What is a supermajority, and how does it differ from a simple majority?

A supermajority is a voting requirement that necessitates a level of support greater than a simple majority (more than 50%). While a simple majority requires more than half of the votes cast, a supermajority demands a higher threshold, such as two-thirds or three-quarters of the votes.

What are the potential benefits and drawbacks of using supermajority rules in a democracy?

Supermajority rules can protect minority rights from being eroded by a simple majority. However, they can also hinder the government's ability to respond effectively to problems and may sometimes encourage compromises that are not in the public interest.

When was the earliest known use of a supermajority rule, and in what context?

The earliest known use of a supermajority rule dates back to juries in ancient Rome during the 100s BC. In some cases, a two-thirds consensus among jurors was required before a decision could be made by a simple majority vote.

Who introduced supermajority rules for papal elections, and at which council?

Pope Alexander III introduced the use of supermajority rules for papal elections at the Third Lateran Council in 1179.

What was the historical significance of the 'two-thirds rule' in the U.S. Democratic Party?

The U.S. Democratic Party adopted a two-thirds rule for presidential nominations in 1832. This rule effectively gave Southern Democrats a veto over potential nominees after the Civil War, and it remained in place until its abolition in 1936.

What criticisms did Alexander Hamilton voice regarding supermajority requirements?

Alexander Hamilton, in Federalist No. 22, argued that supermajority requirements could impede beneficial legislation, disrupt government operations, and empower a small, potentially corrupt faction over a larger, more representative majority. He also felt it led to compromises detrimental to the public good.

What were James Madison's concerns about supermajority requirements?

James Madison, in Federalist No. 58, expressed concern that supermajority requirements, while potentially preventing hasty actions, would invert the principles of free government by giving power to a minority. He also suggested that such requirements could encourage secession.

What are some common thresholds for supermajority votes?

Common thresholds for supermajority votes include three-fifths (60%), two-thirds (approximately 66.67%), and three-quarters (75%).

How are supermajority vote calculations typically handled when they result in a non-whole number?

When a supermajority calculation results in a non-whole number, it is generally rounded up to the next higher whole number to meet the requirement.

What does a two-thirds vote generally mean in terms of the ratio of votes?

A two-thirds vote means that the number of votes in favor must be at least twice the number of votes against, or more precisely, two-thirds or more of the votes cast.

How can abstentions or absences affect the calculation of a two-thirds vote?

Abstentions and absences are typically excluded when calculating a two-thirds vote based on the votes cast. However, if a rule specifies 'two-thirds of those present' or 'two-thirds of the entire membership,' abstentions and absences are counted as votes against the proposal.

In the U.S. Constitution, what supermajority is required to override a presidential veto?

To override a presidential veto, the U.S. Constitution requires a two-thirds supermajority vote in both the House of Representatives and the Senate.

What supermajority is needed in the U.S. Senate for treaty ratification?

A two-thirds supermajority of the U.S. Senate is required for a treaty to be ratified and enter into force.

What are the supermajority requirements for proposing and ratifying amendments to the U.S. Constitution?

Amendments to the U.S. Constitution can be proposed by a two-thirds supermajority vote in both houses of Congress or by a convention called by two-thirds of the states. Ratification then requires approval by three-quarters of the states.

Under the 25th Amendment, what congressional vote is needed to continue a presidential disability declaration if the president disagrees?

If the President asserts they are able to serve despite a declaration of disability by the Vice President and Cabinet, Congress must vote by a two-thirds supermajority in both houses to continue the disability declaration.

What supermajority is required in the U.S. Senate for removal from office following impeachment?

After a federal official is impeached by the House of Representatives, removal from office requires a two-thirds supermajority vote in the Senate.

What is the typical supermajority needed to end debate (cloture) in the U.S. Senate?

A cloture motion in the U.S. Senate, used to end debate and overcome a filibuster, typically requires a three-fifths supermajority, which is 60 out of 100 senators.

What is the 'double majority' requirement for amending the Australian Constitution?

To amend the Australian Constitution, a referendum must achieve a 'double majority,' meaning it needs approval from a majority of voters nationwide and also from a majority of voters in at least four out of the six Australian states.

What does the term 'triple majority' refer to in the context of Australian constitutional amendments?

