What is the term for the minimum number of people required to be present for a meeting or transaction to be valid?

The term "quorum" refers specifically to the minimum number of members that must be present for a meeting or transaction to be considered valid and to allow for the making of decisions. This concept is essential in various settings, such as corporate governance and legislative bodies, to ensure that there is adequate representation and a legitimate basis for decision-making.

Without a quorum, any decisions made could be challenged for lack of proper authority or representation, which underscores the importance of having sufficient members present. A quorum can be defined differently depending on the rules of the organization or legal framework, but the key idea is that it establishes a threshold for participation and legitimacy in the decision-making process.

The other terms, while relevant in different contexts, do not serve the same function. "Validity" refers to the state of being valid and does not specifically denote a number of people. "Majority" refers to more than half of those present and does not address the minimum presence required. "Assembly" pertains to a gathering of individuals but does not imply any requirements for their numbers to conduct business. Thus, the term "quorum" accurately captures the necessary concept of having enough members present to validate meetings or transactions.