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ARTICLE I

Section1:ThenameofthisorganizationshallbetheYalePolitical Union.

ARTICLE II

Section1:ThepurposeoftheYalePoliticalUnionshallbetoprovide Yalewithanon-partisanforumforparliamentarydebateandto encouragethediscussionofmattersofpublicinterestbyothersuitable means.

Section2:TheUnionshallbeopentoanyandallpoliticalviewpoints initscapacityasaforum.

Section3:NopartofthenetearningsoftheYalePoliticalUnionshall inuretothebenefitof,orbedistributableto,itsmembers,trustees, officers,orotherprivatepersons,exceptthattheYalePoliticalUnion shallbeauthorizedandempoweredtoprovidereasonable compensationforservicesrendered,andtomakepaymentsand distributionsinfurtheranceofthepurposessetforthinArticleII, SectionIhereof.NosubstantialpartoftheactivitiesoftheYale PoliticalUnionshallbethedisseminationofpropagandaorother attemptstoinfluencelegislation,andtheYalePoliticalUnionshallnot participatein,orintervenein(includingbypublishingordistributing statementsabout)anypoliticalcampaignonbehalfoforinopposition toanycandidateforpublicoffice.Notwithstandinganyotherprovision ofthesearticles,theYalePoliticalUnionshallnotcarryonany activitiesnotpermittedtobecarriedon(a)byacorporationexempt fromfederalincometaxunder§501(c)(3)oftheInternalRevenue

Code,orthecorrespondingsectionofanyfuturefederaltaxcode,or (b)byacorporationcontributionstowhicharedeductibleunder§ 170(c)(2)oftheInternalRevenueCode,orthecorrespondingsection ofanyfuturefederaltaxcode.

Section4:UponthedissolutionoftheYalePoliticalUnion,assetsshall bedistributedforoneorbothofthefollowingexemptpurposesunder §501(c)(3)oftheInternalRevenueCode,orthecorrespondingsection ofanyfuturefederaltaxcode:(a)toeducatestudentsandYale Universityconcerningthepoliticalissuesoftheday,and(b)toenhance politicaldiscourseatYaleUniversity.Anysuchassetsnotsodisposedof shallbedisposedofinaccordancewiththelawbytheStateof ConnecticutSuperiorCourtfortheJudicialDistrictofNewHaven, exclusivelyforsuchpurposesortosuchorganizationororganizations whichare,assaidcourtshalldetermine,organizedandoperated exclusivelyforsuchpurposes.

ARTICLE III

Section1:ThereshallbethreeclassesofmembershipintheUnion, whichshallbeFullMembers,PatronMembers,andHonorary Members.

Section2:StudentsandalumniofYaleUniversityshallbeeligibletobe FullMembersoftheUnion.MembershipshallbebySession.Anyone whopurchasesamembershipforafallSessionmustalsopurchasea membershipforthefollowingspringSession.Anyoneeligibleto purchaseamembershipmaychoosetopurchasemembershipforeight sessionsforthecostofsixconsecutiveSessions.Anyoneeligibleto purchaseamembershipmaychoosetopurchaseamembershipforlife, whichshallcostanamountequaltothecostoftenconsecutiveSessions

minusanyamountthepurchaserhaspreviouslyspentonthe purchaser’sownmembershipintheUnion.

Section3:Allthosewhohavebeenelectedpresidentorspeakerofthe Unionbeforetheadoptionofthisconstitutionshalluponitsadoption begrantedfullmembershipforlife,anduponelectiontotheofficeof speakerorpresident,amembershallautomaticallyandimmediatelybe grantedfullmembershipforlife,butnothinginthissectionshallbe construedtolimitthebody’sabilitytostripamemberofmembership.

Section4:AllmembersoftheOxfordandCambridgeUnionSocieties shallbeFullMembersoftheYalePoliticalUnion.

Section5:TheExecutiveBoardshallsetthecostforfallandspring memberships,thoughitmaynotchangethepriceofmembershipfor anySessionafterthefirstmeetingoftheExecutiveBoardduringthat Session.ThecostsofmembershipforthefallandspringSessionsdonot needtobethesame.

Section6:Anypersonwhoisineligibletopurchasemembershipinthe UnionmaybecomeaPatronMemberbypayinganamountequivalent tothecostofamembershipofthesameduration.PatronMembersshall havefloorprivilegesbutmaynotvoteonanymatterbeforetheUnion.

Section7:TheExecutiveBoardmaygranthonorarymembershipto anynon-memberitwishesforanylengthoftimeitwishes.Honorary Membersshallhavefloorprivilegesbutmaynotvoteonanymatter beforetheUnion.

Section8:MembershipintheUnionissubjecttorevocationbythe bodyinaccordancewiththerulessetforthintheparliamentary

minusanyamountthepurchaserhaspreviouslyspentonthe purchaser’sownmembershipintheUnion.

Section4:AllmembersoftheOxfordandCambridgeUnionSocieties shallbeFullMembersoftheYalePoliticalUnion.

Section7:TheExecutiveBoardmaygranthonorarymembershipto anynon-memberitwishesforanylengthoftimeitwishes.Honorary Membersshallhavefloorprivilegesbutmaynotvoteonanymatter beforetheUnion.

Section8:MembershipintheUnionissubjecttorevocationbythe bodyinaccordancewiththerulessetforthintheparliamentary

authority.Norefundofanyamountshallbegrantedforarevoked membership.

Section9:HonoraryandpatronmembershipintheUnionissubjectto revocationbythebodyinaccordancewiththerulessetforthinthe ParliamentaryAuthority,exceptthatthereshallbenorequirementof notice.Inaddition,theExecutiveBoardmay,withoutnotice,revokea patronmembershipbyatwo-thirdsvote,anditmay,withoutnotice, revokeanhonorarymembershipbymajorityvote.Norefundofany amountshallbegrantedforarevokedpatronmembership.

Section10:AnyMembermayresignatanytimebywritingaletterin theMember’sownhandanddeliveringitinpersonorbyUnitedStates MailtothePresidentorSpeakeroftheUnion.Suchresignationstake effectimmediately.Norefundofanyamountshallbegrantedfora resignedmembership.