A 'triple majority' in Australia refers to the double majority (national and state majorities) plus the additional requirement that a majority of voters in any specific state affected by the proposed amendment must also approve it.

What voting threshold is necessary for constitutional amendments in Bangladesh?

Constitutional amendments in Bangladesh require a two-thirds majority of the members present and voting in the Jatiya Sangsad (Parliament).

What is the general supermajority requirement for constitutional amendments in Canada?

Most constitutional amendments in Canada require identical resolutions passed by the House of Commons, the Senate, and at least two-thirds of the provincial legislative assemblies, which together must represent at least 50 percent of the national population.

What supermajority is required in Denmark's Folketing to transfer national sovereignty to international bodies?

If the Danish government or parliament wishes to transfer parts of national sovereignty to international organizations like the European Union or the United Nations, it must secure a five-sixths majority in the Folketing. If only a simple majority is achieved, the matter must be put to a referendum.

What is the 'Qualified Majority Voting' threshold in the Council of the European Union?

Following Croatia's accession, the Council of the European Union requires at least 15 member states (or 18 if the proposal is not from the Commission) representing at least 260 out of 352 voting weights, and covering at least 313.6 million people, for legislation to be adopted by qualified majority.

What is the European Parliament's requirement to amend or reject proposed legislation?

Under the ordinary legislative procedure, the European Parliament must achieve an absolute majority (more than 50% of votes cast) to amend or reject proposed legislation.

What supermajority is needed in the Finnish Parliament to amend the constitution?

Any bill that alters or adds to the Finnish Constitution requires a two-thirds majority in the Parliament of Finland, meaning at least 134 out of the 200 representatives must vote in favor.

What is the supermajority requirement for constitutional amendments in India?

Article 368 of the Indian Constitution mandates that amendments require a two-thirds majority of members present and voting in each house of Parliament, along with a majority of the total membership of each house. Additionally, amendments affecting states or the judiciary need ratification by at least half of the states.

What are the voting requirements for the first three rounds of presidential elections in Italy?

In the initial three rounds of voting to elect the President of Italy, a candidate must secure a two-thirds majority of the votes to win.

What supermajority is needed in Italy's Chamber and Senate for constitutional reforms to avoid a referendum?

To prevent a constitutional reform from being submitted to a popular referendum for confirmation, reforms must achieve a supermajority of two-thirds of the votes in both the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate.

What are the requirements for amending the constitution in Japan?

Amending the Japanese constitution requires a two-thirds majority vote in both houses of the National Diet, followed by approval from a simple majority of voters in a national referendum.

What supermajority is needed in New Zealand to amend 'reserved provisions' in electoral law?

Amending 'reserved provisions' within New Zealand's Electoral Act requires a three-quarters majority in the House of Representatives or a majority vote in a national referendum.

What supermajority is required in Nigeria's National Assembly for constitutional alterations?

Nigeria's Constitution requires a two-thirds majority in the National Assembly to alter the constitution, enact legislation in specific areas, or remove certain officeholders, such as the Speaker.

What supermajority is required in the Philippines Congress to declare war?

A two-thirds majority of both the House of Representatives and the Senate, meeting in joint session, is necessary in the Philippines to declare war.

What supermajority is needed in the Philippines Congress to override a presidential veto?

The Congress of the Philippines requires a two-thirds majority of both chambers, voting separately, to override a presidential veto.

What supermajority is required in the Philippines Congress to propose a constitutional amendment?

To propose an amendment to the Philippine Constitution, a three-quarters vote of all members of Congress is required, after which the proposed amendment is submitted to the people for ratification.

What is the typical supermajority vote required for amending most articles of the Singapore Constitution?

Most articles of the Singapore Constitution can be amended by a bill that receives a supermajority of two-thirds of all elected Members of Parliament (MPs) during its Second and Third Readings.

What supermajority is required in South Korea's National Assembly to bring a bill to a vote?

A three-fifths majority of legislators in South Korea's National Assembly is required to put a bill to a vote, a measure designed to prevent the ruling party from passing legislation unilaterally.

What supermajority is needed in South Korea to override a presidential veto?

A two-thirds majority of legislators in South Korea is necessary to override a veto issued by the President.

What supermajority is required for the impeachment of the President of South Korea to be effective?

