1. In bodies which have a fixed number of members, a certain proportion most be present to make the transaction of business valid. The number may be fixed by the expression of the assembly, or its general custom. In the absence of any other rule, a majority is sufficient. The chairman should not take his seat until he sees that a quorum is present, and if the assembly is at any time reduced below this number, nothing but adjournment is in order.
2. The assembly may make its own rules in whole or in part, but whatever it does not determine, shall be subject to the common rules of order.
Any member has a right to insist on the enforcement of the rules, but this duty belongs especially to the chair.
3. In the absence of any special rule, the consent of a majority of the members voting is requisite to determine any point. A plurality, where more than two issues are presented, is not sufficient.
OFFICERS.
Presiding and recording officers are necessary in every meeting, and must be chosen by an absolute majority. When the assembly has financial matters to manage, a treasurer must also be elected.
PRESIDING OFFICER.
This officer is known by various titles, such as chairman, president, speaker, moderator, etc. We will use the first. The chairman represents the assembly, declares its will, and obeys it implicitly. He must be treated with great respect, although his power is only a delegated one, and may be set aside by the declared will of the assembly. His principal duties are:
1. To begin the session by taking the chair and calling the members to order.
2. To announce business in its order.