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Newark Catholic Forensics League |
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Student Congress Manual This student congress manual is largely based upon the National Catholic Forensic League Congress Manual; essentially some key changes have been made to facilitate local rather than national competition. No copyright infringement is intended. Contestants in congress should familiarize themselves with this manual. It is permissible to bring this manual into a competition round.
Newark
CFL Student Congress Manual 2005 Edition I.INTRODUCTION
A Bill is an enumeration of specific provisions which, if enacted, will have the
force of law.
A resolution is simply a generalized statement expressing a conviction. A resolution will generally cause debate on the
broad principles of the concept; a bill is more apt to spur debate on the merits of the
specific processes it contains. Although they
are not necessary, a resolution may contain "Whereas" clauses while a bill may
not. Since Constitutional Amendments are
actually suggestions that the states ratify some provision, they are resolutions.
Whether you wrote a B/R or not, be sure to spend some time prior to the contest
reviewing the B/R which were sent to you in advance.
Use an almanac, magazines and books to look up facts and figures. Documentation is
frequently more impressive than sheer personal opinion.
Nothing looks worse than failing to know what you are talking about! II.
BASIC RULES OF PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE
This is a summary of the ordinary rules. For
more detail and to handle situations not covered here, please consult Robert's Rules of
Order, Newly Revised,. The last page of
this manual includes a Table of Frequently Used Parliamentary Motions. 1. The members of congress shall set the agenda order of B/R. No B/R is to be tabled. It may be placed last in the agenda but it may not be tabled. 2. Each B/R
will be listed as being sponsored by a specific school.
A representative of the school that wrote the B/R shall be recognized to
open debate, but thereafter, he/she shall take his/her chance with the rest of the members
for further speaking opportunity. He/she does
not have any other special powers or rights. He/she
does not have the right to summarize the debate.
The
initial authorship speech is to be no more than three minutes in length, and is followed
by a mandatory two minute questioning period. If a speaker does not use his/her full time,
he/she may yield the rest of the time to answer the questions posed by members of the
congress. The PO will recognize those who
wish to speak. 3.
Members
shall claim the floor in debate only if they wish to oppose the views of the preceding
speaker, so that debate will alternate between pro and con speakers. If no one wishes to oppose the preceding speaker,
the PO may recognize a speaker upholding the same side.
All speeches will be three minutes in length (This is the maximum time;
there is no grace period. You may finish your
current sentence when time is gaveled by the PO). If
a speaker does not use his/her full time, he/she may(this is
not mandatory) yield the rest of the time to answer
the questions posed by members of the congress. You may complete your answer to a question
when time is called. The PO will recognize those who wish to speak, and will keep track of
the time. 4.
Amendments
must be in writing and state exactly the words to be added or stricken and may be
considered only upon a second (by show of hands) of 1/3 of the members PRESENT. Negative 1/3 seconds are never to be taken. The procedure to be used is the following: 1) The amendment is to be written out on the
Newark CFL Amendment form and passed to the PO, 2) The
PO will read the amendment and will determine if it is germane, 3) The PO will pause for motions after each speech,
4) When an Amendment is proposed, the PO
will read the amendment, 5) The PO will ask for a 1/3 second of the MEMBERS PRESENT. If the amendment does not receive the 1/3 second,
debate continues with the next appropriate speech.
If the amendment receives the 1/3 second, the PO shall ask for an
authorship speech ON the amendment. Preference for the amendment's authorship speech shall
be given to the primary author of the amendment. Once
the authorship speech on the amendment is given, NO AUTOMATIC QUESTIONING PERIOD FOLLOWS;
a con speech ON THE AMENDMENT will be in order. Debate
will then alternate pro and con ON THE AMENDMENT until the amendment is disposed of in the
proper manner. Please note: Any speech on the
main motion is OUT OF ORDER if it does not pertain to the amendment while the amendment is
on the floor. 5. There is a
right way and a wrong way to speak in legislative session.
By studying the Table of Motions and Robert's Rules of Order, Newly
Revised, and learning to use these motions in correct language, you will be taking a
step forward in your effort to be a good congressperson and contribute to the Newark CFL
congress. 6. When referring to another participant, use the following form: "Representative (last name of contestant) from section (letter code of school). 7. The correct way to obtain the floor to offer a motion or participate in the debate is: immediately at the conclusion of the preceding speaker's remarks, raise your hand and say "Mr. President" or "Mr. Speaker". When offering a motion, you may also say motion. If the PO recognizes you, then proceed to make your motion or discuss the pending legislation. If another member is recognized, then take your seat until he/she relinquishes the floor. 8. When
members wish to speak, the PO will choose those who have spoken least. A seating chart will be used to facilitate the
keeping track of who has and has not spoken. PO
should carefully record the number of times each student has spoken and use this as a
guide in picking speakers. Members may speak
more than once on the same question. At the
start of each session morning and afternoon,
all students shall start with a clean slate (ZERO SPEECHES). 9.