For the impeachment of the President of South Korea to be effective, it requires a two-thirds majority vote of the legislators.

What are the requirements for constitutional amendments in South Korea?

Constitutional amendments in South Korea must first be passed by a two-thirds majority of legislators and then approved by voters in a referendum to become effective.

What is the standard supermajority for constitutional reform in Spain?

For most constitutional reforms in Spain, a three-fifths majority is required in both the Congress of Deputies and the Senate. However, if the Congress of Deputies achieves a two-thirds majority, an absolute majority in the Senate is sufficient.

What is the process for major constitutional reforms in Spain, such as those affecting fundamental rights?

Major constitutional reforms in Spain require a two-thirds supermajority in both the Congress of Deputies and the Senate, followed by the dissolution of both chambers, approval by newly elected chambers with another two-thirds supermajority, and finally, ratification by a majority in a referendum.

What supermajority is needed in Spain for appointments to the General Council of the Judiciary and the Constitutional Court?

Appointments to the General Council of the Judiciary and the Constitutional Court in Spain each require a three-fifths majority vote from both the Congress of Deputies and the Senate.

What are the requirements for amending Taiwan's constitution since 2005?

Since 2005, amending Taiwan's constitution requires proposals from over one-quarter of the Legislative Yuan members, passage by three-quarters of those present (with over three-quarters of all members in attendance), and subsequent approval by more than 50% of eligible voters in a referendum.

What supermajorities are involved in constitutional amendments in Turkey?

In Turkey, constitutional amendments need a three-fifths majority (360 votes) to be submitted for a referendum, and a two-thirds majority (400 votes) to be ratified directly.

What supermajority is required for most constitutional amendments in Ukraine?

Most amendments to the Constitution of Ukraine require initial approval by a simple majority of the Verkhovna Rada, followed by a two-thirds majority of its constitutional composition in a subsequent session.

What supermajority is needed for amendments to key chapters of the Ukrainian Constitution?

Amendments to Chapters I (General Principles), III (Elections. Referendum), and XIII (Introducing Amendments) of Ukraine's Constitution require a two-thirds majority of the Verkhovna Rada's constitutional composition and approval by voters in a referendum.

What supermajority is required in the UK Parliament to amend or dissolve the Royal Charter on press self-regulation?

A two-thirds supermajority vote in both the House of Commons and the House of Lords is necessary to amend or dissolve the Royal Charter on the self-regulation of the press in the United Kingdom.

What supermajority was required by the repealed Fixed-term Parliaments Act 2011 for an early UK general election?

The now-repealed Fixed-term Parliaments Act 2011 stipulated that an early general election could be called if two-thirds of the members of the House of Commons voted in favor of dissolving Parliament.

What supermajority is needed in Scotland and Wales to amend certain protected provisions of their governing acts?

In Scotland and Wales, amending specific protected provisions within their governing acts requires a two-thirds supermajority of the total members of the respective devolved legislatures.

What supermajority is required for Welsh principal councils to change their electoral system?

Welsh principal councils must pass a resolution with a two-thirds supermajority vote to change the system by which their councillors are elected.

What supermajority is required for English district councils to change their electoral scheme?

English district councils need a two-thirds supermajority vote to alter their electoral scheme, which determines the frequency of councillor elections.

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What is a Supermajority?

Defining the Threshold

A supermajority is a voting requirement where a proposal must achieve a level of support greater than a simple majority (more than 50%). This threshold is often specified as a fraction or percentage, such as three-fifths (60%), two-thirds (66.67%), or three-quarters (75%).

Purpose and Protection

In democratic systems, supermajority rules are often implemented to protect fundamental rights of minorities from being overridden by a simple majority. They can also serve to prevent hasty decisions and ensure broader consensus on significant matters, such as constitutional changes.

Potential Drawbacks

While intended to foster stability and protect minorities, supermajority requirements can sometimes hinder effective governance. They may impede necessary reforms, create legislative gridlock, or empower a minority faction to obstruct the will of the majority, leading to political compromises that may not serve the public good.

Historical Roots

Ancient Origins

The earliest known application of supermajority rules dates back to ancient Rome, where juries in the 100s BC sometimes required a two-thirds consensus before proceeding to a majority vote on a decision. This practice aimed to ensure a higher degree of certainty before judgment.

