Constitution: A constitution is a written document that sets forth the fundamentalgoverning laws or principles under which the Honor Society is organized and operates.
By-laws: By-laws are rules adopted by a group for its own meetings or affairs. Theymay not contradict or negate any part of the constitution.
Ratification: Acceptance of a new constitution by Honor Society members (Note: Newschools will have to write their own constitutions)
Amendments: A change to the constitution. In order to amend a Honor Societyconstitution, the following steps must be taken: a. A student, faculty-member, or a school administrator mustpropose the amendment. b. The proposed amendment must be approved by the general assembly. c. The majority of the Honor Society must approve the proposed amendment. d. The school principal must approve the proposed amendment. (Note: The school administration and/or the School Board of Broward County, Florida may amend Honor Society Constitutions.)
Format of a Constitution
(Note: The following topics are the articles of a constitution)
1. Name: Name of the organization
2. Objectives/purpose: The objectives/purpose of the group
3. Authority: States the source and limitations of the organization
4. Organization Membership: Definition of membership for the group. Qualifications and duties of the members
5. Officers and representatives: Names the titles of the officers.
6. Duties and responsibilities of officers and representatives: Generalresponsibilities of all officers.
7. Elections: a. Standards set by the county should be included along withindividual school’s options. b. Term of office should be included and should state the beginningand end time of term. c. All candidate applications, used ballots, and tally sheets should beretained and secured for a period of one year.
8. Meetings: General provisions for Honor Society meetings including but not limitedto: a. What constitutes a quorum? b. Who has the right to vote? c. Who may call a special meeting?
9. Executive Board: a. Who makes up the executive board? b. The responsibilities of the executive board
10. Standing Committees: Description of standing committees and provisions forformations of special committees.
11. Removal from office: a. Policies and procedures must be included regarding removal fromoffice. b. Disciplinary actions should be included in your by-laws.
12. Parliamentary Authority: The procedure that will be used to conduct allmeetings.
13. Amendments: The entire Honor Society should be given the right tovote on any amendments to the school Honor Societyconstitution.
By-laws may include such items as:
1. Specific dates and times for general assembly meetings. 2. Officer tasks unique to your school. 3. Procedures unique to your chapter