The term 'pro tem' refers to what?

The term 'pro tem' refers to what?

• A. For the time being
• B. Immediately
• C. Permanently
• D. At the next meeting

Answer: (A)

Pro tem means acting for the time being—a temporary appointment to a position until the regular holder is chosen or resumes duties. In parliamentary practice, this signals that someone is serving in a role temporarily, not permanently. The emphasis is on duration, not immediacy or permanence, so it explains why this term is used when a vacancy or absence requires someone to step in for a period. It isn’t merely about when the next meeting occurs; it defines the temporary nature of the appointment.

Pro tem means acting for the time being—a temporary appointment to a position until the regular holder is chosen or resumes duties. In parliamentary practice, this signals that someone is serving in a role temporarily, not permanently. The emphasis is on duration, not immediacy or permanence, so it explains why this term is used when a vacancy or absence requires someone to step in for a period. It isn’t merely about when the next meeting occurs; it defines the temporary nature of the appointment.