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A supermajority requires more than 50% of the votes cast, distinguishing it from a simple majority.
Answer: False
A supermajority requires a level of support greater than a simple majority (more than 50%), such as two-thirds or three-quarters of the votes cast.
Supermajority rules can protect minority rights but may also hinder government responsiveness.
Answer: True
Supermajority rules can serve to protect minority interests from being overridden by a simple majority, but they may also impede governmental efficiency and responsiveness.
The earliest known use of a supermajority rule was in ancient Rome, requiring a two-thirds consensus among jurors.
Answer: True
The earliest documented use of supermajority rules is found in ancient Rome, where juries sometimes required a two-thirds consensus for decisions.
Pope Alexander III introduced supermajority rules for papal elections at the Third Lateran Council.
Answer: True
Pope Alexander III instituted supermajority voting requirements for papal elections at the Third Lateran Council in 1179.
What is the primary difference between a supermajority and a simple majority?
Answer: A supermajority requires a level of support greater than a simple majority (more than 50%), such as two-thirds.
A supermajority is defined as a voting threshold exceeding a simple majority (more than 50%), commonly set at two-thirds or three-quarters of the votes cast.
According to the source, what is a potential drawback of using supermajority rules in a democracy?
Answer: They can hinder the government's ability to respond effectively to problems.
A potential drawback of supermajority rules is that they can impede governmental efficiency and responsiveness, making it difficult to address pressing issues.
Where was the earliest known use of a supermajority rule documented?
Answer: Juries in ancient Rome
The earliest known use of a supermajority rule is documented in ancient Rome, specifically within the context of jury deliberations.
Who instituted supermajority voting for papal elections, and at which council?
Answer: Pope Alexander III at the Third Lateran Council
Pope Alexander III introduced supermajority voting requirements for papal elections at the Third Lateran Council in 1179.
Alexander Hamilton argued that supermajority requirements could impede beneficial legislation and disrupt government operations.
Answer: True
Alexander Hamilton, in Federalist No. 22, expressed concern that supermajority requirements could hinder beneficial legislation and disrupt government operations, potentially empowering small factions.
James Madison, in Federalist No. 58, argued that supermajority requirements could invert the principles of free government by giving power to a minority.
Answer: True
James Madison, in Federalist No. 58, expressed concern that supermajority requirements could invert the principles of free government by granting power to a minority and potentially encouraging secession.
Critics argue that supermajority requirements for tax increases are problematic because they empower a minority of legislators and hinder fiscal management.
Answer: True
Critics contend that supermajority requirements for tax increases empower a minority, impede necessary fiscal adjustments, and can lead to legislative gridlock or inefficient compromises.
According to Federalist No. 22, what was Alexander Hamilton's primary concern regarding supermajority requirements?
Answer: They impeded beneficial legislation and disrupted government operations.
Alexander Hamilton expressed concern that supermajority requirements could impede beneficial legislation and disrupt government operations, potentially empowering small factions.
James Madison, in Federalist No. 58, worried that supermajority requirements would:
Answer: Invert the principles of free government by granting power to a minority.
James Madison articulated concerns that supermajority requirements could invert the principles of free government by granting undue power to a minority faction.
What criticism is leveled against supermajority requirements for tax increases in U.S. states?
Answer: They empower a minority of legislators, hindering fiscal needs management.
Critics argue that supermajority requirements for tax increases empower a minority of legislators, thereby hindering effective fiscal needs management and potentially leading to gridlock.
Common thresholds for supermajority votes include three-fifths, two-thirds, and three-quarters.
Answer: True
Typical supermajority thresholds encountered in legislative and procedural contexts include three-fifths (60%), two-thirds (approximately 66.67%), and three-quarters (75%).
When a supermajority calculation results in a non-whole number, it is generally rounded down to the nearest whole number.
Answer: False
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.
A two-thirds vote means that the number of votes in favor must be at least twice the number of votes against.
Answer: True
A two-thirds vote signifies that the proportion of affirmative votes must be at least two-thirds of the total votes cast, which implies the favorable votes must be at least twice the opposing votes.
Abstentions and absences are not always counted as votes against a proposal when calculating a two-thirds vote, depending on the specific rule.
Answer: True
The treatment of abstentions and absences in vote calculations varies. While typically excluded when based on 'votes cast,' they may be counted as votes against if the rule specifies 'votes present' or 'total membership'.
Abstentions by permanent members of the UN Security Council are formally recorded as vetoes.
Answer: False
Abstentions by permanent members of the UN Security Council are generally treated as equivalent to a negative vote, functioning similarly to a veto, even though they are not formally recorded as such.
