Definition

Noun: * The principle that decisions are made by the group that has the most members: A system of governance or decision-making where the option supported by more than half of the participants is adopted as the decision for the entire group.

Usage

• "Majority rule" is a fundamental principle in democratic systems.
• It is often contrasted with concepts like consensus or minority rights.
• The term is typically used in political, organizational, and social contexts to describe a method of reaching a collective decision.

Examples

• The committee makes its decisions by majority rule.
• In a democracy, majority rule must be balanced with the protection of individual rights.
• The new policy was adopted through majority rule after a vote.

Advanced Usage

• "Tyranny of the majority": A criticism of pure majority rule, describing a situation where the interests of the majority group are pursued to the detriment of a minority group.
  • The founders of the constitution were concerned about the potential for a tyranny of the majority.

Variants and Related Words

• Plurality: A voting outcome where one option receives more votes than any other, but not necessarily more than half. This is different from majority rule, which requires over 50%.
• Consensus: General agreement among all members of a group, often sought as an alternative to simple majority rule.
• Democracy: A system of government where power is held by the people, often exercised through principles like majority rule.

Synonyms

• Majoritarianism: (Often used in political theory) The principle that a majority based on religion, language, or social class has the right to make decisions for a society.
• Rule by the majority: A more descriptive phrase with the same meaning.

Antonyms

• Minority rule: Government or decision-making by a group that is smaller than half of the total.
• Consensus rule: Decision-making requiring the agreement of all participants.
• Unanimity: Complete agreement by all people involved.

Noun

1. the doctrine that the numerical majority of an organized group can make decisions binding on the whole group