RELATIVE MAJORITY Meaning and
Definition
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Relative majority refers to a concept in electoral systems where a candidate or option receives the highest number of votes among the choices available, but does not necessarily secure an absolute majority. In other words, relative majority is achieved when a candidate or option surpasses all others in terms of votes but falls short of obtaining more than half of the total votes cast.
Also known as a plurality or simple majority, relative majority is commonly used in systems where the candidate or option with the highest number of votes is declared the winner. This method is prevalent in many single-winner elections, such as those for political offices, where the candidate with the most votes, regardless of whether they reach 50%+1, is elected.
In a relative majority voting system, the focus is on attaining the highest number of votes rather than ensuring a candidate or option receives an absolute majority of all votes cast. It can lead to scenarios where the winner may not enjoy the support of the majority of voters, creating debates about the legitimacy or representativeness of the outcome.
Relative majority is distinct from an absolute majority, which necessitates a candidate or option to secure more than 50% of the total votes to be declared the winner. While relative majority is a comparatively simpler concept, it can have significant implications for the democratic process, as its application can impact representation and the relationship between the elected and the electorate.
Common Misspellings for RELATIVE MAJORITY
- eelative majority
- delative majority
- felative majority
- telative majority
- 5elative majority
- 4elative majority
- rwlative majority
- rslative majority
- rdlative majority
- rrlative majority
- r4lative majority
- r3lative majority
- rekative majority
- repative majority
- reoative majority
- relztive majority
- relstive majority
- relwtive majority
- relqtive majority
Etymology of RELATIVE MAJORITY
The etymology of the word "relative majority" involves the analysis of its individual components: "relative" and "majority".
1. Relative:
"Relative" is derived from the Latin word "relativus", which comes from the root word "relatus". It is formed from the combination of the prefix "re-" (meaning "back", "again", or "in relation to") and the verb "ferre" (meaning "to carry" or "to bear"). Ultimately, it means "carrying back" or "bearing in relation to".
2. Majority:
"Majority" originates from the Latin word "majoritas", which is formed from the adjective "major" (meaning "greater" or "larger"). "Major" itself is derived from the Latin comparative form of the adjective "magnus" (meaning "big" or "great").
Similar spelling words for RELATIVE MAJORITY
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