Ecclesiastical Influence

Pope Alexander III formally introduced supermajority voting for papal elections at the Third Lateran Council in 1179. This established a precedent for requiring broad consensus in significant ecclesiastical decisions.

Early American Politics

In the United States, the Democratic Party adopted a two-thirds rule for presidential nominations in 1832. This rule, which persisted until 1936, effectively granted Southern Democrats a veto over nominees. Founding figures like Hamilton and Madison expressed concerns that supermajority requirements could paralyze government and empower minorities unduly.

Common Thresholds

Defining Supermajority

Supermajorities are typically expressed as fractions or percentages exceeding 50%. Common thresholds include:

Three-fifths (60%)
Two-thirds (approx. 66.67%)
Three-quarters (75%)

When a calculation results in a non-whole number, it is usually rounded up to the next whole number.

Qualification Matters

The precise requirement can vary: votes may be based on "votes cast," "members present," or "total membership." For instance, a "two-thirds of members present" might differ significantly from "two-thirds of all elected members," as abstentions and absences are treated differently.

Consider a legislative body of 100 members. A two-thirds supermajority of the total membership requires 67 votes (2/3 * 100 = 66.67, rounded up). If only 90 members are present and voting, a two-thirds majority of those present would require 60 votes (2/3 * 90 = 60).

Parliamentary Procedure

Rules of Deliberation

In formal deliberative assemblies, supermajority rules are often applied to motions that could infringe upon the rights of members or the assembly itself. For example, Robert's Rules of Order mandates a two-thirds vote for actions such as suspending rules, limiting debate, or altering membership rights.

Preventing Obstruction

While protecting minority rights, supermajority requirements can also be used to obstruct proceedings. The concept of a filibuster, often requiring a supermajority (like cloture in the US Senate) to overcome, exemplifies how a minority can delay or block legislation.

Global Applications

Australia

Constitutional amendments require a "double majority": a national majority of votes and separate majorities in at least four out of six states. A "triple majority" is needed if a specific state is disproportionately affected.

Bangladesh

Constitutional amendments must be approved by a two-thirds majority in the unicameral Jatiya Sangsad.

Canada

Most constitutional amendments require approval by the House of Commons, Senate, and two-thirds of provincial legislative assemblies representing at least 50% of the national population.

Denmark

Ceding national sovereignty to international bodies requires a five-sixths majority (approx. 83%) in the Folketing, or a national referendum.

European Union

The Council of the EU uses Qualified Majority Voting (QMV) for many issues. However, critical matters, like suspending member state rights under Article 7, require unanimity. The European Parliament often requires an absolute majority to amend or reject legislation.

Finland

Amendments to the Constitution require a two-thirds majority (134 out of 200 seats) in the Parliament.

India

Constitutional amendments need a two-thirds majority of members present and voting in each house of Parliament, alongside a majority of the total membership. Certain amendments also require ratification by half the states.

Italy

Election of the President requires a two-thirds majority in the first three rounds of voting. Constitutional reforms need a two-thirds supermajority in both legislative chambers to avoid a referendum.

Japan

Constitutional amendments require a two-thirds majority in both houses of the National Diet, followed by a simple majority in a national referendum.

New Zealand

Certain "reserved provisions" in electoral law, concerning voting rights and boundary drawing, can only be amended with a three-quarters majority in the House of Representatives or a national referendum.

Nigeria

Constitutional amendments and certain legislative actions require a two-thirds majority in the National Assembly. Impeachment proceedings also necessitate this threshold.

Philippines

Key actions like declaring war, overriding presidential vetoes, and expelling members require a two-thirds majority in Congress. Proposing constitutional amendments demands a three-quarters majority, followed by voter approval in a plebiscite.

Singapore

Most constitutional amendments require a two-thirds majority of all elected Members of Parliament (MPs) during their second and third readings.

South Korea

Bills require a three-fifths majority to proceed to a vote, preventing minority obstruction. Presidential impeachment, Constitutional Court rulings, and constitutional amendments all necessitate a two-thirds majority, often followed by a referendum.

Spain

Constitutional reforms generally need a three-fifths majority in both legislative chambers. More fundamental reforms require a two-thirds majority in both, followed by dissolution, re-approval by new chambers, and a referendum. Appointments to key judicial and media bodies often require three-fifths majorities.

