What is the minimum essential number of officers required to conduct business in a deliberative assembly?

To conduct business in a deliberative assembly, it is essential to have a presiding officer and a secretary or clerk present. The presiding officer is necessary to facilitate the discussion, manage the assembly, and ensure that parliamentary procedures are followed. This individual serves to guide the meeting, allowing for orderly debate and decision-making.

The presence of a secretary or clerk is equally important, as this role is responsible for maintaining accurate records of the assembly's proceedings, including minutes and decisions made during the meeting. This documentation is crucial for transparency and for reference in future meetings.

Together, these two roles—presiding officer and secretary or clerk—constitute the minimum structure needed to function effectively in a deliberative assembly. Other combinations or numbers of officers may provide various functions or facilitate larger assemblies, but they are not necessary for the basic operation of conducting business.