How is a majority defined in parliamentary procedure?

In parliamentary procedure, a majority is defined as over half of the members present and voting. This concept is important because it ensures that decisions are made based on the views of more than half of those who are actively participating in the meeting at the time. It reflects the principle of collective decision-making and helps to prevent decisions from being made by a small, potentially unrepresentative group of members who are present.

This definition is crucial for understanding how votes are counted and decisions are made in meetings or assemblies, as it delineates the threshold needed for a motion or proposal to pass. Other choices, such as half the members present, do not account for those who may choose to abstain from voting, which is why they do not accurately represent the requirement for a majority. The idea that a majority might refer to a majority of a committee or all registered members also does not align with the active participation aspect that the correct answer captures.