Section11:AnyFullMemberwhohasattendedatleastthreemeetings, orone-halfthemeetings,inaSessionoftheUnionduringthetime specifiedbyArticleX,Section2,shallbeconsideredanActive Member.AllVotingMembersshallalsobeconsideredActiveMembers.

Section12:AnyActiveMemberwhohasparticipatedinatleasttwo meetings,orone-halfthemeetings,inaSessionoftheUnionduring thetimespecifiedbyArticleX,Section2,shallbeconsideredaVoting Member.AllVotingMembersshallbeeligibletovoteintheUnion electionsattheendofthesameSession.

ARTICLE IV

Section1:ThePresidentshallbeelectedtobetheChiefExecutive OfficeroftheUnion;topresideovermeetingsoftheExecutiveBoard;

tosuperviseallotherUnionofficers;toappoint,withtheAdviceand ConsentoftheExecutiveBoard,theOutreachandOperations Director,theSecretary,andotherofficersasdeemednecessaryforthe functioningoftheUnion,thechairmenofallcommitteesexceptthe RulesCommitteeandAdvisoryCommittee,andofficerstofillelected officeswhichbecomevacantduringtheSession;toappointFull Memberstoservetemporarilyintheabsenceofofficers;to communicatewithadvisorybodies,especiallyalumniandfaculty;to submittotheExecutiveBoard,inaccordancewithArticleVII,a proposalforthebudgetfortheSession;andtosubmitamemorandum attheendoftheSessiontofuturePresidentsandtheExecutiveBoard, ontheeventsanddevelopmentsoftheSession,whichshallbedeposited intheUnionArchives.ThePresidentshallbeultimatelyresponsiblefor thesuccessoftheUnion.

Section2:TheSpeakershallbeelectedtopresideoverallmeetingsof thePoliticalUnion;toactasChairmanoftheRulesCommittee;to supervisethefloorleadersandoverseetheconstructionofaspeaking docketforeachdebate;toappoint,subjecttotherestrictionsstatedin ArticleVIII,theTeller;toappointactingTellersintheabsenceofthe Teller;toadvisetheExecutiveBoardonparliamentaryand constitutionalmatters;andtosubmitamemorandumattheendofthe SessiontofutureSpeakersandtheExecutiveBoard,ontheeventsand developmentsoftheSession,whichshallbedepositedintheUnion Archives.TheSpeakershallberesponsibleforthestudentcontribution todebate.

Section3:TheVicePresidentshallbeelectedtoprocureguestsfor debates;tosetatentativescheduleforthecurrentandfollowing SessionsinaccordancewithArticleVII,andtoupdatetheExecutive Boardregularlyonthestatusofsaidschedule;toproduceanend-of-

-termreportonthestatusofinvitedguests;tomaintainadatabaseof past,present,andpotentialguests;tomakethenecessarypractical arrangementsforthetravelandaccommodationofguests;to communicatewithguestsregardingtentativeresolutions;to accompanyguestsoncampus;toorganizemealsorothereventswith guests;toassistthePresidentintheoperationoftheUnion;toactas presidentinthePresident’sabsence;andtosucceedtothepresidency shouldthatofficebecomevacantduringtheSession.TheVice Presidentshallberesponsibleforallmattersconcerningguests.

Section4:Thereshallbetwotreasurers,theSeniorTreasurerandthe JuniorTreasurer,whoshallbeelectedtocollectanddisburseUnion funds;tosellUnionMemberships;toassistthePresidentindraftinga budgetproposalfortheSession;toadvisetheExecutiveBoardon financialmatterspertainingtotheUnion;toraisemoneyfortheUnion fromsourcesincluding,butnotlimitedto,corporateentities,nonprofitorganizations,andYaleUniversity;tomaintaintheUnion’s financialrecords,whichshallbeopentoinspectionbyanyFull Member;toprovidecompletereportsoftheUnion’sfinancialstatus monthly,orasinstructed,totheExecutiveBoard;andtodepositacopy oftheUnionbudgetasapprovedbytheExecutiveBoardwiththeYale CollegeDean’sOfficeandtheUnionarchives.TheSeniorTreasurer shallberesponsiblefortheabovementioneddutiesandmaydelegate taskstotheJuniorTreasurer.Unionfundsmayonlybedisbursedin accordancewithaduly-passedbudgetfortheSession,orasspecially authorizedbytheExecutiveBoardinaccordancewithArticleVII,oras requiredbythisconstitution.ThebudgetofthefallSessionshall includeplansforthefinancesoftheentireacademicyear,whilethe budgetofthespringSessionshallamendandclarifythefallSession budget.AJuniorTreasurershallbeelectedeachsession.TheJunior TreasurerwillbecometheSeniorTreasurerinthesessionimmediately

followingtheirelection,exceptintheeventoftheJuniorTreasurer’s resignation.TheSeniorTreasurerwillserveasamentorandadviserto theJuniorTreasurer,withtheobjectiveoftrainingthemtobecomethe subsequentSeniorTreasurer.TheTreasurersshallberesponsibleforthe financialstabilityoftheUnion.

Section5:TheDirectorofDevelopmentshallbeappointedtoraise moneyfortheUnionfromsourcesincluding,butnotlimitedto,past andpresentMembersoftheUnion;tooverseethecoordinationofany alumnifunctionsoreventsdeemednecessarybytheExecutiveBoard; tomaintainanaccuratealumnidatabase;topublishatleastone newsletter,withtheassistanceoftheSecretary,approvedbythe ExecutiveBoard,bytheendoftheSession,tobedistributedtoalumni andmembersoftheUnionandplacedintheUnionarchives;andto submittotheExecutiveBoardaplanforfundraisingincurrentand futureSessionsnolaterthantenclassdaysafterthebeginningofthe Session.TheDirectorofDevelopmentshallberesponsiblefor strengtheningtheUnion’stieswithalumni.

Section6:Thereshallbetwofloorleaders,theFloorLeaderoftheLeft andtheFloorLeaderoftheRight,whoshallbeelectedtopromotethe qualityofdebatewithintheirCoalitionsandtoassisttheSpeakerin coordinatingUniondebates.Nothinginthissectionshallbeconstrued torestricttheSpeaker’sfreedominpresidingovermeetingsor assigningthefloor.Thefloorleadersshallberesponsiblefortheir respectiveCoalitions’contributionstodebate.

