What is a quorum in the context of a deliberative assembly?

A quorum is defined as the minimum number of members required to be present for a deliberative assembly to conduct valid business. This concept is essential in parliamentary procedure, as it ensures that decisions made by the assembly are representative of its membership and maintain the integrity of the decision-making process. Without a quorum, any actions taken or decisions made by the assembly would lack legitimacy and could be challenged or deemed invalid.

The other options do not accurately capture the definition of a quorum. For instance, the total number of members in attendance can vary greatly from meeting to meeting, and simply having a majority of members present at the beginning of a meeting does not guarantee that the business can be conducted if the minimum requirement for a quorum is not met. Similarly, the number necessary to pass a motion pertains more to voting outcomes rather than the minimum attendance needed to initiate proceedings. Hence, understanding that a quorum is fundamentally about the minimum presence required to allow the assembly to function effectively highlights its significance in governance and decision-making within organizations.