Majority

Definition

Majority is the condition in which more than half of the votes or elements in a set are in favor of a specific option or candidate. It is commonly used to determine outcomes in voting systems and decision-making processes.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. A majority requires more than 50% of the total votes.
2. In some voting methods, achieving a majority can determine an outright winner without further rounds.
3. The concept of majority is different from plurality, where the highest number of votes wins, even if it's not over 50%.
4. Simple majority refers to more than half of those who cast votes, while absolute majority refers to more than half of all eligible voters.
5. Majority rule is fundamental in democratic processes and many organizational decision-making procedures.

Review Questions

• What percentage of votes constitutes a majority?
• How does a majority differ from a plurality?
• What are the implications of a simple majority versus an absolute majority?

Related terms

Plurality: The condition where the candidate or option with the most votes wins, even if it’s less than half.

Quorum: The minimum number of members required to be present for valid decision-making in an assembly.

Runoff Election: A follow-up election held when no candidate achieves the required majority, typically involving only the top candidates from the first round.