Qualified Majority

an electoral majority of two-thirds, three-fourths, or the like; it differs from a simple majority, which is one vote over 50 percent. A qualified majority is usually required for adoption of the most important resolutions (for example, the introduction of amendments to constitutional laws). The Constitution of the USSR establishes that constitutional amendments by the Supreme Soviet of the USSR require a majority of not less than two-thirds of the votes in each chamber. A qualified majority is also needed for passing the verdict in a trial by jury.