Article 1, Section 5, Paragraph 1
Each House shall be the Judge of the Elections, Returns and Qualifications of its own Members, and a Majority of each shall constitute a Quorum to do Business; but a smaller Number may adjourn from day to day, and may be authorized to compel the Attendance of absent Members, in such Manner, and under such Penalties as each House may provide.
Majority is a Quorum
Representation is based on attendance and voting.
Knowing that the number of members in the Houses would change, this simple rule would adjust accordingly. A quorum is simply one more than half of the members.
It is important to ensure that laws are not passed without proper consideration from all the members. There are times when a few members meet and railroad through their agenda.
Unfortunately, this requirement is often ignored, and a great deal of business is conducted without a majority being present. The current policy is to ignore the rule unless a member objects to the lack of a quorum. This means that much of the laws of our land are unconstitutional.
The fact that a quorum is not present when laws are under consideration on the daily agenda, demonstrates there is no real interest in the law, and therefore should not pass.
If a smaller number than a majority is present, that group can vote to adjourn each day. This means they have the power to postpone the meetings until a majority will be present.
This rule is important to guard against bad and unnecessary laws. We are warned that there is safety in a multitude of counselors.
Proverbs 11:14, "Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety."
Proverbs 24:6, "For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war: and in multitude of counsellors there is safety."
The multitude of counselors establishes purposes.
Proverbs 15:22, "Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established."
The church formed a counsel to consider issues. All the apostles and elders attended. Each needed to be present.
Acts 15:16, "After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up:"
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