Section7:TheOutreachandOperationsDirectorshallbeappointedto overseelogisticsnecessaryforUniondebates;toserveasliaison betweentheUnionandothercampusorganizations;toberesponsible forthepublicityofUnionevents;topromoteUnioneventstorelevant

academicdepartments;tomaintaintheUnion’sonlinepresence;andto ensurethevisibilityoftheUnionincampusmedia.TheOutreachand OperationsDirectorshallberesponsibleforstrengtheningtheUnion’s tieswiththeYalecommunity.

Section8:TheSecretaryshallbeappointedtorecordtheminutesof Union,RulesCommittee,andExecutiveBoardmeetings;tosubmitthe minutestotheExecutiveBoardinatimelyfashionand,uponapproval, toposttheminutespubliclyandplacetheminUnionarchives;toassist thePresidentandVicePresidentwithUnioncorrespondenceandother projects;toassisttheDirectorofDevelopmentinproducingcontent fornewsletterstoalumni;andtomaintaintheUnionarchives,which shallbeopentoanyMember’sinspection.TheSecretarywillwork withthePresidenttocreateanaccessiontothearchivesattheendof eachsemester.TheSecretaryshallberesponsibleforkeepingarecord ofUnionproceedings.

Section9:TheTellershallbeappointedtomaintaintheUnion’s membershipandattendancerolls;tocommunicateregularlywiththe ExecutiveBoardonthestatusofUnionrecruitmentefforts;tocompose aweeklymembershipandattendancereporttobesubmittedtothe ExecutiveBoardandtobeplacedintheUnionarchives;tomake availableattendancerecords,whichshallbeopentoinspectionatthe requestofanyActiveMember;andtoensureonlyauthorizedpersons areadmittedtoUnionmeetings.TheTellershallberesponsiblefor keepingarecordofUnionmembership.

ARTICLE V

Section1:ElectionsshallbeconductedeachSessionbytheRules Committee.TheRulesCommitteeshallcertifytheelectionofofficers

bymajorityvoteandnoofficershallbedeemedelectedunlessso certified.

Section2:ElectionsshalltakeplaceonthefirstfullweekdayofReading Period,asdefinedbyYaleCollege,unlesstheRulesCommitteeshall, bytwo-thirdsmajorityvote,setanewdateforelections.TheRules Committeeshallsetthetimeandlocationofelectionsbymajorityvote. PublicNoticeshallbegivenofthedate,time,andlocationofelections.

Section3:Electionsshallbeheldforonecontinuousperiodoftime, lastingnolessthanthreehoursandbeginningnoearlierthannoon. Electionsmaybeheldinonlyonelocation,unlessotherwisedecidedby aunanimousvoteofRulesCommittee.Neitherabsenteeballotsnor proxiesshallbeallowed.

Section4:AnyundergraduateMemberoftheUnionwhointendsto remainanundergraduateofYaleCollegethroughouttheMember’s proposedterminoffice,andiseligibletovoteintheUnionelections, maybeelectedtoanyoffice.However,noMemberwhohasresigned anelectedofficeshallbeeligibletobeelectedforthefollowingSession, unlesstheRulesCommitteeshall,atthetimeitcertifiesthelistof VotingandActiveMembers,votebytwo-thirdsmajoritytoallowthat persontobeacandidateforelection.

Section5:Tobeacandidatefornominationtoanyoffice,aMember mustsubmittotheSpeakereitheraletterofintenttorunforthatoffice bynoonsevendaysbeforethescheduleddateofelections,orapetition signedbyaquorumoftheUnionbynoonthreedaysbeforethe scheduleddateofelections.TheSpeakershallprovidePublicNoticeof thenamesofallthoseseekingelectionstoeachofficeby10:00AMon thedayofelections.

Section6:Toappearontheballotacandidatemustbenominatedbya Party.APartymaynominateonlyonecandidateforeachofficeand maynominateacandidateforFloorLeaderofacoalitiononlyifthe PartyhasatleastoneaffiliatedMembereligibletovoteintheelection ofsaidcoalition’sfloorleader.Foreachcandidatetobenominated,a PartymustsubmitaletterofnominationtotheSpeakerbefore9:00 AMonthedayofelections.

Section7:ThemembershipoftheUnionshallbedividedintotwo coalitions,aCoalitionoftheLeftandaCoalitionoftheRight.A MemberaffiliatedwithaPartythathasofficiallydesignateditselfinone coalitionshallbeamemberofthatcoalitionandallotherMembersshall beconsideredunaffiliatedbydefault,withtheexceptionthata Member’sCoalitionaffiliationfromthepreviouselectioncycleshall automaticallybecarriedoverintothecurrentSession.However,any Membermayregisterwitheither,orneither,coalitionbynotifyingthe TellerofapreferredaffiliationforthecurrentSessionbeforeMidterm (asspecifiedbyYaleCollege).NoMemberorPartymayregisteror changeacoalitionaffiliationafterMidterm,exceptthoseMemberswho signinforthefirsttimeafterMidtermmayregisterwithaCoalitionat thetimeofthatMember’sfirstsign-in.

Section8:InordertobeeligibletobeelectedFloorLeaderofa coalition,aMembermustbeeligibletovoteintheelectionoftheFloor Leaderofthatsamecoalition.NoMembershallunderany circumstancesbeeligibletovoteintheelectionofbothfloorleaders.If atanytimetheFloorLeader’scoalitionregistrationischanged,the FloorLeaderimmediatelyandautomaticallyresignstheoffice.

Section9:TheTellershallprepareapreliminarylistofVotingand ActiveMembersbynoonfourdaysbeforethescheduleddateof elections.Thislistshallshowthename,partyaffiliation,andcoalition

ofeachVotingandActiveMember;shallbedistributedtothemembers oftheRulesCommittee,membersoftheExecutiveBoard,andthe chairorchairmanofeachParty;andshallbepostedpublicly.