Taiwan

Constitutional amendments require proposal by over one-quarter of Legislative Yuan members, passage by three-quarters of those present (with quorum of three-quarters), and approval by over 50% of eligible voters in a referendum.

Turkey

Constitutional amendments require a three-fifths majority to be put to a referendum, or a two-thirds majority for direct ratification.

Ukraine

Most constitutional amendments require initial approval by a simple majority, followed by a two-thirds majority in the next session. Amendments to core principles require a two-thirds majority and voter approval via referendum.

United Kingdom

While parliamentary supremacy generally allows simple majority rule, specific acts (like the repealed Fixed-term Parliaments Act) required two-thirds majorities for early elections. Devolved legislatures and local authorities also have provisions requiring two-thirds majorities for certain actions.

United Nations

The UN Security Council requires a nine-member majority (a three-fifths supermajority) of its 15 members to pass substantive resolutions. Abstentions by permanent members are often treated as vetoes.

United States

The US Constitution mandates supermajorities for key actions: proposing amendments (2/3 Congress), ratifying amendments (3/4 states), overriding presidential vetoes (2/3 both houses), treaty ratification (2/3 Senate), and impeachment convictions (2/3 Senate). Senate cloture typically requires 60 votes (3/5).

US State Governments

Many US states require supermajorities in legislatures for constitutional amendments, veto overrides (varying thresholds), and tax increases. These requirements can significantly empower legislative minorities.

International Agreements

Rome Statute

Amendments to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court require a substantial seven-eighths majority of participating states, ensuring broad international consensus for changes to its foundational treaty.

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References

See Article 294(7) of the Treaty on the functioning of the European Union.

1987 Constitution of the Philippines, Official Gazette.

National Conference of State Legislatures (2000). Mason's Manual of Legislative Procedure, 2000 ed., p. 353

A full list of references for this article are available at the Supermajority Wikipedia page

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Disclaimer

This content has been generated by Artificial Intelligence for educational and informational purposes only. It is based on publicly available data and may not be exhaustive or entirely up-to-date.

This is not professional advice. The information provided does not constitute legal, political science, or governance consultation. Always consult official documentation and qualified professionals for specific applications or interpretations.

The creators of this page are not liable for any errors, omissions, or actions taken based on the information presented.

Navigating Consensus: The Power of Supermajority Votes

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

What is a Supermajority? ⚖️

📊 Defining the Threshold

🛡️ Purpose and Protection

⚠️ Potential Drawbacks

Historical Roots 📜

🏛️ Ancient Origins

⛪ Ecclesiastical Influence

🇺🇸 Early American Politics

Common Thresholds 🔢

📏 Defining Supermajority

⚖️ Qualification Matters

Parliamentary Procedure 🗣️

📜 Rules of Deliberation

🚫 Preventing Obstruction

Global Applications 🌐

🇦🇺 Australia

🇧🇩 Bangladesh

🇨🇦 Canada

🇩🇰 Denmark

🇪🇺 European Union

🇫🇮 Finland

🇮🇳 India

🇮🇹 Italy

🇯🇵 Japan

🇳🇿 New Zealand

🇳🇬 Nigeria

🇵🇭 Philippines

🇸🇬 Singapore

🇰🇷 South Korea

🇪🇸 Spain

🇹🇼 Taiwan

🇹🇷 Turkey

🇺🇦 Ukraine

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

🇺🇳 United Nations

🇺🇸 United States

🇺🇸 US State Governments

International Agreements 🤝

⚖️ Rome Statute

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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References

📜 References

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Important Considerations ⚠️

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Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

What is a Supermajority?

Defining the Threshold

Purpose and Protection

Potential Drawbacks

Historical Roots

Ancient Origins

Ecclesiastical Influence

Early American Politics

Common Thresholds

Defining Supermajority

Qualification Matters

Parliamentary Procedure

Rules of Deliberation

Preventing Obstruction

Global Applications

Australia

Bangladesh

Canada

Denmark

European Union

Finland

India

Italy

Japan

New Zealand

Nigeria

Philippines

Singapore

South Korea

Spain

Taiwan

Turkey

Ukraine

United Kingdom

United Nations

United States

US State Governments

International Agreements

Rome Statute

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Important Considerations

Disclaimer