The Writings of Thomas Jefferson, Vol. 9 (of 9) / Being His Autobiography, Correspondence, Reports, Messages, Addresses, and Other Writings, Official and Private

Chapter 11: SECTION VI. QUORUM.

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About This Book

This collected volume assembles the author’s autobiography, extensive private and official correspondence, legislative reports, public messages and addresses, and a variety of shorter writings and miscellaneous papers. It features a thorough manual of parliamentary practice that synthesizes constitutional provisions, senatorial rules, and parliamentary precedents for legislative procedure, alongside sections of anas and ephemera. Editorial organization and explanatory notes guide readers through practical guidance on governance, procedural form, and the political and personal concerns reflected across the documents.

SECTION VI.
QUORUM.

A majority of each House shall constitute a quorum to do business; but a smaller number may adjourn from day to day, and may be authorized to compel the attendance of absent members, in such manner, and under such penalties, as each house may provide.—Const. U. S. Art. I. Sec. 5.

In general, the chair is not to be taken till a quorum for business is present; unless, after due waiting, such a quorum be despaired of, when the chair may be taken, and the House adjourned. And whenever, during business, it is observed that a quorum is not present, any member may call for the House to be counted; and being found deficient, business is suspended.—2 Hats. 125, 126.

The President having taken the chair, and a quorum being present, the journal of the preceding day shall be read to the end, that any mistake may be corrected that shall have been made in the entries.—Rules of the Senate, 1.