In parliamentary procedure, what does the term ‘majority’ refer to?

In parliamentary procedure, the term 'majority' refers specifically to more than half of the members eligible to vote. This is crucial because it establishes a clear threshold for decision-making, ensuring that any action taken has the support of a significant portion of the group. When a motion requires a majority vote, it means that for that motion to pass, it must receive more affirmative votes than negative ones, reflecting the preferences of the greater part of the members. This principle is designed to promote fairness and collective agreement in group decisions. Understanding this definition aids in grasping how votes are counted and the importance of ensuring that actions taken by the group truly represent the will of its majority.