unit rule

American  

noun

1. (in national conventions of the Democratic Party) a rule whereby a state's delegation votes as a unit, not recognizing minority votes within the delegation.

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Etymology

Origin of unit rule

An Americanism dating back to 1880–85

Example Sentences

Without the binding effect of the unit rule, a favorite son can no longer be certain that he will not be embarrassed by defections.

From Time Magazine Archive

At the 1968 Democratic Convention, Crangle presented the only minority plank to be adopted: abolition of the unit rule, which opened the way to democratizing the delegate-selection process.

From Time Magazine Archive

In the 42-man delegation, guessed Governor Docking, Kennedy and Symington are running about even in a delegation that votes under a unit rule.

From Time Magazine Archive

After setting himself up as a favorite-son candidate, Happy is expected to take to Chicago a delegation instructed to vote for him under the unit rule.

From Time Magazine Archive

He was pledged, upon those nominations, as it was understood, to hold that the unit rule must be applied.

From Autobiography of Seventy Years, Vol. 1-2 by Hoar, George Frisbie