What does "majority rule" signify in a democratic system?

"Majority rule" in a democratic system signifies the notion that the greater number should exercise greater power. This principle ensures that decisions are made based on the preference of more than half of the participants in a vote, emphasizing the idea that the majority's choice has legitimacy in guiding the direction of government and policy.

In practical terms, majority rule is foundational to democratic decision-making processes, wherein policies, laws, and leadership choices are determined by what most voters prefer. This approach is vital for reflecting the collective will of the people, thereby promoting fairness in governance by allowing the larger group to influence outcomes while respecting minority opinions.

Other concepts, such as the equal counting of votes, focus more on the fairness of the voting process rather than the outcome the majority achieves. Similarly, requiring a two-thirds majority to pass legislation pertains to a specific threshold that is often necessary for particular decisions, reflecting a more stringent condition than simple majority rule. Lastly, the strategy of forming coalitions is a tactic used to gain majority support, especially in systems where no single party holds an outright majority, but it does not encapsulate the essence of majority rule itself.