I have several questions regarding the definition and nature of “fundamental principles” of parliamentary law. Please consider the following background information to my question:
In the index of Roberts Rules of Order Newly Revised (RONR, 11th ed), on page 688, the authors provide a list of pages that mention or discuss the topic of “fundamental principles”. One of the pages referenced in the index under “fundamental principles” is page 216 (labeled “two-thirds vote needed to supress debate”). On page 216 (ll. 3-10) the text reads, in part, “…the second is in violation of a basic principle of general parliamentary law that only a two-thirds vote can rightfully supress a main question without allowing free debate.”
Three questions arise from my reading of RONR, 11th ed. described above:
1. Is the principle that “only a two-thirds vote can rightfully supress a main question without allowing free debate” a fundamental principle of parliamentary law?
2. If it is not a fundamental principle, why does it appear in the index on page 688 under “fundamental principles”? In the alternative, if is a fundamental principle, why is it called a “basic principle” on page 216?
3. Finally, can anyone distinguish “fundamental principles” from “basic principles” of parliamentary law by providing a definition of both?
Thank you in advance for your insights.
