two-thirds rule

[ too-thurdz ]

noun

1. a former rule in the Democratic Party, effective 1832–1936, requiring a vote of at least two thirds of its national convention delegates to nominate a presidential and vice-presidential candidate.

Example Sentences

The Charleston Convention was reactionary and exclusive; it followed the two-thirds rule.

From Project Gutenberg

It was plain that under the two-thirds rule no nomination could be made here.

From Project Gutenberg

The opposition was kept up, and the two-thirds rule again resorted to, and effectually used to balk the friends of inquiry.

From Project Gutenberg

By consenting to the adoption of the two-thirds rule, he, with them, would prove unfaithful to their trust and their honor.

From Project Gutenberg

This is the two-thirds rule, as it is called; the rule that requires a vote of two-thirds of the convention to make a nomination.

From Project Gutenberg