Members may not
yield any portion of their speaking time to another member. After any speech, except an
authorship speech of a B/R, the speaker may decline to answer questions. The PO may NEVER yield his/her position to anyone
and may not enter debate on any main motion or amendment. 10. Under no circumstances
are you permitted to argue with the PO. You
only have two recourses if you feel the PO has made a serious error, but
before using it, remember that the purpose of Student Congress is to debate legislation
and not show off your knowledge of procedure. If
you believe a serious error has occurred, first
bring the matter to the attention of the Parliamentarian; second, talk to the tab room staff at the
break between sessions. Students are strongly
urged to seek the advise of their coach(es) before issuing a complaint
to the tab room. 11. Do not overwork the
motion for the Previous Question. As long as
anyone has something to say, give them a chance to say it.
There is no limit on the length of debate required on any piece of
legislation. When no one wishes to speak, the
vote should be taken. Remember that calling
out "Question" merely indicates that a person is ready to vote and IS NOT
a motion to call Previous Question. The
motion of Previous Question requires a 2/3 vote OF THE MEMBERS PRESENT IN CHAMBER. For example, if there are 21 people present, 14 is
the minimum needed to invoke the Previous Question. This rule differs from Robert's
Rules of Order, Newly Revised. This an
Newark CFL Student Congress Rule If the
discussion is seeming to run stale the Parliamentarian and/or PO will suggest
that a call to previous question is in order. 13.
Decisions on B/R
shall be taken by a hand raise vote unless a role call is demanded by 1/5 of the members. 14. The only time a Motion
To Suspend the Rules may be considered is to allow for further questioning on a B/R. UNDER NO
OTHER CIRCUMSTANCES MAY THE RULES BE SUSPENDED WITHOUT THE APPROVAL OF THE
PARLIAMENTARIAN. III. INSTRUCTIONS FOR PRESIDING OFFICER1. As each
speaker gives a speech, be sure to mark an " X " next to his/her name on the
seating chart and note the time he/she spoke. 2. Time each
speech. When 2-1/2 minutes have elapsed,
gavel once. When 3 minutes have elapsed,
gavel twice. The only exception to this is the authorship speech where a mandatory two
minute questioning period will follow the authorship speech; therefore gavel at 2-1/2
minutes and 3 minutes to establish the end of the authorship speech, and then at 1-1/2
minutes and two minutes in the mandatory questioning period. A speaker may finish his
current sentence or the answer to a question when time is called; gavel down any speaker
who refuses to relinquish the floor when time is up. 3. When
speakers wish to speak, choose those who have spoken the least. To check this, refer to the " X "s you
have made on the chart. When you must choose
between two people with the same number of speeches, it is wise for you to pick the
speaker who has spoken least recently. 4. A member
may speak more than once on the same question but may not speak more than that unless no
other speaker wishes to speak. The PO may
refuse to recognize a speaker if the he/she feels that the speaker is trying to monopolize
debate 5. If someone
wishes to make a motion or a speech, they should seek recognition after the previous
speaker has relinquished the floor. 6. The PO is
strictly charged with the responsibility to keep debate moving. You will be held responsible for seeing that no
one monopolizes speaking time by making frequent speeches.
You will also be held responsible for failing to rule timewasting tactics
out of order. 7. The Presiding Officer will be expected to
rule all interruptions of speakers, even for questions, out of order. Members may raise hands for questions only after
the speaker has finished his/her speech. Speakers
that gave authorship speeches must remain standing for two minutes of questions. Only authorship speeches on main motions carry
this two minute questioning period. All other
speakers may answer questions if time permits in their speech time. Suspension of the rules to add on questioning
periods are allowable but should be considered carefully by the PO. Each suspension of the rules for questions takes
away from debate time. Only authors are
required to answer questions. All other
speakers may decline 8. Use of the
motion for the Previous Question should be discouraged as long as members have something
new to contribute to discussion. When the
motion is made and seconded, take a vote. Remember
-- a 2/3 vote OF MEMBERS PRESENT is required for passage.
When no one wishes to speak, the vote on the B/R may be taken directly
without moving and passing the Previous Question.If
the discussion is seeming to run stale the Parliamentarian and/or PO may suggest
(not mandate) that a call to previous question is in order. 9. A member
may not yield any portion of his/her speaking time to another speaker. 10.
