Who answers a Parliamentary Inquiry?

• A. The chair.
• B. The President.
• C. The Clerk.
• D. The Sergeant at Arms.

Answer: (A)

In parliamentary procedure, a parliamentary inquiry is a member’s request for guidance on the proper rules or procedures of the meeting. The presiding officer—the one leading the meeting and directing its rules—answers that inquiry. The chair provides the ruling or guidance, and if needed, may consult the parliamentarian or reference the bylaws to ensure the guidance is accurate. Once the decision is made, the chair announces it to keep the process clear and orderly.

The clerk mainly handles records and can supply rule text or documentation, but does not issue procedural rulings on the floor. The Sergeant at Arms handles security and ceremonial duties, not interpretation of procedures. The presiding officer’s role is specifically to manage and interpret procedure during the meeting.