QUALIFIED MAJORITY Meaning and
Definition
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A qualified majority, also known as a qualified voting majority, is a decision-making mechanism employed in various organizations, particularly in political and administrative contexts. It refers to a specified number or proportion of votes necessary to reach a legally binding decision or approval on matters of importance.
Unlike a simple majority, which requires more than half of the total votes to decide, a qualified majority imposes additional criteria and thresholds for making decisions. These criteria may include the need for a specific number or percentage of votes in favor, as well as the requirement for support from a certain number of member states or specific groups within an organization.
The purpose of a qualified majority is typically to establish a broader consensus and avoid decisions being overly influenced by a small minority. By setting strict conditions for reaching a majority, it ensures that important decisions are supported by the majority of members with substantial backing from diverse interests or regions.
The criteria for a qualified majority can vary depending on the organization or context in which it is applied. For instance, within the European Union, certain decisions may require the support of at least 55% of member states representing at least 65% of the EU population. These specific thresholds are designed to strike a balance between the interests of smaller and larger member states.
Etymology of QUALIFIED MAJORITY
The term "qualified majority" is primarily used in the context of voting systems, particularly in political or decision-making processes where a certain threshold must be met to achieve a majority. The etymology of the phrase can be understood by examining the individual components:
1. Qualified: The word "qualified" comes from the Latin term "qualificatus", which means "to make capable or fit". Over time, it evolved to refer to someone or something that possesses the necessary skills, knowledge, experience, or qualifications to perform a specific task or meet certain requirements.
2. Majority: The word "majority" originates from the Latin term "majoritas", meaning "greater number". It refers to a number or amount that exceeds half of a given total. In voting, a majority indicates that more than half of the votes are in favor of a particular choice or decision.