Section10:TheRulesCommitteeshallmeetatsomepointbetween noonsevendaysbeforethescheduleddateofelectionsandnoonfour daysbeforethescheduleddateofelectionstodraftacertifiedlistof VotingandActiveMembers.Afterthiscertifiedlist,showingthename, partyaffiliation,andcoalitionofeachVotingandActiveMember,has beendraftedandapprovedbymajorityvoteitshallbedistributedtothe membersoftheRulesCommittee,themembersoftheExecutive Board,andtothechairorchairmanofeachParty.Inaddition,itshall bepostedpubliclyatleast72hourspriortothebeginningofUnion elections.NocorrectionsmaybemadeafterRulesCommitteeapproves thecertifiedlist.

Section11:Electionsshallbebysecretballot.Electioneeringshallnot beallowedintheroomwhereballotsarecast.Nomineesshallappear byofficeinalphabeticalorderontheballot.TheofficeofTreasurer shallnotappearontheballotduringelectionsforthespringSession unlesstheelectedTreasurerhasresignedtheofficeatleastfifteendays beforethescheduleddayofelections,orifanappointeeholdstheoffice ofTreasurer.Foreachofficethatappearsontheballotalineshallbe designatedforwrite-incandidates.

Section12:Apluralityofvotescastforanyofficeshallberequiredto elect,exceptasprovidedforinSection16ofthisArticle.

Section13:UndernocircumstancesmayaMemberserveinmorethan oneofficeatthesametime.

Section14:Intheeventthatthereisnoeligiblecandidateforanoffice, theRulesCommitteemay,bytwo-thirdsvote,electanyeligible Membertothatoffice.

Section15:Intheeventthat,duetoatiedvote,nocandidateforan officereceivesaplurality,theRulesCommitteemay,bythree-fourths vote,electoneofthetiedcandidatestothatoffice.IftheRules CommitteedoesnotsoelectaMember,itshallcallaspecialelectionto beheldwithinthreedaysoftheoriginalelection,atwhichtherewillbe arun-offbetweenthetiedcandidates.Acandidateshallthenbeelected byapluralityoftheMembersvotinginthatelection.AnyMember whowasqualifiedtovoteintheoriginalelectionmayparticipateinthe runoff,buttheRulesCommitteemaycreateanyadditionalrulesit deemsnecessaryforconductingsuchanelection.

Section16:NomorethanthreeofthefivepersonsservingasPresident, Speaker,VicePresident,Treasurer,andDirectorofDevelopment,shall befromthesameParty.Ifatthetimeofthecertificationofnewofficers morethanthreeofthepersonssettobecertifiedforthesefiveoffices areaffiliatedwiththesameParty,theofficers-electfromthePartyin questionshallbegiven24hoursinwhichtosubmitanappropriate numberofresignationswithdrawingfromcontentionfortheofficesto whichtheywereelected.Iftheissueremainsunresolved,theRules Committeeshalldecidewhichofficeswillbeforfeitedbymajorityvote andtherunnersupfortheseoffices,asdeterminedbystrictplurality, shallbeelected.ForthepurposesofthisSection,aMembershallbe consideredtobefromthePartywithwhichtheMemberwasaffiliated atMidterm.IfthesemesterinquestionistheMember’sfirstsemesterof Unionmembership,theMembershallbeconsideredtobefromthe PartywithwhichtheMemberisaffiliatedinthelistofVotingand ActiveMembers.TheRulesCommitteemay,bymajorityvoteatleast

twodaysbeforethedayofelections,determinethattheMembershall beconsideredaffiliatedwithadifferentPartyorwithnoPartyatall.

Section17:TheRulesCommitteeshallestablishanystandingrules necessaryfortheconductionofelections.

ARTICLE VI

Section1:Uponpetitionofone-tenthoftheprevioussemester’sVoting MemberstheExecutiveBoardshallcallameetingoftheUnion,totake placewithintenclassdays,toconsiderrescindinganofficer’selection. PublicNoticemustbegivenofthemeetingandonlythosewhowere eligibletovoteinthatofficer’selectionmayvoteonthequestionofthe rescissionofthatofficer’selection.Atwo-thirdsvoteshallberequired torescindanofficer’selection.

Section2:Amotiontorescindanofficer’selectionmaynotbe rescindedorreconsidered.AnyUnionofficerwhoseelectionhasbeen rescindedshallbeineligibletoholdelectedorappointedofficeinthe UnionfortheremainderoftheSessionduringwhichsaidofficerwas removed,aswellasduringthefollowingSession.

Section3:Allappointedofficersserveatthediscretionoftheofficer whoappointedthem.

Section4:Anyholderofelectedofficewhoceasestobean undergraduateofYaleCollegeshallimmediatelyandautomatically resigntheoffice.

Section5:AnyOfficermayresigntheirofficeatanytimebywritinga letteranddeliveringitinpersonorbyUnitedStatesMailorby electronicmailbytheofficer’sYaleelectronicmailaddresstothe

ChairmanoftheRulesCommittee.Suchresignationstakeeffect immediately.

ARTICLE VII

Section1:TheexecutivepowersandresponsibilitiesoftheUnionshall bevestedintheExecutiveBoard.TheBoardshallconsistofthe President,Speaker,VicePresident,Treasurers,FloorLeaders,Director ofDevelopment,OutreachandOperationsDirector,andSecretaryof theUnion,aswellasthechairsandchairmenofthePartiesortheir designatedrepresentatives.AllmembersoftheExecutiveBoardshallbe abletovoteonamatterbeforetheExecutiveBoardwiththeexception oftheJuniorTreasurer,OutreachandOperationsDirector,and Secretary.

Section2:TheExecutiveBoardshallbeempoweredtoconductthe businessoftheUnion;tocallmeetingsofthebody;toinviteguest speakers;toselectresolutionsfordebate;togiveadviceandconsentto appointmentsmadebythePresident;andtosetmembershipprices.

Section3:TheExecutiveBoardshallhavethepowertomodifyandto approvethebudgetpresentedbythePresidentandtheTreasurers.The Presidentmayapproveexpendituresofupto$500totalfortheentire semester,butspecialauthorizationforexpensesexceeding$500mustbe approvedbyatwo-thirdsvoteofallvotingmembersoftheExecutive Board.

Section4:TheExecutiveBoardshallsetthetimeandplaceforitsown meetings.Shoulditfailtodoso,thePresidentmaysummonitat discretion.QuorumoftheExecutiveBoardfornon-emergency meetingsshallbeconsistofamajorityofallitsvotingmembers,aswell

asone-halfofthechairsandchairmenortheirrepresentatives.Except incasesofemergency,PublicNoticeshallbegivenofallmeetingsof theExecutiveBoard.

