Constitution of the Minnesota State Political Science Association
A State Affiliate of the American Political Science Association
Preamble
Political scientists in Minnesota, seeking to promote the scientific study and practice of their discipline, apply the fruits of their work to the improvement of public life in their state and extend to citizens of all ages the advantage of dispassionate and objective analysis of public policies, join together to form the Minnesota State Political Science Association.
Article I: Name. The name of this organization shall be the Minnesota State Political Science Association (MnPSA).
Article II: Purpose. The purpose of MnPSA shall be to promote study, understanding, teaching and practice of government and politics, to facilitate discussion of public affairs inside Minnesota and elsewhere, and to encourage better acquaintance and interchange among all who analyze, study, teach, practice, participate in, and contribute actively to the civic life of the State of Minnesota.
Article III: Membership. Membership in the Association is open to all persons who are, or have been, actively involved in the profession of political science as the foregoing purpose outlines, especially those who teach or practice it. The Association shall maintain a membership roll from rosters of professionals who teach political science in Minnesota's institutions of post-secondary education, others who seek membership, and others who, because of their concern for public affairs, seek to join. It will be divided into two classes:
(1) Academic - those who teach in post-secondary institutions in the state of Minnesota.
(2) Non-academic - members whose primary occupation lies outside the teaching field.
All interested in the programs and activities of the Association may apply to the Secretary-Treasurer for membership. Subject to the decision of the Executive Board differential annual dues and acceptance may be required of non-academic members.
Article IV: Annual Dues. The vote of a majority of the Executive Board shall set annual dues, if any. Registration fees for general meetings may be set by persons whom the Executive Board assigns to arrange the statewide meetings.
Article V: Officers and Executive Board.
(1) The Officers of MnPSA shall be a President, Past-President, and Secretary-Treasurer. The Executive Board of MnPSA shall consist of the Officers and two members elected from each of the following:
a. the University of Minnesota system and its co-ordinate campuses
b. the State University of Minnesota system
c. the Minnesota State Community College system
d. private colleges and universities
e. non-academic members
(2) Terms of Office: The President, immediate past-president, and secretary-treasurer shall serve two-year terms. Executive Board members also serve two-year terms with half of the Board members elected annually. Terms shall be renewable.
(3) Election to office: The Executive Board annually shall designate a nominating committee. This committee shall submit to the members a slate of candidates, normally two for each office, upon which members may vote. Mail ballots will be used unless the Executive Board specifies otherwise.
(4) Unexpired terms: The Executive Board may by majority vote to fill vacancies on the Board for the remainder of the term of a member who resigns.
(5) Duties and responsibilities:
a. The MnPSA President shall preside at all membership and Executive Board meetings unless otherwise arranged; shall perform other duties as the Executive Board may delegate, and shall be responsible for the conduct of the Association's affairs.
b. The immediate Past President shall, at the decision of the President, assume responsibility for affairs which the President becomes unable to conduct, is a voting member of the Executive Board, and serves until replaced.
c. The Secretary-Treasurer shall have custody of Association funds, keep a full and accurate accounting of MnPSA receipts and disbursements, report annually on the Association's financial standing and membership, maintain the membership roster, administer collection of dues if so directed, provide for regular mailings and communication to members, and other ditues as the Executive Board may direct. The Secretary-Treasurer is a voting member of the Executive Board; with the direction of the President notifies members of the Board and Association of meetings, and prepares, with the President, meeting agendas.
d. The Executive Board shall call regular and special meetings of the MnPSA, appropriate money, oversee the performance of Association officers, and in general possess the governing power of the Association.
i. Meetings of the Board shall be called by the President as needed, at the request of four members of the Board, or not less often than three times yearly.
ii. A majority of Board members shall constitute a quorum at Board meetings, and a majority vote of persons present and voting shall control Board decisions.
Article VI: Amendments and Bylaws. The Executive Board may propose amendments to this Constitution upon its own initiative or upon proposal of any ten members representing the five classes of members. Amendments shall be ratified by a majority of members voting in a mailed referendum. The Board also may adopt bylaws as it deems necessary and proper for carrying out the previsions of this constitution.
Adopted as of February 1986 by the Executive Board of MnPSA
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