Mason's Manual of Legislative Procedure allows a body to impose a two-thirds vote requirement even if its controlling authority only mandates a majority.
Answer: False
Mason's Manual states that a deliberative body cannot impose a two-thirds vote requirement if its controlling authority only mandates a majority, as this would grant a minority undue power.
In parliamentary procedure, motions to suspend rules or limit debate typically require a simple majority.
Answer: False
In parliamentary procedure, motions to suspend rules or limit debate typically require a two-thirds supermajority vote, as they affect the rights of members.
Which of the following is NOT listed as a common threshold for supermajority votes?
Answer: Four-fifths (80%)
Commonly cited thresholds for supermajority votes include three-fifths (60%), two-thirds (approximately 66.67%), and three-quarters (75%). Four-fifths (80%) is not listed as a typical threshold in the provided data.
How are non-whole number results typically handled when calculating a supermajority vote?
Answer: They are rounded up to the next higher whole number.
When a supermajority calculation yields a non-whole number, the standard practice is to round up to the next whole number to ensure the threshold is met.
What does the source state about abstentions when calculating a two-thirds vote based on 'votes cast'?
Answer: Abstentions are typically excluded from the calculation.
When calculating a two-thirds vote based on 'votes cast,' abstentions are typically excluded from the denominator.
How are abstentions by permanent members treated in UN Security Council votes, according to the source?
Answer: They are treated as equivalent to a negative vote (veto).
Abstentions by permanent members of the UN Security Council are generally considered equivalent to a negative vote, functioning similarly to a veto, although not formally recorded as such.
The U.S. Democratic Party's two-thirds rule for presidential nominations was abolished in 1936 after significantly impacting post-Civil War politics.
Answer: True
The Democratic Party's two-thirds rule, which had given Southern Democrats significant influence, was abolished in 1936.
The U.S. Constitution requires a two-thirds supermajority vote in both the House and Senate to override a presidential veto.
Answer: True
To override a presidential veto, the U.S. Constitution mandates a two-thirds supermajority vote in both the House of Representatives and the Senate.
A three-quarters supermajority of the U.S. Senate is required for treaty ratification.
Answer: False
A two-thirds supermajority of the U.S. Senate is required for a treaty to be ratified and enter into force.
Proposing amendments to the U.S. Constitution can be done by a convention called by two-thirds of the states, and ratification requires approval by three-quarters of the states.
Answer: True
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, Congress must vote by a two-thirds supermajority in both houses to continue a presidential disability declaration if the president disagrees.
Answer: True
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.
Following impeachment by the House of Representatives, removal from office in the U.S. requires a two-thirds supermajority vote in the Senate.
Answer: True
After a federal official is impeached by the House of Representatives, removal from office requires a two-thirds supermajority vote in the Senate.
A cloture motion in the U.S. Senate, used to end debate, typically requires a three-fifths supermajority.
Answer: True
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.
Many U.S. states require a supermajority vote, typically two-thirds, to approve tax increases.
Answer: True
Numerous U.S. states have laws or constitutional provisions requiring a supermajority vote, often three-fifths or two-thirds, in both legislative chambers to approve tax increases.
What was the effect of the 'two-thirds rule' in the U.S. Democratic Party after the Civil War?
Answer: It gave Southern Democrats a veto power over potential presidential nominees.
The Democratic Party's two-thirds rule effectively granted Southern Democrats veto power over presidential nominees following the Civil War, a situation that persisted until the rule's abolition in 1936.
What supermajority is required in the U.S. Constitution to override a presidential veto?
Answer: A two-thirds supermajority in both houses.
The U.S. Constitution mandates a two-thirds supermajority vote in both the House of Representatives and the Senate to override a presidential veto.
Which of the following requires a two-thirds supermajority in the U.S. Senate?
Answer: Ratification of treaties
A two-thirds supermajority of the U.S. Senate is required for the ratification of treaties.
How can amendments to the U.S. Constitution be proposed?
Answer: By a convention called by two-thirds of the states.
Amendments to the U.S. Constitution can be proposed either by a two-thirds vote in both houses of Congress or by a convention called by two-thirds of the states.
What is the supermajority requirement in the U.S. Senate to end debate and overcome a filibuster (cloture)?
Answer: Three-fifths (60 senators)
A cloture motion in the U.S. Senate, which is used to end debate and overcome a filibuster, typically requires a three-fifths supermajority, meaning 60 senators.
Amending the Australian Constitution requires a national majority of voters and approval from a majority of voters in at least four out of the six states.