Section5:Intheeventofanemergency,thePresidentoranytwo membersoftheExecutiveBoardmaysummonameetingbutnoaction maytakeplaceatsuchameetingunlesstwo-thirdsofthemembers presentvotetorecognizethatPublicNoticewasnotpossible.Quorum atanemergencymeetingshallbeamajorityofchairsandchairmenor theirrepresentativesandamajorityofvotingmembers.Noemergency meetingoftheExecutiveBoardshallbecalledtoorderuntilagood faithefforthasbeenmadetocontactallvotingmembersofthe ExecutiveBoardandtheSpeaker.TheRulesCommitteeshallhavethe powerto,bymajorityvote,determinethatsuchagoodfaitheffortwas notmadeandanyactiontakenatsuchanimproperlycalledmeetingof theExecutiveBoardshallbenullandvoid.

Section6:ThechairorchairmanofanyPartymaydelegateanyother individualwhoisnotavotingmemberoftheExecutiveBoardto representsaidchairorchairmanatExecutiveBoardmeetings.

Section7:Two-thirdsormoreofallpartychairsandchairmenortheir representativesmayvetoanyactionoftheExecutiveBoard.

ARTICLE VIII

Section1:TheRulesCommitteeshallbethecommitteeonrulesand proceduresfortheUnion.AllrulesestablishedbytheRulesCommittee shallremaininforceuntilamendedorrepealedbytheRules Committee.AmajorityoftheentirevotingmembershipoftheRules Committeemayestablish,amend,orrepealanysuchrule.

Section2:TheRulesCommitteeshallberesponsibleforinterpreting thisconstitution.

Section3:TheRulesCommitteeshallbecomposedofrepresentatives fromeachParty.EachPartyshallbeentitledtotwovoting representativesiftherearefiveorfewerParties,oronevoting representativeiftherearesixormoreParties.EachPartychairor chairmanshalldesignatethevotingrepresentativesfromthatPartyto theChairmanoftheRulesCommittee.Thepartychairsandchairmen shallhavetherighttochangetheirrespectiveParties’representativesat anytime.

Section4:TheSpeakershallbetheChairmanoftheRulesCommittee. IntheabsenceoftheSpeaker,theRulesCommitteemayelectany MemberoftheUniontothepositionofchairmanprotemporeofthe RulesCommittee.UndernocircumstancesshalltheChairmanofthe RulesCommitteehaveavoteonanymatterbeforetheRules Committee.

Section5:TheChairmanoftheRulesCommitteeoranytwoRules CommitteemembersfromdifferentPartiesmaycallameetingofthe RulesCommittee.PublicNoticeshallbeprovidedandallcommittee membersshallbeindividuallynotified,butaunanimousvoteofRules Committeemembersmaywaivetherequirementforpublicnotice. QuorumoftheRulesCommitteeshallbeamajorityofitsvoting membership.

Section6:TheSecretaryoftheUnionshallberesponsibleforkeeping minutesofthemeetingsoftheRulesCommittee,postingtheseminutes publicly,andfilingtheminutesintheUnionarchives.Intheabsenceof theSecretaryoftheUnion,anyMemberoftheUnionmaybeelected

SecretaryoftheRulesCommitteeprotemporebythemembersofthe RulesCommittee.

Section7:TheRulesCommitteeshallbeempoweredtogiveAdvice andConsenttotheSpeakerintheappointmentofaTeller.

ARTICLE IX

Section1:TheAdvisoryCommitteeshalladvisetheExecutiveBoard andthePresident,andshallprovidelongtermplanningfortheUnion.

Section2:AtthebeginningofeachSessionoftheUnion,themembers ofthecommitteeshallselectonemembertoserveasitschairmanand moderatecommitteemeetings.EachSession,theChairmanshall appointonemembertoserveasthecommittee’ssecretary.The Secretaryshalltakeminutesateachmeeting.Theseminutesshallnotbe publiclyposted,butshallbeplacedintheUnionarchives.The Committeeshallselectonemembertoserveasaliaisontothe ExecutiveBoard.

Section3:TheCommitteeshallsetthetimeandplaceofitsmeetings. Shoulditfailtodoso,theChairmanoftheCommitteemaysummona meetingatdiscretion.MeetingswillbeclosedtoallbutCommittee membersandthePresident.OtherUnionmembersmayattendthese meetingsbyinvitationfromtheCommittee.

Section4:TheCommitteeshallprovideanevaluationoftheExecutive BoardbeforeMidterm.ThePresidentmayappointmembersofthe CommitteetoserveasadviserstoUnionofficersatdiscretion.

Section5:SignificantactionsoftheCommittee,asdeterminedbythe

President,shallrequiretheconsentoftheExecutiveBoard.The CommitteeshallreportregularlytotheExecutiveBoard,atleasttwice persemesterandatleastoncebeforeMidterm.

Section6:CommitteemembersshallbenominatedbytheChairman withtheadviceandconsentoftheCommittee,and,uponacceptance ofthenomination,shallbeappointedbymajorityvoteoftheExecutive Board.AllformerpresidentsoftheUnionshallbeautomatically nominatedforseatsonthecommittee.Thecommitteemayinclude,in additiontoformerpresidents,uptosixadditionalmembers.No memberoftheExecutiveBoard,norchairorchairmanofanyParty, shallserveasamemberoftheAdvisoryCommittee.

Section7:AmemberoftheCommitteeshallserveuntileither resignationorgraduation.

Section8:AcurrentorpastmemberoftheCommitteemayonlyrun forUnionofficeaftersubmittingastatementofintenttotheAdvisory Committeeandtwo-thirdsoftheremainingCommitteemembersvote toallowit.Ifallowedtorun,themembermustimmediatelyresign fromtheCommittee,andtheChairmanoftheAdvisoryCommittee mustnotifytheSpeakerofthismember’seligibilitytorunforoffice.

Section9:Upongraduation,amemberoftheCommitteeshallbe awardedlifetimemembershipintheUnion,butthisshallnotbe construedtoprovidereimbursementforpreviousduespaid.