Although it
would be nice to close each session with a vote on the motion at hand, this is not
necessary. Do not force a vote if there has
been insufficient debate and discussion. There
is no limit on the length of debate required on any piece of legislation. 11. When taking votes, do
so quickly and with precision: " The
Question is . . . . . .(State the Motion). Those
in favor please raise you hands . . . . . Those opposed by the same sign . . . . ." Then announce the votes and which side won. 12. The PO may NEVER
enter into debate but should be above it. 13. Questions of Procedure not covered by these rules shall be ruled by Robert's Rules Of Order, Newly Revised
Code CONGRESS
BALLOT FOR PRESIDING OFFICERS PRESIDING
OFFICER: _________________________ JUDGE:
_____________________
DIRECTIONS: Rate the presiding officer 1 -
6 in each category. Feel encouraged to
comment on the back side of this
ballot. In scoring, use whole numbers only --
no decimals. --KNOWLEDGE
OF USUAL PARLIAMENTARY
PROCEDURE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . _____________ --CLARITY
IN EXPLAINING RULINGS & PROCEDURES
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . _____________ --CONTROL
OF HOUSE including
willingness to rule
dilatory motions out of order . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . _____________ --FAIRNESS
IN ORDER OF RECOGNITION OF SPEAKERS AND
RULINGS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . _____________
--OVERALL
IMPACT & IMPRESSION
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . _____________
_________________________________________________________________
TOTAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . _____________
_____________ -school
code STUDENT
CONGRESS BALLOT FOR SPEAKERS
SPEAKER:
__________________ JUDGE: __________________ Round 1
2
DIRECTIONS: Rank each speech 1-6 in each category. Use one ballot for
each speech. Feel encouraged to comment on the back of this ballot.. In scoring, use whole
numbers only --- no decimals. 6 is the highest (best) rank. -
DELIVERY, seriousness of purpose, style, poise,
coherency…………………._____________ -ORIGINALITY
OF THOUGHT, Does the speech advance debate? or
merely rehash old points?
...................................……………………………._____________ -ORGANIZATION
AND UNITY OF SPEECH Does
it ramble? Does it develop?
..........................…………………………….._____________ -EVIDENCE
AND LOGIC BASIS FOR STATEMENTS, breadth
of knowledge on subject
............................…………………………….._____________ -OVERALL
IMPACT AND
IMPRESSION.........................................................._____________ ______________________________________________________________________________
TOTAL __________________________
_____________
Standard
Format for a Bill
1 Article I: State
the new policy to be adopted in a brief 2
declarative sentence, or in as few sentences as 3
possible. 4 Article II:
Define any ambiguous terms
inherent in Article I. 5 Article III: Indicate
the implementation date. 6 Article IV:
Name the government agency
that will oversee the 7
enforcement of the bill along with the specific 8 enforcement mechanism. 9 Article V: State
that all other laws that are in conflict with this 10
new policy shall hereby be declared null and void.
Respectfully Submitted,
Anchorage High School A
Bill to License Walk-In Medical Clinics 1 Article I: All
private and public walk-in medical clinics shall 2
be subject to licensing by the federal government. 3 Article II: This
federal licensing shall limit their medical 4
services to nonemergency or non-life-threatening 5
procedures. 6 Article III: This
bill shall take effect immediately upon 7
passage. 8
Article IV: The
Department of Health and Human Services 9
will oversee this licensing. Failure to comply will 10
result in the loss of the license to
operate. 11 Article V: All
laws in conflict with this bill will hereby be 12
declared null and void.
Respectfully Submitted,
ABC high School
Standard
Format for a Resolution
1 Whereas: State the current problem (this needs to be accomplished 2
in one brief sentence); and 3 Whereas: Describe
the scope of the problem cited in the first 4
whereas clause (this clause needs to flow logically from 5
from the first); and 6 Whereas: Explain
the impact of or the harms perpetuated by the 7
current problem (once again, the clause needs to flow in 8
a logical sequence). 9 Therefore, be it resolved by this Student Congress here
assembled 10
that: state your recommendation for dealing with the 11
problem (the resolution should be a clear call for action).
Respectfully submitted,
ABC High School
*note:
The number of whereas clauses will vary depending on the number of concerns that need to
be addressed to bring about a resolution of the problem.
A
Resolution to Reorganize the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) 1 Whereas:
The Federal Emergency Management Agency
is not 2
responding to recent natural-disaster victims in an 3
efficient and expedient manner; and 4 Whereas: This lack of efficiency and expediency
has left 5
thousands of individuals without an adequate supply 6
of food, clothing, and shelter; and 7 Whereas: This lack of supplies has fueled a
public outcry 8
for change. 9 Therefore: be it resolved by this Student Congress here
assembled 10
that FEMA be reorganized to better meet the needs of 11
natural-disaster victims.
Respectfully Submitted,
Anchorage High School
Newark
CFL
AMENDMENT FORM AUTHOR:
_______________________________________________________________ BILL/RESOLUTION
NUMBER: _____________________________________________ School:
______________________________________________________________ LINES
AFFECTED: _______________________________________________________ SECONDED:
(1/3 required) _________________________ CHAIRPERSON
NOTES: AMENDMENT
WORDING: ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ |
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This page was last updated 09/18/2007 |