Parliamentary procedure rules are an essential part of any formal meeting or assembly. They dictate how meetings are conducted, how items are added to the agenda, and how votes are taken. Other terms used to describe these rules include "Robert's Rules of Order," "parliamentary law," and "governance procedures." Some organizations may have their own specific set of rules that they follow, such as "the bylaws" or "the constitution." Whatever the name, the purpose of these rules is to ensure that every member has a fair chance to participate and that decisions are made according to a clear and orderly process.