In order for students to understand parliamentary procedure, they must understand parliamentary bodies. Parliamentary bodies may be formal, legislative bodies, such as the House of Commons in the United Kingdom, or informal clubs or organizations. Parliamentary bodies are democratic in that members are given fairly equal rights to speak and be heard, to oppose and to vote. Parliamentary bodies are often organized by parties or sections, including majority and minority parties.
Parliamentary procedure is, in short, the procedure by which members of parliament conduct business and order. Parliamentary procedure provides for the rules for assembly, including debate and vote. Parliamentary procedure facilitates a democratic process by which members all participate, in some capacity, in the legislative process. Importantly, the procedure of parliament allows for self-government, as members are equally ranked, with few exceptions, such as the presiding officer and a few other administrative positions of authority.
To help students understand parliamentary procedure, introduce them to its basic steps. Parliamentary procedure allows for members to present a motion. This motion is disposed of or debated. After debate, members vote on the motion, as long as enough members are present for a vote. Motions are sometimes classified according to the level of urgency and importance. The body hears important, pressing motions before less urgent motions. When members vote on a motion, a presiding officer counts votes in favor and against. If the necessary majority is reached, the body adopts the motion. Sometimes, the body rescinds motions by a re-vote or amend by subsequent vote.
Practice parliamentary procedure in the classroom to reinforce the basics of the process. Organize the class into parties or factions and designate the majority party and the minority parties by numbers of members. Appoint a student to serve as the presiding officer. Have a student of a party present a motion by requesting that the class consider an issue. Only allow one issue to be presented at a time. Have another student "second" the motion. Discuss the motion by having representatives from each party present that party's perspective or platform on the issue. Have the presiding officer re-state the motion, then conduct a vote. Vote by voice ("aye" or "no"), by a show of hands, by standing, by a roll call vote or by secret ballot. If time allows, practice each of the different methods of voting.