Answer: True
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.
Canada's constitutional amendment process requires identical resolutions passed by the House of Commons, the Senate, and at least two-thirds of the provincial legislative assemblies representing at least 50 percent of the national population.
Answer: True
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.
India's constitutional amendments require a two-thirds majority of members present and voting in each house, a majority of the total membership of each house, plus ratification by at least half of the states for certain amendments.
Answer: True
Article 368 of the Indian Constitution specifies a two-thirds majority of members present and voting in each house, a majority of the total membership of each house, and ratification by at least half of the states for amendments impacting federal structures or the judiciary.
New Zealand requires a three-quarters majority in the House of Representatives to amend 'reserved provisions' in its electoral law.
Answer: True
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.
Nigeria's Constitution requires a two-thirds majority in the National Assembly for constitutional alterations.
Answer: True
Nigeria's Constitution requires a two-thirds majority in the National Assembly to alter the constitution.
A two-thirds supermajority vote in both the UK House of Commons and House of Lords is necessary to amend or dissolve the Royal Charter on press self-regulation.
Answer: True
A two-thirds supermajority vote in both the House of Commons and the House of Lords is required to amend or dissolve the Royal Charter concerning press self-regulation in the United Kingdom.
The repealed Fixed-term Parliaments Act 2011 required a three-quarters majority of the House of Commons for an early UK general election.
Answer: False
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.
In Scotland and Wales, amending specific protected provisions within their governing acts requires a simple majority of the total members.
Answer: False
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.
Welsh principal councils need a simple majority vote to change their electoral system.
Answer: False
Welsh principal councils must pass a resolution with a two-thirds supermajority vote to change the system by which their councillors are elected.
English district councils need a two-thirds supermajority vote to alter their electoral scheme.
Answer: True
English district councils require a two-thirds supermajority vote to alter their electoral scheme, which determines the frequency of councillor elections.
The London Assembly can veto the Mayor's draft strategies if a simple majority supports the veto.
Answer: False
The London Assembly can veto the Mayor's draft strategies if a two-thirds supermajority vote supports the veto.
Substantive matters in the UN Security Council require a majority of nine out of the 15 members to pass.
Answer: True
Substantive matters before the United Nations Security Council require a supermajority of nine out of the 15 members to pass, which constitutes a three-fifths majority.
The Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court requires a two-thirds majority of participating states for amendments.
Answer: False
The Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court requires a seven-eighths majority of participating states for any amendments to be adopted.
To amend the Australian Constitution, what must a referendum achieve?
Answer: A national majority of voters AND a majority in at least four states.
Amending the Australian Constitution requires a referendum to achieve a 'double majority': a national majority of voters and a majority of voters in at least four states.
Which country requires identical resolutions passed by its House of Commons, Senate, and at least two-thirds of provincial assemblies representing 50% of the population for constitutional amendments?
Answer: Canada
Canada's constitutional amendment process requires identical resolutions passed by the House of Commons, the Senate, and at least two-thirds of provincial legislative assemblies representing 50% of the national population.
India's constitutional amendments require a two-thirds majority of members present and voting in each house, plus what additional condition?
Answer: A majority of the total membership of each house.
India's constitutional amendments require a two-thirds majority of members present and voting in each house, along with a majority of the total membership of each house.
What supermajority is needed in New Zealand to amend 'reserved provisions' in electoral law?
Answer: A three-quarters majority in the House of Representatives.
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.
Which of the following requires a two-thirds majority in Nigeria's National Assembly?
Answer: Constitutional alterations.
Nigeria's Constitution requires a two-thirds majority in the National Assembly for constitutional alterations.
What supermajority is required for substantive matters in the UN Security Council?
Answer: A three-fifths majority of 9 members.
Substantive matters before the UN Security Council require a supermajority of nine out of the 15 members to pass, which equates to a three-fifths majority.
What supermajority is required to amend the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court?
Answer: Seven-eighths of participating states
The Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court stipulates that amendments require a seven-eighths majority of participating states for adoption.
Constitutional amendments in Bangladesh require a two-thirds majority of the members present and voting in Parliament.
Answer: True
Constitutional amendments in Bangladesh require a two-thirds majority of the members present and voting in the Jatiya Sangsad (Parliament).
Denmark requires a five-sixths majority in the Folketing to transfer national sovereignty to international bodies, otherwise a referendum is held.
Answer: True
If the Danish government or parliament wishes to transfer parts of national sovereignty to international organizations, it must secure a five-sixths majority in the Folketing; otherwise, the matter must be put to a referendum.
