What is meant by the term "Quorum" in a meeting?

The term "Quorum" refers to the minimum number of members that must be present in order to conduct official business during a meeting. This concept is crucial for ensuring that decisions made by a group are legitimate and representative of the organization as a whole. Without a quorum, any decisions made would not be considered valid, as the absence of enough members could lead to a lack of diverse perspectives and votes, potentially skewing the outcomes.

In most organizations, the specific number or percentage required for a quorum is defined in their bylaws or governing documents. Having a quorum helps to protect the integrity of the decision-making process, providing assurance that actions taken are reflective of the organization's will. This contrasts with the other options, which do not accurately capture the essence of what a quorum entails. For example, the total number of votes needed to pass a motion relates to a different aspect of parliamentary procedure, rather than the participation necessary for a meeting to begin.