Quorum

Used substantively, quorum signifies the number of persons belonging tc* a legislative assembly, a corporation, society, or other body, required to transact business. There is a difference between an act done by a definite number of persons, and one performed by an indefinite number. In the first case, a majority is required to constitute a quorum, unless the law expressly directs that another number may make one.

88 Pa. St. 42; 9 Wend. (N. Y.) 394; 7 Cow. (N. Y.) 402.

In the latter case, any number who may be present may act, the majority of those present having, as in other cases, the right to act.

1 Barn. & C. 492.

In the absence of special provision, a majority is a quorum (12 Mete. [Mass.] 99; 13 Ind. 581), but sometimes the law requires a greater number than a bare majority to form a quorum. In such case, no quorum is present until such a number convene. In the absence of a rule of procedure to the contrary, the presence of a quorum in a legislative body can only be ascertained from the votes recorded on the particular matter submitted (117 N. C. 158); but a rule authorizing the presiding ofiicer to count members present and not voting to make up a quorum is within the power of a legislative body (144 U. S. 1).