''Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised'' identifies several types of deliberative assemblies.
Mass meeting A large
meeting, which is an unorganized group meeting open to all individuals in a sector of the population who are interested in deliberating about a subject proposed by the meeting's sponsors. Examples include meetings to discuss common political concerns or community interests, or meetings to form a new society.
Local assembly of an organized society A
local assembly of an organized society, which is a membership meeting of a local chapter or branch of a
membership organization. Examples include local chapter meetings of organizations like the
Sierra Club.
Convention A
convention, which is a meeting of delegates who represent constituent units of a population. Conventions are not permanently established bodies, and delegates are normally elected for only one term. A convention may be held by an organized society, where each local assembly is represented by a delegate.
Legislative body A
legislative body, which is a legally established public lawmaking body. It consists of representatives chosen by the electorate. Examples include national legislatures such as
parliaments, and local government councils such as
state legislatures,
regional assemblies and
city councils.
Board A
board, which is an administrative, managerial, or quasi-judicial body. A board derives its power from an outside authority that defines the scope of its operations. Examples include an organized society's or company's board of directors and government agency boards like a
board of education. ==Rights of members==