How does the Platform Committee operate?
The Call for the 2008 Democratic National Convention outlines the general responsibilities of the Platform Committee, the composition of its membership, and its Rules of Procedure. The Committee may also adopt additional Rules of Procedure for conducting its business, and, absent other provisions, it operates under Robert’s Rules of Order (as most recently revised). Before the Platform Committee meets, the DNC Chairman will distribute a document to the Platform Committee members outlining the issues to be considered by the committee. The document is usually an initial draft of the Platform as prepared by a small Platform Drafting Committee. At the Platform Committee meeting, members discuss each plank of a draft platform. They have the opportunity to submit new proposed planks, or amendments to the draft. Proposals and amendments must be approved by a majority of the members present and voting. A proposal or amendment that fails on a majority vote can still be brought to the Convention
