Modern Parliamentary Procedure

This updated and revised edition of Keesey’s classic guidebook offers clear rules of order for efficient democratic action in deliberative meetings, streamlining concepts and procedures in the parliamentary process. Brief and concise, this is an easy‑to‑use teaching tool and at‑a‑glance guide.

In 1971, Ray Keesey developed a guidebook that revolutionized parliamentary procedure. By eliminating misleading terminology and simplifying many of the complex and overly technical aspects of the traditional parliamentary process, Keesey’s book offered clear rules of order for efficient democratic action in deliberative meetings. Thanks to its accessibility and lack of jargon, the Keesey System has become widely used by large deliberative bodies and small associations alike, allowing readers to quickly comprehend and implement the rules without needing to be experts on parliamentary process.
 
Revised and updated with the expertise of the American Institute of Parliamentarians, this second edition includes rules that relate to technological innovations such as electronic voting and offsite attendees. Key features include a more logical classification of parliamentary motions, the elimination of superfluous motions, and key recommendations for preventing and managing disruptions. This book is an essential reference for associations, clubs, student groups, and larger deliberative bodies seeking clear and effective procedural rules.

Note From APA
Foreword
Introduction
A Basic Parliamentary Approach
Simplified Rules and Terminology
Legal Requirements for Procedure
The Parliamentary Authority
Designation of the Presiding Officer
Summary
Chapter 1. The Basic Principles
Description and Discussion
Some Groups Require More Rules Than Others
Arguments for Limiting the Use of Parliamentary Procedure
When Parliamentary Procedure Is Required
Chapter 2. A Historical Sketch of Parliamentary Procedure
Historical Meeting Procedures
Parliamentary Procedure in the United States
Chapter 3. Introduction to the Rules of Procedure
Motion Groups
Ranking of Motions
Seconding Motions
Presence of a Quorum
Chapter 4. Main and Ordinary Motions
The Main Motion
Ordinary Motions
Chapter 5. Special Motions
Point of Order
To Appeal
To Withdraw
To Suspend the Rules
To Verify a Voice Vote
To Reconsider
To Rescind
Chapter 6. Conducting the Meeting
Types of Meeting
Notice of the Meeting
Preparing for the Meeting
The Order of Business
Closed Session
Procedure for Handling Motions
Discussion of the Motion
Use of Technology in Meetings
Ending the Meeting
Chapter 7. Participants in the Meeting
Role of the Presiding Officer
Participating Members
The Secretary
The Parliamentarian
Other Officials
Chapter 8. Committees
Standing and Special Committees
Procedure in Committees
Committee Reports
Presentation and Consideration of Reports
Summary
Chapter 9. Voting
Types of Votes
Tie Vote
Changing a Vote
Abstaining: The Right Not to Vote
Unanimous Vote
Methods of Voting
Chapter 10. Nominations and Elections
Nominations
Elections
Chapter 11. Constitutions, Bylaws, and Rules
Governing Documents
Constitution and Bylaws
Rules of Order and Standing Rules of Order
Standing Administrative Rules
Appendix A: Table of Outdated Motions
Appendix B: Typical Contents of Governing Documents
Appendix C: Summary Chart of Motions
References
Index