majoritarianism

noun ma·jor·i·tar·i·an·ism \ -ē-ə-ˌni-zəm \

Definition of majoritarianism

: the philosophy or practice according to which decisions of an organized group should be made by a numerical majority of its members

Recent Examples of majoritarianism from the Web

American democracy, as in the Electoral College, accommodates considerations more complex than simpleminded majoritarianism.

— george will, chicagotribune.com, "The president who knew too little about the Electoral College," 3 May 2018
The framers of the Constitution, of course, deliberately constructed a government that would check raw majoritarianism.

— walter dellinger, Slate Magazine, "Supreme Court Breakfast Table," 21 June 2017
Without basic liberal protections democracy can easily slide into populism or majoritarianism.

— sheri berman, Washington Post, "Some argue that the West should limit democracy to save liberalism. Here’s why they’re wrong.," 18 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'majoritarianism.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.