What is a quorum?

A quorum refers to the minimum number of members required to be present in a legislative body for it to conduct its business effectively. This is an essential principle in parliamentary procedure, ensuring that decisions made by the legislative body reflect the will of a sufficient number of its members rather than a mere handful. Without a quorum, any votes or decisions made would be considered invalid or illegitimate, as they would not represent the entire assembly.

In the context of legislative bodies like the Senate or House of Representatives, the quorum typically consists of a majority of the members. However, the defining characteristic of a quorum is not just the number but the requirement that this number must be present to hold valid meetings and make legal decisions. This concept helps to uphold the integrity and functionality of governance by preventing a small fraction of members from dominating proceedings without adequate representation.