Section10:TheChairmanoftheCommitteeshallberesponsiblefor providingPublicNoticetotheentireUnionincasesofrescissionofan officer’selectionandmotionstocorrecttheExecutiveBoard.

ARTICLE X

Section1:Attendanceatameetingshallmeanthephysicalpresenceof thememberwithintwentyminutesafterthemeetingiscalledtoorder.

Section2:Participationatameetingshallmeanthephysicalpresenceof thememberfromwithintwentyminutesafterthemeetingiscalledto orderuntiltheendofthedebate,oruntilfourspeecheshavebeen given,whicheverissooner.

Section3:TheSpeakermaygrantexcusesforlateattendance,andmay allowforlateparticipationifamemberispresentforaperiodsimilarto therequirementsofArticleX,Section2.

Section4:AllmeetingsoftheUnionshallcounttowardsattendance requirementsforvoting,exceptthatnomeetingheldaftertendays beforethefirstfulldayofReadingPeriodshallcounttoward attendancerequirements.

Section5:QuorumformeetingsoftheUnionshallbethirty-five Members,oramajorityoftheActiveMembershipoftheprevious semester,whicheverisless.

Section6:TheSpeakershallchairUnionmeetings.IntheSpeaker’s absence,thePresidentoraMemberappointedbythePresidentshallact asSpeakerprotempore.

Section7:Unionmeetingsshallbefreeandopentothepublic,butany meetingoftheUnionmayberestrictedtoMembersbyatwo-thirds voteoftheExecutiveBoard.

Section8:EveryonepresentataUnionmeetingshallbeallowedto

voteonanymatterbeforethebody,unlessamotionispassedtorestrict thevotingtoMembers.Suchamotionwillrequireamajorityof Memberspresenttopass.

Section9:AmotiontoinstructorcorrecttheExecutiveBoardshallbe inorderfollowingproceduresoutlinedbytheParliamentaryAuthority. Thepassageofsuchamotionshallbeconsideredtooverruleany motionsorresolutions,includingthebudget,passedbytheExecutive Boardthatinhibitorcontradictit.

Section10:WhenaspecialordersetbytheExecutiveBoardora motiontorescindanofficer’selectionispending,themotionforthe previousquestionshallnotbeinorderuntilatleasttenminutesof debateoneachsidehavebeenallowed.

ARTICLE XI

Section1:AnyPartiesformedinaccordancewiththeprocedures describedinSections3-5ofthisarticleshallberecognizedbythe Union.AnyPartythatfailstomeetthePartyQualification RequirementsshallbeonProbationforthefollowingsemester.

Section2:AllPartiesshallenjoyfullautonomyintheconductoftheir internalaffairs,includingenrollmentoftheirmembersandtheelection oftheirofficers.AllPartiesthatregisterasseparateorganizationswith YaleUniversityshallenjoyfullautonomyintheconductoftheir externalaffairs,includingpoliticalactivities.NoPartyshallengagein anyactivitythatendangersthestatusoftheUnionasanonpartisanand tax-exemptforum.

Section3:AgroupofYalestudentsthatseekstoformanewPartymust

submitapetitiontotheSpeakerafterthethirdmeetingofaSessionand beforenoontendaysbeforethescheduleddateofelections.This petitionmustcontainthevalidsignaturesofanumberofYalestudents tomeetthePartyPetitioningStandard.Thepetitionmustexplicitly expresstheintentionoftheYalestudentswhohavesignedittoaffiliate withthatPartyassoonasitshallberecognizedassuch.TheseYale studentsshallremainaffiliatedwiththeirpreviousParties,ifany,until suchatimeastheSpeakershallcertifythatthenewPartyhasbeen recognized.AYalestudentmustdatethesignature,andthesignature shallonlycountifthepetitionissubmittedinthesamesessionasthe dateofthesignature.IfaYalestudentsignsmorethanoneapplication inasingleSession,onlythesignatureonthefirstpetitiontobeverified shallbecounted.

Section4:Within24hoursofreceivingsuchapetition,theSpeaker mustpubliclyannouncereceiptoftheapplication,providingthenames ofthoseYalestudentsintendingtoaffiliatewiththenewParty.Within aweekofreceivingthepetitionorupontheRulesCommitteemeeting tocertifythelistofVotingandActiveMembers,whicheverissooner, theSpeakermustverifythesignaturesontheapplicationandpublicly announceiftheapplicationmeetstherequirementsinSection3.Upon theannouncementthattheserequirementshavebeenmet,thenew PartywillberecognizedasaPetitioningPartyandallYalestudents whosignedthepetitionwillbeautomaticallyaffiliatedwithit.Forthe remainderofthesemester,thesesigningYalestudentswillnotbe permittedtoswitchtoanotherParty,butmustlistthemselvesas unaffiliatediftheywishtoleavethePetitioningParty.AsaPetitioning Party,Yalestudentswillbeabletoaffiliatewithitintheattendance recordsatremainingmeetingsinthatSessionandthePetitioningParty maymakeanannouncementatUnionmeetings,butthePetitioning PartywillhavenorepresentationontheExecutiveBoardorRules

Committee.

Section5:TobecomeafullParty,enoughYalestudentswhooriginally signedthepetitionmustqualifytovoteinUnionelectionsfortheParty tomeetthePartyQualificationRequirements.Ifthisrequirementis met,thenewPartywillbeofficiallyrecognizedimmediatelyuponthe certificationofthelistofVotingandActiveMembersandshallenjoy alltheprivilegesandresponsibilitiesofaPartyintheUnion.However, thePartymustalsomeetthePartyQualificationRequirementsforits firstSessionasafullPartyaswell.IfineitheritsSessionasaPetitioning PartyoritsfirstSessionasafullPartythenewPartyfailstomeetthis requirement,afterthecertificationofVotingandActiveMembersit willceasetoexistandallMembersaffiliatedwithitwillbeconsidered unaffiliated.

Section6:Forthepurposesofthisarticle,aMembershallbeconsidered aMemberofthePartywithwhichtheMemberlastaffiliatedinwriting totheSpeaker,exceptthatnoMembermaychangeaffiliationbetween noontendaysbeforethescheduleddateofelectionsandtheendofthe Session.Thissectionshallnotbeconstruedtocontradictthe requirementsinArticleV,Section16orArticleXI,Section4.

