Final answer:
A majority vote is usually sufficient to postpone a scheduled recess, but this can vary based on specific legislative body rules. The recess appointment loophole was created for practical reasons but is now viewed by some as a means for the Senate to obstruct presidential appointments. Additionally, in the U.S. Senate, a supermajority is often needed to overcome a filibuster.
Step-by-step explanation:
To determine whether it would take a majority or a 2/3 vote to postpone taking a prescheduled recess, it is important to understand the legislative rules governing such decisions. Generally, a simple majority is enough for procedural decisions such as scheduling or postponing recesses. However, specific bodies of legislature may have their own rules.
The legitimate original purpose of the recess appointment loophole was to allow the president to fill vacancies that might occur during a period when the Senate was not in session and thus unable to confirm nominees. Today, some argue that the Senate is obstructing the president's ability to make these appointments by effectively ending recesses to prevent recess appointments without Senate approval.
Regarding the difficulty in defining what a majority opinion is, the scenario with three families voting on a menu option illustrates how a simple majority might not be straightforward if there are more than two options. Likewise, in the U.S. Senate, a supermajority is often required to end debate on legislation due to the filibuster rule, which effectively requires 60 senators to vote for cloture.
In conclusion, whether a majority or a supermajority is needed can depend on the specific circumstances and rules set forth by the governing body. For standard legislative procedures, a simple majority often suffices unless rules or traditions state otherwise.