Key Concepts: Simple vs. Two-Thirds Majority

  • Simple Majority: Requires more than 50% of the votes. Examples:

    • Passing most bills
    • Approving appointments (e.g., cabinet members)
    • Impeaching officials in the House
    • Confirming appointments in the House
  • Two-Thirds Majority: Requires more than 66% of the votes. Examples:

    • Overriding a presidential veto (in both the House and Senate)
    • Convicting an impeached official in the Senate
    • Ratifying treaties in the Senate