ARTICLE XII

Section1:NothinginthisarticleshallapplytotheRulesCommitteeor theAdvisoryCommittee.

Section2:ThePresidentoftheUnionshallcreatecommitteesat discretionandshallappointtheirchairmenwiththeAdviceand ConsentoftheExecutiveBoard.

Committee.

ARTICLE XII

Section1:NothinginthisarticleshallapplytotheRulesCommitteeor theAdvisoryCommittee.

Section2:ThePresidentoftheUnionshallcreatecommitteesat discretionandshallappointtheirchairmenwiththeAdviceand ConsentoftheExecutiveBoard.

Section3:Thechairmenshallbeempoweredtoappointthemembers oftheirrespectivecommittees.

Section4:Everycommitteeshallbegivenachartersignedbythe PresidentandapprovedbytheExecutiveBoardoutliningits responsibilities,powers,andprivileges.Nocommitteeshallhaveany powernotdelegatedtoitbytheExecutiveBoard.

Section5:ThePresidentshallhavethepowertodisbandany committee,toappointanewchairman,ortogiveanewchartertoany committeewiththeAdviceandConsentoftheExecutiveBoard.

ARTICLE XIII

Section1:TherulescontainedinthecurrenteditionofRobert’sRules ofOrder,NewlyRevised,shallgoverntheUnioninallcasesinwhich theyareapplicableandinwhichtheyarenotinconsistentwiththe Union’sConstitutionoranystandingorspecialrulesoforderitshould choosetoadopt.

Section2:Thefollowingdefinitionsshallbeobservedininterpreting theConstitutionandtheParliamentaryAuthority:

a)AdayofclassesorclassdayisanydayMondaythroughFridayon whichclassesareheldinYaleCollege,excludingtheReadingPeriod;

b)ASessionoftheUnionistheperiodoftimebetweenthe certificationoftheelectionofofficersandthecertificationofthe electionoftheirsuccessors;

c)PublicNoticeshallconsistofinformingallcurrentmembersofthe

ExecutiveBoard,aswellasallinterestedformermembers.Additional meansofcommunicationsatisfyingthePublicNoticerequirementmay bespecifiedbytheRulesCommitteeintheStandingRules.Public Noticeshallbegivenatleast72hoursinadvanceoftheeventfor whichitisrequired,unlessalongerperiodofnoticeisrequired;

d)AdviceandConsentoftheExecutiveBoardisatwo-thirdsmajority voteoftheentireExecutiveBoardfollowingdiscussion;

e)Publicpostingofminutes,listofVotingandActiveMembers,officer candidates,etc.,shallconsistofpostingtheseannouncementspublicly andarchivingthemintheUnionoffice;

f)TofulfillthePartyQualificationRequirement,aPartymusthaveat least25ActiveMembersaffiliatedwithit,orone-eightofthetotal numberofActiveMembersfromthepreviousSession,whicheveris less;

g)ApartygoesonProbationforthefollowingSessionifthelistof certifiedvotersfortheprevioustwoconsecutivetermsshowthatthe PartyfailedtofulfillthePartyqualificationrequirement.Probation consistsoftwosemesters:

ShouldaParty,initsfirstsemesterofprobation,failtomeetthe probationarypartyqualificationrequirement,thenthatPartywill ceasetoberecognizedasaPartyoftheUnion.

Shouldaparty,initsfirstsemesterofprobation,successfullymeet thepartyqualificationrequirement,thenitwillimmediatelyregain itsstatusasafullparty.

Shouldaparty,initsfirstsemesterofprobation,equalorexceedthe probationarypartyqualificationrequirementbutfailtomeetthe partyqualificationrequirement,thenthatPartywillcontinueonto

asecondsemesterofprobation. IfapartyinthesecondsemesterofProbationfailstomeettheparty qualificationrequirement,thenitwillceasetoberecognizedasa PartyoftheUnion.”

Theprobationarypartyqualificationrequirementshallbedefinedas onehalfofthepartyqualificationrequirement;

h)ThePartyPetitioningStandardshallbeequalto1/6ofthenumber ofActiveMembersfromthepreviousSessionunlessthatnumberisless than20orgreaterthan65,inwhichcaseitshallbe20or65 respectively.

ARTICLE XIV

Section 1: AnysixActiveMembersmayintroduceanamendmentto thisconstitutionbysubmittingittotheSpeakerpriortothelasttwo weeksoftheSession.

Section 2: TheRulesCommitteeshalldiscusstheproposed amendmentwithintenclassdays.Copiesoftheproposedamendment shallbeavailablefromtheSpeakeratleast72hoursbeforethe scheduleddiscussionbytheRulesCommittee,andPublicNoticeshall begivenfortheRulesCommitteemeeting.

Section 3: TheRulesCommitteemayamendtheproposed amendmentwithinitsscopebyatwo-thirdsvote.IftheRules Committeedoessoamendtheproposedamendment,one-thirdofthe RulesCommitteemaycompelthepostponementofthevoteon whethertoreporttheproposedAmendmentuntilthenextmeetingof theRulesCommittee,whichmusttakeplacewithintenclassdays.

Section4:Inordertobereportedtothefloor,theamendmentmustbe approvedbyathree-fourthsvoteoftheentirevotingmembershipof theRulesCommittee.Whenanamendmentissoapproved,itshallbe submittedforafloorvoteatthefirstmeetingtheSpeakerdeems appropriate.Thismustoccurwithinthirtyclassdaysofapprovalby RulesCommitteeandbeforetheconclusionoftheSession.Public Noticeshallprecedethereportingtotheflooroftheproposed amendment.

Section5:Noproposedamendmenttothisconstitutionmaybe amendedbytheflooroftheUnion.

Section6:Amendmentstothisconstitutionshallrequireatwo-thirds voteontheflooroftheUnionforadoption.OnlyMembersshallbe permittedtovoteonproposedamendments.

SPECIAL RULES

Rule1:TheorderofbusinessforaregularmeetingoftheYalePolitical Unionshallbe:

a)announcements

1.)Partyannouncements

2.)Committeeannouncements

3.)Otherannouncements

b)specialorders

c)generalordersandunfinishedbusiness

d)newbusiness

Rule2:ThePresident,or,inthePresident’sabsence,aMemberatthe Speaker’sdiscretion,shallberecognizedtomakeanannouncement

beforetheconsiderationofspecialordersinaregularmeeting,ifthat personsochooses.

