Final answer:
In the absence of a quorum, a legislative body can adjourn, compel attendance of absent members, issue a quorum call, or conduct limited business with caution.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a quorum is not present in a legislative body, there are four actions that can typically be taken. These are:
- Adjournment: The members present may adjourn from day to day until a quorum is secured.
- Compel Attendance: The body can compel the attendance of absent members using various measures and under certain penalties that the house may provide.
- Quorum Call: At any point, a member can issue a 'quorum call' to secure the presence of a majority, if the number present is less than a quorum.
- Conduct Limited Business: Some legislative business may continue in the absence of a quorum, but any formal decision or vote taken may be challenged if it's noted that a quorum is not present.
These actions allow a legislative body to manage situations when not enough members are available to meet the quorum requirement.