MAJORITY CRITERION Meaning and
Definition
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The majority criterion is a concept used in voting theory to determine the winner in an election. It states that in order for a candidate to be declared the winner, they must have received over 50% of the votes. This means that the candidate must have more votes than all other candidates combined.
The majority criterion is commonly applied in various voting systems, including plurality voting and runoff voting. In a plurality voting system, the candidate with the most votes is declared the winner, even if they do not have a majority. However, if the majority criterion is used, a candidate must have a majority of votes to be deemed the winner. If no candidate receives a majority, a runoff election may be held between the top two candidates to determine the winner.
The purpose of the majority criterion is to ensure that the elected candidate has the support of the majority of voters, thus promoting a more representative outcome. By requiring a candidate to secure more than 50% of the total votes, it minimizes the possibility of a candidate winning with a small fraction of the overall support.
The majority criterion can be an important factor in evaluating the fairness and legitimacy of an election. It emphasizes the importance of broad support and helps to prevent the election of a candidate who may only have the support of a minority of voters.
Etymology of MAJORITY CRITERION
The etymology of the word "majority criterion" can be broken down as follows:
1. Majority: The word "majority" originates from the Latin term "major" which means "greater" or "larger". It entered the English language in the early 16th century and refers to a group or number that is larger or more significant than others. It is related to the Latin word "majoritas".
2. Criterion: The word "criterion" has its roots in the Greek term "kriterion" which means "a means of judging". It was derived from the Greek word "krinein" meaning "to separate" or "to judge". The word "criterion" entered the English language in the late 17th century and refers to a standard or principle used for making judgments or evaluations.
