Which official is primarily responsible for maintaining order and decorum at meetings?

Which official is primarily responsible for maintaining order and decorum at meetings?

• A. Secretary
• B. Sergeant-at-arms
• C. Seconder
• D. Session

Answer: (B)

In meetings, the official whose job is to keep order and decorum is the sergeant-at-arms. This officer works under the presiding officer to manage the physical and procedural conduct of the gathering—handling tasks like guiding members to their places, controlling access to the floor, and addressing disruptions in line with the rules. They help ensure speakers have the floor properly and that debates proceed calmly, protecting the orderly flow of business. The secretary handles minutes and records, the person who seconds a motion is a procedural helper, and a session refers to the meeting term or period—not an individual responsible for maintaining order. So the sergeant-at-arms is the best answer because their duties are centered on maintaining conduct and decorum.

In meetings, the official whose job is to keep order and decorum is the sergeant-at-arms. This officer works under the presiding officer to manage the physical and procedural conduct of the gathering—handling tasks like guiding members to their places, controlling access to the floor, and addressing disruptions in line with the rules. They help ensure speakers have the floor properly and that debates proceed calmly, protecting the orderly flow of business. The secretary handles minutes and records, the person who seconds a motion is a procedural helper, and a session refers to the meeting term or period—not an individual responsible for maintaining order. So the sergeant-at-arms is the best answer because their duties are centered on maintaining conduct and decorum.