Two-thirds majority

Definition

A two-thirds majority refers to a voting threshold requiring more than half of the votes, specifically two-thirds (66.67%), for a proposal to pass. This standard is often employed in significant legislative or constitutional decisions, ensuring a strong consensus is reached before changes are made.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In the context of the federal constitutional amendment process, a two-thirds majority is required in both the House of Representatives and the Senate to propose an amendment.
2. This voting threshold reflects the framers' intention to ensure that only amendments with broad support across diverse political views can alter the Constitution.
3. If an amendment is proposed by Congress, it must then be ratified by three-fourths of the state legislatures or conventions, further emphasizing the need for wide-ranging agreement.
4. A two-thirds majority can also apply to various other important votes, such as overriding a presidential veto or impeaching a federal official.
5. The requirement for a two-thirds majority helps protect against hasty changes to the Constitution, which is intended to remain stable and enduring.

Review Questions

• How does a two-thirds majority function within the context of proposing amendments to the Constitution?
  • A two-thirds majority plays a crucial role in the constitutional amendment process, as it is necessary for both chambers of Congress to agree on an amendment before it can move forward. This means that at least 67 out of 100 senators and 290 out of 435 representatives must vote in favor. By requiring such a high level of agreement, the process ensures that only amendments with significant bipartisan support can advance, reflecting a broad consensus among lawmakers.
• Discuss the significance of requiring a two-thirds majority for constitutional amendments in terms of political stability and governance.
  • Requiring a two-thirds majority for constitutional amendments promotes political stability by preventing radical or impulsive changes driven by fleeting majorities. It encourages lawmakers to seek common ground and build coalitions across party lines, fostering cooperation and dialogue. This high threshold acts as a safeguard against frequent alterations that could undermine the foundational principles of governance and ensure that only well-considered changes to the Constitution are enacted.
• Evaluate how the requirement for a two-thirds majority impacts the ability to address contemporary issues through constitutional amendments.
  • The requirement for a two-thirds majority can both facilitate and hinder addressing contemporary issues through constitutional amendments. On one hand, it ensures that any proposed changes are widely supported, potentially leading to more robust and thoughtful solutions. On the other hand, this high bar can make it exceedingly difficult for necessary reforms to pass, especially in a polarized political climate. As a result, many urgent issues may remain unaddressed due to disagreements among lawmakers, highlighting tensions between responsive governance and the preservation of constitutional integrity.

Related terms

simple majority: A simple majority is the most basic form of majority, where more than half of the votes cast are needed for a decision to be made, typically set at 50% plus one.

quorum: A quorum is the minimum number of members required to be present in order to conduct business and make decisions in a legislative body.

constitutional amendment: A constitutional amendment is a formal change or addition to the constitution, requiring specific procedures and thresholds for approval.