Voting
Supermajority
Definition
A voting threshold greater than a simple majority, such as two-thirds (to override a veto) or three-fifths (to invoke cloture in the Senate).
Related Terms
Cloture
A Senate procedure to end debate and bring a measure to a vote. Requires 60 votes for legislation. Nominations need only a simple majority, after rule changes in 2013 (most nominations) and 2017 (Supreme Court).
Veto OverrideA vote by Congress to enact a bill despite a presidential veto. Requires a two-thirds majority vote in both the House and Senate.
Nuclear OptionA Senate procedure that changes the rules to allow a simple majority to end debate, bypassing the 60-vote cloture requirement. Used in 2013 for executive-branch and lower-court nominations, and extended to Supreme Court nominations in 2017.
More Voting Terms
Common Questions
- What does "Supermajority" mean?
- A voting threshold greater than a simple majority, such as two-thirds (to override a veto) or three-fifths (to invoke cloture in the Senate).
- What terms are related to supermajority?
- Related terms include: Cloture, Veto Override, Nuclear Option. Understanding these related concepts helps provide context for supermajority.