Bylaws and Association Rules

Bylaws

The APA Bylaws serve as the association's constitution. They can only be amended by vote of the membership, and have remained fundamentally unchanged since they were ratified by the members a half-century ago. The bylaws establish the major structural units of APA: the Council of Representatives, the Board of Directors, the officers, the standing boards and committees, and the central office with a chief staff officer, now called the chief executive officer.

Article I — Objects

Article II — Membership

Article III — Bill of Rights for Members

Article IV — Power and Functions of the Council of Representatives

Article V — Composition of the Council of Representatives

Article VI — Divisions

Article VII — Board of Directors

Article VIII — Leaders of the Board/Officers of the Association

Article IX — Corporate Seal

Article X — Nominations and Elections

Article XI — Boards and Committees

Article XII — Regional Psychological Associations

Article XIII — State and Provincial Psychological Associations

Article XIV — Ethnic Minority Psychological Associations

Article XV — Affiliation of Other Organizations with the Association

Article XVI— Affiliation of the Association with Other Organizations

Article XVII — Central Office

Article XVIII — Publications

Article XIX — Annual Convention

Article XX — Dues and Subscriptions

Article XXI — Amendments

Download bylaws (PDF, 211KB)opens in new window

Association Rules

Association Rules, adopted and amended by the APA Council of Representatives (henceforth Council), detail the operational and managerial authority needed to conduct the affairs of the Association under the bylaws of the American Psychological Association (henceforth APA Bylaws).

The amendment or repeal of an Association Rule, or the addition of a new rule, becomes effective at the close of the meeting at which it is adopted.

10. Membership

20. Ethics

25. Strategic Planning for the Association

30. Procedures of Council

40. Organization of Council

50. Council's Board and Committee Infrastructure

60. Council Leadership Team

70. Policy and Planning Board

80. Board of Directors

90. Continuing Committees of the Board Of Directors

100. Divisions