What is a quorum in the context of an assembly?

A quorum refers to the minimum number of members that must be present in order for an assembly to conduct its official business. This concept is crucial because it ensures that decisions made are representative of the group as a whole, rather than being determined by a small, potentially unrepresentative subset of members. When a quorum is not met, any decisions or actions taken by the assembly are typically considered invalid or not legally binding.

In context, the other options provided do not accurately define a quorum. While the minimum number of votes or members needed for debates might sound relevant, these ideas pertain to voting thresholds or procedural norms rather than the presence required for business. The total number of members in an assembly simply defines the size of the group but does not address the participation needed for valid proceedings. Therefore, the definition of a quorum as the number required for legitimate business aligns perfectly with the standards of parliamentary procedure.