points to which they relate, and are binding on its members so long as in force, but have no force in any assembly except that which created them. If, however, the assembly or society be a branch of a superior body, or parent organization, it cannot make a rule which conflicts with the constitution, by-laws, or rules of the parent organization, since the constitution, by-laws, etc., form the organic law of the organization, and cannot be suspended by the subordinate body. When a society has such special rules, and an adopted authority, the order of precedence is as follows:
- 1st. The organic law.
- 2nd. The special rules.
- 3rd. The adopted authority.
- 4th. Parliamentary usage.
The student should bear in mind that great care should be taken to keep the distinction clear between the organic law, special rules, and principles which are of general application, and adopted to meet the requirements of certain assemblies. In the absence of such special rules or adopted authority the common parliamentary usage governs.
