majoriteter

Majoriteter is the plural form of majoritet in several Scandinavian languages, notably Norwegian and Danish. It refers to the portion of a group that holds more than half of votes, seats, or influence in a decision-making context. In English, the corresponding term is majorities. The concept is used in elections, parliaments, committees, and other bodies where decisions depend on the relative size of different groups.

In politics and governance, majorities determine outcomes through different thresholds. A simple majority requires more than half of votes cast. An absolute majority requires more than half of all possible votes, regardless of turnout. A supermajority sets a higher threshold, such as two-thirds or three-fifths, and is often used for constitutional amendments, fundamental laws, or budget-related questions. The specific requirements vary by country and institution.

In statistical or demographic terms, a majority can describe the largest group within a population or sample that exceeds 50 percent. Polls, surveys, and censuses use margins of error that can change which option is the majority in a given measurement, especially with small samples or close results.

Debates about majorities frequently touch on representation and rights. Critics warn that majoritarian rule can marginalize minorities if power follows only the largest group’s preferences. Proponents argue that majority rule provides clear and stable decision-making, while many systems incorporate protections for minority rights through constitutions, independent courts, and proportional or mixed representation.

Related concepts include minority rights, plurality, and supermajority.