Commons Standing Orders

In Congress both the House of Representatives and the Senate have "rules". At Westminster each House have their own "Standing Orders". The House of Commons Standing Orders (Public Business) are available at http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm/cmstords.htm.

The phrase "Standing Order" first appeared in 1678. Erskine May notes that it was used to give additional weight to existing and new rules. In the following 36 years at least 37 regulatory orders were described this way.

Consolidated versions of the Standing Orders are published fairly frequently - with Addendums published as new orders are passed by the House.