What is the term for the minimum number of members who must be present for a meeting?

The term for the minimum number of members who must be present for a meeting to conduct business is known as a quorum. A quorum is essential because it ensures that any decisions made are representative of the group as a whole and that there is adequate participation in the decision-making process. Without a quorum, any votes or proposals made during the meeting may be invalid, as there would not be enough members present to represent the collective body.

In contrast, attendance refers simply to the act of being present. A majority is a term used to describe more than half of the votes cast, which is relevant when decisions or votes are being discussed, but it does not indicate the minimum attendance necessary for the meeting itself. Representation may refer to the variety or distribution of members present but does not define the number needed for a valid meeting. Hence, quorum is the precise and crucial term that signifies the necessary presence of members for a meeting to proceed effectively.