Majority and Supermajority (Government)

Override a presidential veto

The margin required t o override a presidential veto is ⅔ majority in the House of

Representatives and ⅔ majority in the Senate.

Ratify a treaty

The margin required to ratify a treaty is 2/3 majority in the Senate.

Impeach a president

The margin required to impeach a president is a simple majority (half plus one) in the House of Representatives.

Convict an impeached president

The margin required to convict a president that has been impeached is 2/3 majority in the Senate.

Elevate a president’s nominee to a seat on a federal court

The margin required to elevate a president's nominee to a seat on a federal court (including the Supreme Court) is a simple majority (half plus one) in the Senate.

Elect a president

The margin required to elect the president is a simple majority (270 electoral votes).

Pass a law

The margin required to pass a law is a simple majority (half plus one) in both houses of congress.

Propose an amendment

The margin required to propose an amendment is 2/3 majority in both houses of congress or if 2/3 of state legislatures request a convention.

Ratify an amendment

The margin required to ratify an amendment is ¾ of states.