What is required for a quorum in the House of Representatives?

A quorum in the House of Representatives is defined as a simple majority of the members elected. This means that more than half of the total number of Representatives must be present for the House to conduct its business.

The rationale behind this requirement is rooted in the need for adequate representation and decision-making. If only a small number of members were present, it would be possible for significant legislation or actions to be decided without a representative segment of the House. By requiring a simple majority, the House ensures that the decisions reflect the wishes of a majority of the members elected to serve.

In contrast, if all members were required to be present, or if a higher threshold like two-thirds of members had to be present, it would significantly hinder the ability of the legislative body to operate and respond effectively to the needs of the government and constituents. Similarly, a quorum requirement of just a quarter of the elected members would not provide a reliable standard for majority rule and could leave significant portions of legislative responsibility unaddressed.