What is needed for the House of Representatives to maintain a record of votes?

For the House of Representatives to maintain a record of votes, 1/5 of the members present is needed. This provision ensures that a substantial portion of the representatives can request a recorded vote, reflecting the importance of accountability in legislative decisions. Recording votes allows constituents to see how their representatives voted on specific issues, promoting transparency in the legislative process.

In contrast, a simple majority of those present would not be sufficient, as it pertains more to decision-making rather than the recording process. Support from the Senate is irrelevant in this context, since the House operates independently in maintaining its own records. Unanimous consent would imply agreement from all members, which is impractical and not necessary for the recording of votes. The requirement of 1/5 strikes a balance between allowing for accountability in voting while not placing an undue burden on the legislative process.