majority rule

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majority rule

The committee reached its decision by majority rule.

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.
majority rule

The committee reached its decision by majority rule.

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

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