The European Parliament needs an absolute majority to amend or reject proposed legislation under the ordinary legislative procedure.
Answer: True
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.
In Finland, amending the constitution requires a two-thirds majority in Parliament.
Answer: True
Any bill that alters or adds to the Finnish Constitution requires a two-thirds majority in the Parliament of Finland.
In Italy, a candidate for President needs a two-thirds majority in the first three rounds of voting to win.
Answer: True
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.
Japan's constitution can be amended by a two-thirds majority in the National Diet, followed by approval in a national referendum.
Answer: True
Amending the Japanese constitution requires a two-thirds majority in both houses of the National Diet and subsequent approval by a simple majority of voters in a national referendum.
The Congress of the Philippines requires a two-thirds majority of both chambers, voting separately, to override a presidential veto.
Answer: True
The Congress of the Philippines requires a two-thirds majority of both chambers, voting separately, to override a presidential veto.
Most articles of the Singapore Constitution can be amended by a bill receiving a two-thirds supermajority of all elected Members of Parliament.
Answer: True
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.
In South Korea, a three-fifths majority in the National Assembly is needed to override a presidential veto.
Answer: False
A two-thirds majority of legislators in South Korea is necessary to override a veto issued by the President.
For the impeachment of the President of South Korea to be effective, it requires a simple majority vote of the legislators.
Answer: False
For the impeachment of the President of South Korea to be effective, it requires a two-thirds majority vote of the legislators.
Spain requires a three-fifths majority in both legislative chambers for most constitutional reforms.
Answer: True
For most constitutional reforms in Spain, a three-fifths majority is required in both the Congress of Deputies and the Senate.
Major constitutional reforms in Spain require a two-thirds supermajority in both chambers, followed by dissolution and approval by newly elected chambers with a two-thirds supermajority, and ratification by referendum.
Answer: True
The process for major constitutional reforms in Spain involves a two-thirds supermajority in both legislative chambers, dissolution, re-approval by newly elected chambers with a two-thirds supermajority, and finally, a referendum.
Appointments to the General Council of the Judiciary in Spain require a two-thirds majority vote from both legislative chambers.
Answer: False
Appointments to the General Council of the Judiciary in Spain require a three-fifths majority vote from both legislative chambers.
Amending Taiwan's constitution since 2005 requires proposals from over half the Legislative Yuan members and passage by three-quarters of those present.
Answer: False
Since 2005, amending Taiwan's constitution requires proposals from over one-quarter of the Legislative Yuan members and passage by three-quarters of those present (with over three-quarters of all members in attendance).
In Turkey, constitutional amendments need a two-thirds majority to be submitted for a referendum.
Answer: False
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.
Most amendments to Ukraine's Constitution require initial approval by a simple majority and subsequent approval by a two-thirds majority of the constitutional composition.
Answer: True
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.
Amendments to key chapters of Ukraine's Constitution require a simple majority and approval by voters in a referendum.
Answer: False
Amendments to key chapters 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 for constitutional amendments in Bangladesh?
Answer: A two-thirds majority of members present and voting.
Constitutional amendments in Bangladesh necessitate a two-thirds majority of the members present and voting in Parliament.
In Denmark, what happens if a simple majority, rather than a five-sixths majority, is achieved when considering the transfer of national sovereignty?
Answer: The matter must be put to a referendum.
If a simple majority, rather than the required five-sixths majority, is achieved in Denmark's Folketing regarding the transfer of national sovereignty, the matter must be submitted to a referendum.
What is the European Parliament's requirement to amend or reject proposed legislation under the ordinary legislative procedure?
Answer: An absolute majority (more than 50% of votes cast)
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 is the requirement for constitutional reforms in Italy to avoid being submitted to a popular referendum?
Answer: A two-thirds majority in both the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate.
To prevent a constitutional reform from being submitted to a popular referendum in Italy, it must achieve a supermajority of two-thirds of the votes in both the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate.
Amending the Japanese constitution requires a two-thirds majority in the National Diet and what subsequent step?
Answer: Approval by a simple majority of voters in a national referendum.
Amending the Japanese constitution requires a two-thirds majority in both houses of the National Diet, followed by approval from a simple majority of voters in a national referendum.
How does Spain handle most constitutional reforms compared to major constitutional reforms?
Answer: Most require a three-fifths majority, while major reforms need a two-thirds majority plus referendum.
Most constitutional reforms in Spain require a three-fifths majority, whereas major reforms necessitate a two-thirds supermajority in both chambers, followed by dissolution, re-approval, and a referendum.