How many legislators must be present for the general assembly to transact legislative business?

The correct answer is that a majority of the assembly must be present for the general assembly to transact legislative business. In legislative procedures, the majority refers to more than half of the total members who are eligible to vote. This ensures that enough representatives are present to make decisions that reflect the will of the larger body, thus promoting fairness and democracy in the legislative process.

The requirement for a majority also facilitates the efficient operation of the assembly, as it allows business to be conducted without the need for all members to be present, which can be impractical in large assemblies. Additionally, using a majority allows for more flexibility in decision-making and helps prevent gridlock, where important legislation might be stalled due to the absence of members.

In contrast, requiring a two-thirds or three-fifths majority would impose a higher threshold for legislative action, which could hinder the assembly's ability to function effectively. Therefore, the requirement for a majority is foundational to the legislative process and ensures that a sufficient number of legislators are present to represent the electorate’s interests while still allowing for productive governance.