Special Majority
A special majority is a majority of votes that is greater than the simple majority of 50% plus one vote. Special majorities are often required for important decisions, such as constitutional amendments or the passage of laws that have a significant impact on the rights of citizens.
There are several reasons why special majorities may be required. One reason is to ensure that there is broad support for a decision before it is implemented. This can help to prevent decisions that are unpopular with a large segment of the population. Another reason for requiring a special majority is to protect the rights of minorities. By requiring a supermajority, it is more difficult for a majority to pass laws that discriminate against minorities.
There are several different types of special majorities. One type is a qualified majority, which is a majority of votes that is greater than 50% but less than two-thirds. Another type is an absolute majority, which is a majority of votes that is equal to or greater than two-thirds.
Special majorities are often used in parliamentary systems of government. In these systems, the government is formed by the party or coalition of parties that has the most seats in parliament. If no party or coalition has a majority of seats, then a coalition government may be formed. In order to pass legislation, the government must have the support of a majority of members of parliament. This means that the government must either have a majority of seats in parliament or must be able to form a coalition with other parties that have a majority of seats.
Special majorities are also used in some presidential systems of government. In these systems, the president is elected by the people. However, the president may not have the power to pass legislation without the support of the legislature. In order to pass legislation, the president must either have the support of a majority of members of the legislature or must be able to form a coalition with other parties that have a majority of seats in the legislature.
Special majorities can be controversial. Some people argue that they are undemocratic because they make it more difficult for the majority to pass legislation. Others argue that they are necessary to protect the rights of minorities and to ensure that important decisions are made with broad support.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a special majority?
A special majority is a majority of votes that is greater than the simple majority of 50% plus one vote. Special majorities are often required for important decisions, such as constitutional amendments or the passage of laws that have a significant impact on the rights of citizens.
Why are special majorities required?
There are several reasons why special majorities may be required. One reason is to ensure that there is broad support for a decision before it is implemented. This can help to prevent decisions that are unpopular with a large segment of the population. Another reason for requiring a special majority is to protect the rights of minorities. By requiring a supermajority, it is more difficult for a majority to pass laws that discriminate against minorities.
What are the different types of special majorities?
There are several different types of special majorities. One type is a qualified majority, which is a majority of votes that is greater than 50% but less than two-thirds. Another type is an absolute majority, which is a majority of votes that is equal to or greater than two-thirds.
Where are special majorities used?
Special majorities are often used in parliamentary systems of government. In these systems, the government is formed by the party or coalition of parties that has the most seats in parliament. If no party or coalition has a majority of seats, then a coalition government may be formed. In order to pass legislation, the government must have the support of a majority of members of parliament. This means that the government must either have a majority of seats in parliament or must be able to form a coalition with other parties that have a majority of seats.
Special majorities are also used in some presidential systems of government. In these systems, the president is elected by the people. However, the president may not have the power to pass legislation without the support of the legislature. In order to pass legislation, the president must either have the support of a majority of members of the legislature or must be able to form a coalition with other parties that have a majority of seats in the legislature.
Are special majorities controversial?
Yes, special majorities can be controversial. Some people argue that they are undemocratic because they make it more difficult for the majority to pass legislation. Others argue that they are necessary to protect the rights of minorities and to ensure that important decisions are made with broad support.
Multiple Choice Questions
- A special majority is a majority of votes that is:
(a) greater than 50% plus one vote
(b) equal to or greater than two-thirds
(c) less than 50% but greater than 25%
(