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Difficulty: Very hardThe Northern Ireland Assembly and Executive

In the Northern Ireland Assembly, certain major decisions must be passed using a 'weighted majority' to ensure cross-community support. To successfully pass a decision using this specific method, what is the minimum requirement for support from the members voting?

  1. 60% of all members voting, including at least 40% of both the designated unionist and nationalist membersAnswer
  2. B
    A simple majority of 50% of all members voting, provided that at least 75% of one designated community group supports the measure
  3. C
    66% of all members voting, as long as both the First Minister and deputy First Minister have formally endorsed the decision
  4. D
    75% of all 90 Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs), regardless of their individual community designation or political party

Answer

The 'weighted majority' method requires 60% of all members voting to support the decision, which must include at least 40% of both the designated unionist and designated nationalist members.
The correct answer accurately states the dual requirement for a weighted majority: a 60% overall threshold combined with a 40% minimum from both the unionist and nationalist designations. This is one of the two ways to demonstrate 'cross-community support' for significant pieces of legislation or key decisions.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the specific voting mechanism being asked for in the Northern Ireland Assembly.
The question specifies the 'weighted majority' method for achieving cross-community support.
The Assembly uses two methods: 'parallel consent' and 'weighted majority'. Understanding the numerical requirements of the latter is essential for this level of assessment.
2
Recall the total percentage of all voting members required for this method.
The total requirement is 60% of those present and voting.
This is the primary threshold that differentiates it from a simple majority or other supermajority types.
3
Recall the sub-requirements for the specific community blocks (Unionists and Nationalists).
At least 40% of each of these designated blocks must also vote in favor.
This ensures that a decision cannot be forced through by one side of the community even if they have a large overall majority.

Key Concept

Cross-community support mechanisms in the Northern Ireland Assembly
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Topics

The Northern Ireland Assembly and Executive