What is meant by 'quorum' in the context of the Legislature?

In the context of the Legislature, 'quorum' specifically refers to the minimum number of members that must be present in order for the legislative body to conduct business legally. This foundational concept ensures that decisions made by the Legislature reflect the will of a sufficient portion of its members, promoting legitimacy and accountability in the legislative process. For example, if a state's constitution or legislative rules stipulate that a simple majority constitutes a quorum, then that number of members must be present to pass legislation or take official actions.

The other choices do not accurately capture the definition of quorum. The total number of members present does not necessarily indicate that they can conduct business unless it meets the required quorum threshold. The highest-ranking member in each house pertains to leadership roles, which is unrelated to the number of members needed for meetings. Lastly, the majority opinion of the house reflects the outcome of a vote rather than the criteria for having sufficient participation to begin the voting process.