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Rules of Procedure (ROP)

The document outlines the Rules of Procedure (ROP) for a parliamentary session, detailing processes for roll call, speaker lists, moderated and unmoderated caucuses, and various forms of debate. It also describes the procedures for submitting working papers, voting on resolutions, and handling amendments. Additionally, it includes guidelines for points of order and personal privilege to ensure orderly conduct during discussions.

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Arham Shah
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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
34 views4 pages

Rules of Procedure (ROP)

The document outlines the Rules of Procedure (ROP) for a parliamentary session, detailing processes for roll call, speaker lists, moderated and unmoderated caucuses, and various forms of debate. It also describes the procedures for submitting working papers, voting on resolutions, and handling amendments. Additionally, it includes guidelines for points of order and personal privilege to ensure orderly conduct during discussions.

Uploaded by

Arham Shah
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

RULES OF PROCEDURE (ROP)

1. Roll Call

● The Chairperson will conduct the roll call to confirm attendance.


● Delegates must respond with “Present” or “Present and Voting” (the latter means
they cannot abstain from substantive votes).
● Failure to respond during roll call results in the delegate being marked absent,
restricting their participation in voting.

2. General Speakers’ List (GSL)

● The Chair will open the GSL, allowing delegates to speak for a fixed time.
● Delegates must raise their placards to be added to the GSL.
● They may yield their remaining time to another delegate, questions, or the Chair.
● If a delegate fails to use their entire allotted time, they must indicate their yield
immediately. (Yield to Another Delegate, Yield to the chair, Yield to Questions)
● The GSL remains open throughout the committee session unless suspended or
closed by the Chair.

3. Moderated Caucus

● The committee has to begin with a motion to begin the committee ● A structured
discussion on a specific sub-topic.
● Motions for a moderated caucus must specify topic, total duration, and individual
speaking time.
● The Chair selects speakers in an orderly fashion, prioritizing diverse viewpoints.
● Delegates must remain within the scope of the caucus topic; failure to do so results
in forfeiture of their turn.
● If multiple motions are proposed, the Chair will vote on them in order of
disruption, from most to least specific.

4. Unmoderated Caucus

● Free discussion and negotiation time for informal collaboration.


● Delegates move around the room to draft working papers, resolutions, and
amendments.

The Samvidhan Sabha 2.0 1


RULES OF PROCEDURE (ROP)

● No official speaking order exists, but the Chair may intervene if discussions
become disorderly.
● Used strategically to form blocs, negotiate policies, and build consensus. ● The
duration is subject to committee approval through a motion.

5. Zero Hour – The Chaos Unleashed

● Unlike the structured debates of a moderated caucus or the GSL, Zero Hour is
pure, unfiltered parliamentary bedlam.
● No time limits. No formal speaking lists. No orderly turn-taking.
● Delegates can interrupt, challenge, and vocally overpower each other.
● The Speaker (Chair) maintains some order but generally lets the storm rage.
● The loudest, most strategic, and most convincing delegates win the floor through
sheer force of debate.
● This is where political maneuvering, alliances, and tactical interventions play a
crucial role.
● The Chair may impose decorum if the debate turns too chaotic or unproductive.

6. Question Hour

● Delegates may pose direct questions to others, often grilling opposing viewpoints.
● Rapid-fire exchanges are encouraged, keeping interactions sharp and intense.
● The Chair ensures fairness but allows rebuttals, cross-questions, and heated
discourse.
● Points of Information can be raised to seek clarifications from fellow delegates.
● Delegates must frame their questions concisely, avoiding unnecessary elaboration.
● The Chair may cut off redundant or irrelevant questioning.

7. Challenges & One-on-One Debates

● Delegates may challenge another delegate to an impromptu debate.


● The Chair may allow one-on-one debates (30-60 seconds per speaker).
● The debate focuses on a specific issue raised in prior discussion.
● If the challenger wins, they may propose a procedural motion or disrupt the GSL.

8. Working Papers & Draft Resolutions

The Samvidhan Sabha 2.0 2


RULES OF PROCEDURE (ROP)

● Working papers are informal policy documents submitted before becoming a draft
resolution.
● Sponsors must gain enough signatories before submitting a working paper.
● Draft Resolutions must be formally written with preambulatory and operative
clauses.
● Requires at least one primary sponsor and a minimum number of signatories (as
determined by the Chair).
● Before voting, amendments can be proposed to modify clauses.

9. Press Release & Crisis Updates

● The Press Team releases breaking news, crisis scenarios, and policy leaks that
impact committee discussions.
● Delegates must adapt their positions accordingly.
● Crisis updates can alter geopolitical realities, forcing delegates to react quickly.
● Delegates may propose their own press releases to shape public perception.
● The Press Release is the final document prepared by the committee in order to
officially end the proceedings.

10. Amendments & Voting

● Friendly Amendments: Accepted automatically if all sponsors agree.


● Unfriendly Amendments: Require debate and voting before incorporation.
● The committee votes on draft resolutions clause-by-clause or as a whole,
depending on the Chair’s discretion.
● Voting Process:
○ Procedural Matters: Simple majority required.
○ Substantive Matters (Resolutions, Amendments): Requires a qualified
majority (as set by the Chair).
○ Delegates who were marked absent at the start of voting cannot participate.
● Right to Explain Vote: Delegates may clarify their stance after voting if permitted
by the Chair.

11. Motion for Adjournment

● When debate reaches a natural conclusion, a delegate may move to adjourn.


● If passed, the session officially ends.

The Samvidhan Sabha 2.0 3


RULES OF PROCEDURE (ROP)

● The Chair may overrule this motion if critical discussions are still ongoing.
● Adjournment can be temporary (breaks) or permanent (end of session). 12. Points

Point of Personal Privilege – Raised when a delegate experiences discomfort affecting


their participation (e.g., "The delegate cannot hear the speaker.").

Point of Order – Used when a delegate believes parliamentary procedure has not been
followed correctly. It ensures proper adherence to the Rules of Procedure or to point out a
factual inaccuracy in the speech of the fellow delegate.

Point of Parliamentary Inquiry – Raised when a delegate seeks clarification on


procedural matters (e.g., "Honorable Chair, could you clarify the voting procedure?").

Point of Information – Used to ask a speaker a direct question regarding their speech to
encourage engagement and clarity in debate.

The Samvidhan Sabha 2.0 4

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