two-thirds rule

American  

[too-thurdz] / ˈtuˌθɜrdz /

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.

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Example Sentences

At Baltimore in 1912 the two-thirds rule changed the history of the world when Champ Clark got a majority on eight ballots, finally lost the nomination to Woodrow Wilson.

From Time Magazine Archive

I have been giving much thought to the subject of adopting a majority nominating rule instead of the two-thirds rule.

From Time Magazine Archive

Mr. Vairma, the Hoffa-backed candidate for president, supported some of the reform measures as well, including ending the two-thirds rule, and seemed to try to seize the reformist mantle himself at times during the campaign.

From New York Times

Baumgartner said the two-thirds rule would give the Senate “discipline” that it needs to be able to fully fund education.

From Seattle Times

The two-thirds rule was dissolved in 1936, which didn’t dissolve convention drama.

From Salon