Majoritære

Majoritære is a Danish (and related Scandinavian) term used to describe political practices, doctrines, or systems that emphasize rule by the numerical majority. The word derives from the concept of maioritas, or majority, and is commonly applied in discussions of how decisions are made in democracies.

In political science, majoritarianism refers to the principle that the wishes of the majority should determine public policy, often through elections and legislative processes. Systems described as majoritarian typically rely on simple majority votes to pass laws, and may favor single-member districts or winner-takes-all mechanics. In contrast to proportional representation or consensus-based models, majoritarian arrangements can produce clear mandates and rapid decision-making, but may also minimize minority influence.

The term is frequently used to analyze constitutional design and governance. Some reforms or debates focus on balancing majority rule with protections for minority rights, checks and balances, and institutional safeguards. Critics warn that strong majoritarian systems can marginalize minority groups or create volatility if coalitions shift frequently. Proponents argue that majority rule reflects the popular will and fosters accountability.

In practice, many democracies combine majoritarian elements with complementary features—such as constitutional courts, minority rights protections, or supermajority requirements for fundamental changes—to mitigate potential downsides of pure majority rule.

See also: majoritarianism, simple majority, supermajority, proportional representation, winner-takes-all.