two-thirds rule
C2Formal / Technical
Definition
Meaning
A procedural regulation or principle requiring a two-thirds majority (approximately 66.7%) to pass a measure or achieve a specific outcome.
The term can refer to various formal rules in governance, legislation, parliamentary procedure, or organizational charters where a supermajority of two-thirds of votes is necessary. It is also used in non-political contexts, such as academic grading curves or certain quantitative thresholds.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a technical term of procedure. It denotes a specific, high threshold for agreement, implying a significant barrier to change and a need for broad consensus. Often appears as 'the two-thirds rule' with a definite article.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More common in American English due to its constitutional role (e.g., overriding presidential vetoes, proposing constitutional amendments). In British parliamentary contexts, similar supermajorities exist but are less systematically codified as a named 'two-thirds rule'.
Connotations
Connotes a high standard for consensus and institutional stability. In US politics, it is strongly associated with constitutional checks and balances.
Frequency
Substantially higher frequency in American English, especially in legal, political science, and historical texts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
The [noun phrase] is governed by the two-thirds rule.To [verb phrase], they must satisfy the two-thirds rule.A two-thirds rule applies to [noun phrase].Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Clear the two-thirds hurdle”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
In corporate bylaws for major decisions like mergers or dissolution: 'Amending the charter requires approval under the two-thirds rule.'
Academic
In political science discussions of legislative procedure: 'The study analysed the efficacy of the two-thirds rule in preventing hasty constitutional changes.'
Everyday
Rare in casual conversation. Might be used metaphorically: 'Getting my family to agree on a holiday destination is like a two-thirds rule.'
Technical
Precise usage in legal documents, parliamentary standing orders, or organisational governance: 'As per Article 14, the motion falls under the two-thirds rule.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The committee will two-thirds-rule the amendment out of order.
American English
- The senate two-thirds-ruled the motion, effectively killing the bill.
adverb
British English
- The measure failed two-thirds-rulely.
American English
- The bill was defeated two-thirds-rule.
adjective
British English
- They faced a two-thirds-rule requirement.
American English
- It was a two-thirds-rule vote.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The club has a two-thirds rule to change its name.
- According to the two-thirds rule, the constitutional amendment did not pass because it secured only 65% of the vote.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a pie cut into three equal pieces. You need two of those three pieces (two-thirds) to make a rule change.
Conceptual Metaphor
GOVERNANCE IS MATHEMATICS; CONSENSUS IS A HIGH THRESHOLD.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating as 'правило двух третей' where context implies a simple majority of a group of three. The English term is an institutional procedure, not a description of a 2-out-of-3 situation.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'two-third rule' (incorrect singular form).
- Confusing it with a 'three-fifths rule' or other supermajority.
- Using it to describe any majority over 50% rather than specifically ~66.7%.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the 'two-thirds rule' MOST precisely defined?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a specific type of supermajority. While 'supermajority' is a general term for any requirement above 50%+1 (e.g., 60%, 75%), the 'two-thirds rule' specifies the exact threshold of approximately 66.7%.
Yes. Any organisation, from a homeowners' association to a board of trustees, can institute a two-thirds rule in its bylaws for critical decisions like amending governing documents or removing a member.
It is typically calculated based on the total number of members present and voting, or sometimes on the total membership of the body. The specific basis (e.g., 'two-thirds of those present' vs. 'two-thirds of the entire senate') is defined in the relevant rules.
Its primary purpose is to ensure broad consensus and stability by making significant changes difficult to enact. It protects against a slim majority making drastic alterations and encourages compromise.