Question

What is meant by the term ‘quorum’?

Answer 1

Hint:
- This term is used in legislative bodies.
- Its other meanings include justices of the peace.

Complete answer:
Quorum is referred to as the minimum number of members of a parliamentary body, that is necessary for the assembly to conduct their proceedings. The quorum is a very subjective feature and is different for every country in the world.

In India, the Constitution states that there should be a minimum of 10% of the total members of the House (either Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha) to constitute a meeting of either of the House i.e. Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha. It means that for 500 members of the House, at least 50 members should be present for the proceedings of the House. If the quorum is not constituted during a meeting, then the House is adjourned or suspended until there is a quorum.

The Parliament of the United Kingdom has a quorum of 40 members at the House of Commons. If the number of members is less than 40, then the decision on the meeting is considered postponed. For the House of Lords, the quorum is of 30 members.

In the Philippines, the quorum for the legislative bodies is half of the total membership, i.e. 13 for the Senate and 153 for the House of Representatives. If the assembly lacks a quorum, the meeting is adjourned.

Note:
- Quorum-busting is a tactic that is used by a group that is seeking to block the adoption of a certain measure.
- It is also called walkout, and it prevents a legislative body from attaining quorum.
- Another similar tactic is the disappearing quorum, in which the members, although present, refuse to cast their vote.