Plenarias

Plenarias (plural of plenaria) denotes plenary sessions or assemblies in Spanish-speaking contexts. A plenaria is a meeting in which the entire body of participants is present, as distinct from committee meetings or subgroups. The term comes from Latin plenarius, meaning full or complete.

In legislative bodies, the plenaria is the full chamber where members debate and vote on proposed laws, budgets, and resolutions. It may set official policy, elect officers, or approve agendas. In international organizations, plenary sessions are the central gatherings where all member states participate, such as the General Assembly of the United Nations or regional parliamentary assemblies. In academic or professional conferences, a plenaria is a plenary session with keynote talks or major announcements that all attendees attend, rather than parallel tracks.

Procedures typically include a presiding officer, an agenda, rules of order, and time limits for speakers. Minutes are recorded and documents circulated beforehand. Voting rules vary by body, most often simple or qualified majority, with special majorities required for certain actions.

Etymology: plenaria derives from Latin plenarius, meaning full. Usage notes: in many Spanish-speaking contexts the term is used to contrast with committees or working groups, highlighting that decisions are made or discussions occur in the full assembly rather than in subunits.