Rule3:GuestsaddressingtheUnionshallnothavetheirtimelimited exceptattheSpeaker’sdiscretion.

Rule4:Membersgivingdocketedspeechesonspecialordersshallbe allowedfiveminutesfortheirspeechandquestions.

Rule5:Membersgivingfloorspeechesshallbeallowedfourminutes fortheirspeechandquestions.

Rule6:AdditionalquestionsforMembersandguests,whentheir allottedtimehasexpired,shallbeattheSpeaker’sdiscretion.

Rule7:Immediatelyfollowingaspeechonanyquestion,amotionto thanksaidspeakershallbeprivilegedandundebatable,andshall supersedeallothermotions.

Rule8:TheSpeaker,may,subjecttoappeal,refusetorecognizepoints ofinformationatanytimebyannouncingthatnopointsof informationwillbeentertainedforaspecifiedduration.

Rule9:Afterthepreviousquestionhasbeenmovedandpassedbut beforethespecialorderhasbeenvotedon,theSpeakermayrecognize guestsforthepurposeofmakingclosingremarks.

Rule10:Pointsoforderrelatingtotheuseofthethirdpersonshallnot beinorderwhenanyonehasthefloor.

Rule11:CensuringanattendeeofaUnionmeetingshallrequirea

motiontocensuremadebyaMemberfromthefloor.Thismotionshall requireasecondandshallbeundebatable.TheSpeakershallcallfora votefromthefloor;athree-quartersmajorityofMemberspresentwill berequiredtopassthemotion.

Rule12:NospecialordersetbytheExecutiveBoardmayhaveanyof thefollowingmotionsappliedtoitexceptthroughthesuspensionof therules:

a)postponeindefinitely

b)commitorrefer

c)postponedefinitely

d)layonthetable

e)amend

Rule13:TheSpeakershallhavetheauthority,subjecttoappealfrom thefloor,tolimitorextendthetotaltimeofdebateorlengthof speechesonanymotion.Sucharuling,ifappealed,shallrequireatwothirdsvotetosustain.ThisshallnotbeconstruedtogivetheSpeaker authoritytolimitdebateincaseswherethefloorwouldnothavesuch authority.

Rule14:AMemberwhohasgivenPublicNoticeofanintentionto introduceamotiontoinstructorcorrecttheExecutiveBoardata particularmeetingmaydosoafterthebodyhasdisposedofanyspecial ordersforthatmeeting.Ifthemeetingisnotaregularmeeting,the Membermaybeentitledtomakethemotionbeforethemeetingis adjourned,unlessaregularmeetinghasbeencalledforsomedate withinfiveclassdays.Saidmotionshallrequireamajorityvoteof Memberspresentforpassage.

Rule15:IncaseswherePublicNoticeeffectivelykillsamotionto

instructorcorrecttheExecutiveBoard,theSpeakermay,subjectto appeal,allowthenoticeperiodtobeshortened.Insuchacase,said motionshallrequireatwo-thirdsvoteofMemberspresentforpassage.

STANDINGRULES

Rule1:Whencallingameeting,theExecutiveBoardmaychooseto designateitasapresentationmeeting;otherwise,itshallbearegular meeting.

Rule2:Alldebateresolutionsandotheritemsofbusinesssetinthe ExecutiveBoardmotiontocallforameetingwillbeconsideredspecial ordersofthatmeeting.

Rule3:ThePartyordershallbe:PartyoftheLeft,ProgressiveParty, IndependentParty,FederalistParty,ConservativeParty,ToryParty, andPartyoftheRight.

Rule4:Businessattireshallbethedresscodeforpeoplespeakingonthe docket.

Rule5:TheUnionshallprovidewaterfortheSpeaker,thePresident, andanyinvitedguestsateachmeeting.

Rule6:ThePresident,theSpeaker,andanyinvitedguestsoftheUnion shallbetheonlypeopleonstageduringUnionmeetings,unlessthe Speakerchoosestoallowothers.

Rule7:MinutesforUnionmeetingsandExecutiveBoardmeetings shallbesubjecttoamendment,andmustbeapprovedbytheExecutive Boardbeforetheyareplacedinthearchives.

Rule8:MinutesforRulesCommitteemeetingsshallbesubjectto amendment,andmustbeapprovedbytheRulesCommitteebefore theyareplacedinthearchives.

Rule9:Booksforrecordingattendanceatmeetingsshallbeopened fifteentothirtyminutesbeforethebeginningofameeting,andbooks forrecordingparticipationshallbeclosedfifteenminutesaftertheend ofameeting,unlessotherwisedecidedbytheExecutiveBoard.

Rule10:Speaker’snotesmaybegrantedforlateparticipationifa memberispresentatameetingforaperiodofatleastsixtyminutes. Rule11:BallotsforUnionelectionsshallhaveasectionforgeneral commentsatthebottom.

Rule12:MinutesforRulesCommitteemeetingsatwhichelectionsare certifiedshallnotcontainthecontentsofanyindividualballot.

Rule13:Recipientsofprizemembershipsshallbereimbursedforany previousmembershipspurchased.

Rule14:Judgingofprizedebatesshallbeasfollows:theSpeakerand floorleadersshallsubmitfortheapprovaloftheExecutiveBoardaslate ofnofewerthanfivejudges(withaneyetoideologicalbalance)tobe drawnfromformerfloorleadersandspeakersaswellasthesitting President,and,ifnecessary,fromformerpresidents,formerchairsand chairmen,andtheAdvisoryCommittee.Suchaslaterequiresapproval byamajorityvoteoftheExecutiveBoard.

Rule 15: Nospeechthatconcludeswithintwentyminutesofameeting beingcalledtoordershallbeconsideredforthepurposesofArticleX, Section2.

Rule16:Theterm“genteel”shallbeanhonorificfornon-binary peoplespeakingonthefloor.

Rule17:Nomotionshallbemadetocommemorateorhonorany institution,group,event,orperson,livingordead,exceptingmembers oftheYaleCommunity.Thisruleshallnotbeconstruedasapplyingto motionstothankwhichmayariseintheordinarycourseofdebate.