section five states that a majority of each house constitutes a quorum to do business; a smaller number may adjourn the house or compel the attendance of absent members. in practice, the quorum requirement is all but ignored. a quorum is assumed to be present unless a quorum call, requested by a member, proves otherwise. rarely do members ask for quorum calls to demonstrate the absence of a quorum; more often, they use the quorum call as a delaying tactic.