A quorum is the minimum number of members of an organization who must be present in order for their meeting to be legal or official.[1] The word is often used in legislative assemblies, corporations and societies who make official decisions.[2] The by-laws of an organization will usually say how many members make up a quorum.[3]
In the case of legislatures and government bodies, the requirements for a quorum are often set by statute or in their constitution. Some bodies use a fixed number for a quorum while others use a percentage of the members.[4] It is usually the responsibility of the chairperson to make sure there is a quorum present.[5] If there is not a quorum at a meeting, then in most cases the only business that can be discussed is taking steps to obtain a quorum, to decide on a time when to adjourn the meeting and to adjourn the meeting.[5]
The noun quorum is the plural of the Latin word qui, meaning "of whom."[6]
A similar term, "quorum-busting", is a tactic used by members of a group when they know they will lose a vote.[7] If enough members do not show up for a meeting, a vote cannot take place if there is no quorum.[7] It is a delaying tactic similar to a filibuster. Both are used in the hopes that if a vote is delayed long enough, it may not take place at all.[7]