What is the name of the mallet used by the presiding officer to maintain order during a meeting?

What is the name of the mallet used by the presiding officer to maintain order during a meeting?

• A. Hammer
• B. Gavel
• C. Mallet
• D. Bell

Answer: (B)

The presiding officer’s signaling tool is the gavel. A gavel is a small ceremonial hammer used to call the meeting to order, to maintain decorum, and to indicate decisions or adjournment with a few taps. This specific use—tapping to grab attention and control the flow of business—is what makes it the standard tool in parliamentary procedure. While a hammer is a general term for a loud striking tool, and a mallet refers to a softer-headed hammer used in crafts, or a bell used in other settings, none of those serve the formal signaling role that the gavel provides in meetings.

The presiding officer’s signaling tool is the gavel. A gavel is a small ceremonial hammer used to call the meeting to order, to maintain decorum, and to indicate decisions or adjournment with a few taps. This specific use—tapping to grab attention and control the flow of business—is what makes it the standard tool in parliamentary procedure. While a hammer is a general term for a loud striking tool, and a mallet refers to a softer-headed hammer used in crafts, or a bell used in other settings, none of those serve the formal signaling role that the gavel provides in meetings.