-specific competition information.

State

Eligibility

·         FBLA membership dues are paid by 11:59 pm Eastern Time on December 1 (or earlier date specified by District Director) of the current program year.
·         Members may compete in an event at the State Leadership Conference (SLC) more than once if they have not previously placed in the top 10 of that event at the National Leadership Conference (NLC). If a member places in the top 10 of an event at the NLC, they are no longer eligible to compete in that event.
·         Members must be registered for the SLC and pay the state conference registration fee in order to participate in competitive events.
·         Members must stay within the official FBLA housing block of the official FBLA hotel to be eligible to compete.
·         Each district may be represented by participant(s) based on the Florida FBLA scaled quota system found on the Florida FBLA website.
·         Each member can only compete in one individual/team event and one chapter event (Community Service Project, Local Chapter Annual Business Report).
·         Identification: Competitors must present valid photo identification (physical) that matches the name on their conference name badge. Acceptable forms include a driver’s license, passport, state-issued ID, or school ID.
·         If competitors are late for an objective test, they may be either disqualified or permitted to begin late with no extension of the time as scheduled.
·         Participants must adhere to the Florida FBLA dress code established by the Florida Board of Directors or they will not be permitted to participate in the competitive event.

Recognition

·         The number of competitors will determine the number of winners. The maximum number of winners for each competitive event is 5.

Event Administration

·         This event is an objective test administered at the SLC.
·         No reference or study materials may be brought to the testing site.
·         No calculators may be brought into the testing site.

Scoring

·         Each correct answer is worth one point.

·         No points are deducted for incorrect answers.

·         Ties are broken by comparing the correct number of answers to the last 10 questions on the test. If a tie remains, answers to the last 20 questions on the test will be reviewed to determine the winner. If a tie remains, the competitor who completed the test in a shorter amount of time will place higher.
·         Results announced at the State Leadership Conference are considered official and will not be changed after the conclusion of the State Leadership Conference.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

·         FBLA complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by providing reasonable accommodations for competitors. Accommodation requests must be submitted through the conference registration system by the official registration deadline. All requests will be reviewed, and additional documentation may be required to determine eligibility and appropriate support.

Penalty Points

·         Competitors may be disqualified if they violate the Competitive Event Guidelines or the Honor Code.

Electronic Devices

·         Unless approved as part of a documented accommodation, all cell phones, watches, electronic devices, and headphones must be turned off and stored away before the competition begins. Visible devices during the event will be considered a violation of the FBLA Honor Code.

National

If you are competing on the National level, be sure to see the National guidelines at https://www.fbla.org/divisions/fbla/fbla-competitive-events/

 

 

Study Guides

 This study guide outlines the skills and knowledge assessed for this event. Objectives followed by a two-letter, three-digit code in parentheses are aligned to the National Business Administration Standards from MBA Research and Curriculum Center. Some objectives reference MBA Research’s Learning Activity Packages (LAPs), which are instructional resources with readings, activities, and assessments available exclusively to teacher advisers. For more information, visit MBAResearch.org/FBLA. 

Important Notice Regarding Test Preparation 

MBA Research materials are not required to study for or prepare for FBLA competitive event tests. MBA Research provides curriculum and instructional resources directly to teachers and does not administer or manage individual student testing or competition participation. 

Note for members and parents: All questions related to tests, study materials, scores, or competition guidelines should be directed to the local FBLA adviser. Only teacher advisers should contact MBA Research directly. 

Foundations of Parliamentary Procedure (10 test items)  

  • Explain the nature and purpose of parliamentary procedure  

  • Identify the official parliamentary authority (Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised)  

  • Discuss the fundamental principles of parliamentary law (e.g., rights of the majority and minority)  

  • Describe the concept of “one thing at a time”  

  • Identify the basic rights of an individual member  

  

Parliamentary Terminology (20 test items)  

  • Define common parliamentary terms (e.g., floor, chair, quorum, pending)  

  • Explain the concept of immediately pending motions  

  • Define the different types of meetings (e.g., regular, special)  

  • Identify the differences between a plurality and a majority vote  

  • Define the roles of “pro tem” and “ex officio” positions  

  • Describe the concept of obtaining the floor  

  • Differentiate between a meeting and a session  

  

Meeting Structure and Order of Business (15 test items)  

  • Describe the components of a standard order of business  

  • Explain the purpose and basic contents of meeting minutes  

  • Describe the process for opening and closing a meeting  

  • Explain the primary duties of the presiding officer  

  • Describe the basic record-keeping role of the secretary  

  • Explain the formal process for approving and correcting minutes  

  

  Handling a Main Motion (15 test items)  

  • List the six steps in handling a main motion from introduction to announcement of the result  

  • Explain the process for seeking recognition from the chair  

  • Describe the requirement and process for seconding a motion  

  • Discuss the basic rules and time limits for debate  

  • Explain the process the chair uses for stating the question  

  

Classification of Motions (20 test items)  

  • Identify the four basic classes of motions  

  • Describe the purpose of common Subsidiary motions (e.g., Postpone, Amend)  

  • Describe the purpose of common Privileged motions (e.g., Adjourn, Recess)  

  • Explain the purpose of basic Incidental motions (e.g., Point of Order)  

  • Distinguish between debatable and non-debatable motions  

  • Explain the concept of the order of precedence for motions  

  • Explain the purpose of the motion to amend  

  

Voting and Elections (20 test items)  

  • Identify common methods of voting (e.g., voice, rising, show of hands)  

  • Explain the use and purpose of a ballot vote  

  • Define the requirements for a two-thirds vote  

  • Describe the process for basic nominations from the floor  

  • Explain the chair’s responsibility and rights in the voting process  

  • Describe the process for a “Division of the Assembly” to verify a vote  

  • Discuss the procedure for closing and reopening nominations