A meeting of the legislature is usually brought to an end with __________

Analyze the question: The question asks how a single meeting (sitting) of the legislature is usually ended. It is about the ending of one meeting, not the end of a session or of the legislature's life.

Explain the concept: Legislative terms are easy to confuse, so here is how each one works:

• Adjournment: This ends a particular sitting or meeting. The house stops for the day or for a short break and resumes at a later time, for example "the House adjourned till Tuesday." It is moved by a member and approved by the house, usually at the end of each day's business.
• Prorogation: This ends a session (a series of meetings) without dissolving the legislature. The head of state or executive usually does it, and the house later reconvenes for a new session.
• Dissolution: This ends the life of the legislature itself, usually before a general election. All seats become vacant.
• Suspension: This is a temporary halt of the legislature's activities, or of a member, often abnormal (e.g., under military rule or as a disciplinary measure). It is not the routine way to end a meeting.

Solution:

1. The question says "a meeting" and "usually," which points to the routine end of a sitting.
2. Prorogation ends a whole session, which is longer than one meeting.
3. Dissolution ends the entire legislature, so it is too drastic.
4. Suspension is not a routine ending.
5. Adjournment is the normal way a meeting is brought to a close.

Answer: A. an adjournment

Exam tip: Think of the order from smallest to largest: Adjournment (ends a sitting) → Prorogation (ends a session) → Dissolution (ends the legislature's life). If the question says "meeting" or "sitting," choose adjournment.