Which term describes rules that differ from the parliamentary authority?

• A. Parliamentary rules
• B. Bylaws
• C. Special rules of order
• D. Standing rules

Answer: (C)

Special rules of order are rules that an assembly adopts to modify how the standard rules of the chosen parliamentary authority apply. They let a group tailor procedures for a specific meeting or topic, such as changing debate limits or voting requirements, without changing the entire governing framework. Because these rules are created by the assembly, they take precedence for the matter at hand while in effect. Bylaws are the organization’s fundamental governing documents that set structure and duties, not the specific procedural deviations for meetings. Standing rules govern routine meeting procedures but are not the mechanism for creating deviations from the parliamentary authority in the way special rules of order are. So, the term that describes rules that differ from the parliamentary authority is special rules of order.