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

Thus, under the unit rule, Mississippi committed itself to casting all of its 30 votes for Ford's position.

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

Mississippi, clinging to a unit rule, was poised to switch its 30 votes from Ronald Reagan to Gerald Ford.

From Time Magazine Archive

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

When Garfield reported from the Committee on Rules in regard to the regulations under which the convention should deliberate, he moved that the unit rule be not adopted and the convention upheld him.

From The United States Since the Civil War by Lingley, Charles Ramsdell