ARTICLE I. NAME
The Association shall be known as the North Carolina Political Science Association.

ARTICLE II. PURPOSE
The purposes of this Association are: to encourage the understanding of and improve instruction and research in political science; to develop collegial relations and cooperation among political scientists in North Carolina and reach out to political scientists in the region; to establish and improve relations between political scientists and public officials; to encourage a greater understanding of government and politics at all educational levels; and to uphold ethical standards and foster competence. This association shall not take official stands on public policy issues.

ARTICLE III. MEMBERSHIP

SECTION 1
Any individual or institution who accepts the purposes set forth in Article II of these By-Laws shall be eligible for membership in this Association.

SECTION 2
Membership in the Association will be on a calendar year basis. There are three categories of membership in the Association: faculty, student, and institutional. Student membership consists of any person studying at the graduate or undergraduate levels in a college or university.

SECTION 3
Student members have all of the benefits and privileges of full time members (faculty) except those of voting and holding office.

(** Back to the Top of the Page **)

ARTICLE IV. OFFICERS

SECTION 1
The officers of the Association shall be a President, a President-Elect, a Vice-President, a Secretary, a Treasurer, the North Carolina Associate Editor of Politics and Policy, an Historian, and three at-large-members. These officers shall constitute the Executive Council of this Association.

SECTION 2
The President shall preside over all business meetings of the Association and the Executive Council. The President shall represent the Association in all functions and activities. In the event of the President’s absence or resignation, the President-Elect shall assume the duties of the President.

SECTION 3
The term of office of the President, the President-Elect, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer and Historian shall be one year. The President, President-Elect, the Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer and Historian are eligible for reelection. The President shall serve no more than two terms in office. Members at large shall serve no more than one three-year term.

SECTION 4
A majority of the Executive Council shall constitute a quorum. A majority of those present at a Council meeting, provided a quorum is present, shall transact the business of the Association as directed by the members. A quorum for the purpose of transacting business at any meeting, annual or special, shall be a majority of those registered for the meeting.

(** Back to the Top of the Page **)

ARTICLE V. FINANCES

SECTION 1
Dues shall be determined by the Executive Council and be approved by a majority of the members present and voting at an annual conference or special meeting.

SECTION 2
Dues for the current calendar year shall be payable annually.

(** Back to the Top of the Page **)

ARTICLE VI. MEETINGS AND VOTING

SECTION 1
The Executive Council of the Association shall hold at least two meetings each year at a time and place determined by the Executive Council.

SECTION 2
At the annual meeting, the Executive Council shall hold a business session and the officers of the Association shall submit reports to the membership.

SECTION 3
The call for any meeting of the Association, annual or special, must be issued by mail, regular or electronic, at least thirty days before it is to take place.

SECTION 4
Special meetings may be called by the President with the approval of a majority of the Executive Council. The President shall call a special meeting within thirty days if such a meeting is requested by a majority of the Executive Council or by written request of one-fourth of the voting membership of the Association.

SECTION 5
Voting at an annual or special meeting may be by voice vote or division unless one-fourth of those present and voting request a secret ballot.

SECTION 6
Roberts Rules of Order will apply insofar as they are applicable and are not inconsistent with the provisions of these By-Laws.

(** Back to the Top of the Page **)

ARTICLE VII. COMMITTEES

SECTION 1
The President shall appoint the following committees: Finance, Membership, Program, and Nominations. Additional committees may be added upon the recommendation of the majority of the members of the Executive Council and the approval of a majority of the members present and voting at any annual or special meeting.

(** Back to the Top of the Page **)

ARTICLE VIII. AMENDMENTS

SECTION 1
Amendments to these By-Laws may be proposed by a majority of the Executive Council. These amendments shall be submitted to the membership in writing 30 days prior to any meeting.

SECTION 2
Amendments may be proposed by written petition of ten percent of the members.

SECTION 3
Amendments to the By-Laws may be proposed at the annual meeting by a majority of the Executive Council.

SECTION 4
Proposed amendments may be ratified by a two-thirds vote of the members present and voting at any meeting; annual or special, provided a quorum is present. Notice of any special meeting shall state the business to be considered.

(** Back to the Top of the Page **)