What is a quorum in parliamentary procedure?

A quorum is defined as the minimum number of members required to be present at a meeting in order for the meeting to conduct business and make decisions effectively. This concept is essential in parliamentary procedure because it ensures that decisions are made with sufficient representation, allowing for a more democratic process and preventing a very small group from making decisions on behalf of a larger organization.

In the context of the other choices, a specific number of votes needed to pass a motion pertains to the voting thresholds rather than the presence of members. The maximum number of members allowed to participate does not reflect the essence of quorum, which focuses on the minimum requirement. Similarly, a percentage of votes required for a quorum misinterprets the fundamental idea, as quorum is about membership attendance, not voting percentages. Thus, the emphasis on having a minimum number present to legally convene underscores the role of quorum in ensuring fair and effective meetings.