#60: CIVICS 101: The Legislative Branch
Q&A #60: What is a quorum of the House and of the Senate?
Our American Government
Our American Government is a small book published by the House of Representatives for citizens and those who seek a greater understanding of the American interpretation of democracy. It follows a question-and-answer format and covers a broad range of topics dealing with the three branches of our Government, the electoral process, and the role of political parties.
The Savvy Citizen is reproducing the 169 questions-and-answers through a series of posts called Civics 101. Each post will contain the Q&A as well as some additional commentary to add historical context, fun facts, or anything we believe will add to our collective understanding of these topics.
Think of it as your adult Civics class but without the test!
Let’s keep at it.
SECTION: The Legislative Branch: The Congress
Congressional Rules and Procedures
Q&A #60: What is a quorum of the House and of the Senate?
In the House of Representatives, a quorum is a simple majority of the Members. When there are no vacancies in the membership, a quorum is 218. When one or more seats are vacant, because of deaths or resignations, the quorum is reduced accordingly. Because of Members’ other duties, a quorum often is not actually present on the House floor. If a Member makes a point of order that a quorum is not present, and the Speaker agrees, a series of bells ring on the House side of the Capitol and in the House office buildings to alert Members to come to the Chamber and record their presence.
A majority of the membership, or 51, constitutes a quorum to do business in the Senate.
My Thoughts
In person voting is still required in the United States Congress. I strongly agree with this practice and trust it will continue. Moving to remote voting would have many negative consequences, in my opinion, particularly around being present in Washington for face-to-face communication, collaboration, and debate among Members.
Back next time with Q&A #61: What is the Committee of the Whole?
Meanwhile, don’t forget that we’re organizing the post links on a single page available here.
xo,
Kelley for the Savvy Citizen Team
March 11, 2025