.
The recent UK Brexit vote passed by a simple majority (52% in favor). Yet, here in America such an action would almost certainly be regarded as a "treaty" and require a 2/3rds majority in the Senate to enact.
http://usgovinfo.about.com/od/thepoliticalsystem/a/Supermajority-Vote.htm
At the state level, US states have varying supermajority requirements. For example, the famous Proposition 13 in California requires a 2/3rds legislative majority to pass a tax increase (even though the proposition itself was passed by (barely) less than a 2/3rds majority of the voters).
So, should the Brexit have been determined by a simple majority? If not, why not? And what other matters should require a supermajority in order to become law?
@m2c -- I give up.
You don't seem to understand the implications of the word "should" and therefore have no idea what I'm asking with this question. Hence, your responses with a series of how things ARE, not whether how things ARE is how things SHOULD BE and WHY (other than a typical STATES RIGHTZ IS AWESOME! platitude).
Depends on the issue at the time and who decides how it gets voted on I guess. Don't know if there is a formula or set criteria.
There are instances here in my state where the legislature has the authority to decide but still put it to a public vote. Simple majority decides. Just did this with a property tax issue. Voters now get to approve any property tax increases above inflation by ballot.
We SHOULD follow whatever our law says. And if the Brit were allowed to join the EU by simple majority then that standard should not change if they want out of the EU.
@d708 -- I agree, there probably is no set criteria. My rough intution says that on major questions of government STRUCTURE, a supermajority should be required because structual changes tend to have long-lasting implications. Conversely, questions of POLICY (such as whether to raise or lower taxes) should be a simple majority vote.
Of course, what constitutes a "structure" change versus a "policy" change is subject to debate....:-P...
@m2c -- I am asking how laws SHOULD BE enacted and whether, at times, laws SHOULD BE enacted only via supermajority and what those situations SHOULD BE.
Currently, the US Constitution specifies treaties must be ratified by a 2/3rds majority senate vote. Is that the way things SHOULD BE? If not, why not?
Apparently, this concept is just too complex for you.
Agreed. One man's structure is an others policy.
I think the framers' got it right on amendments and overriding presidential veto.
That sounds...um, super to me...;-D...
The spirit is strong in this one ...
I'm referring to Brexit. 
very much.
DTT has a lonnnnnng history of such behavior, both here and on Answerbag.
Giving people the vote as to whether they really want foreigners continuing to run their country, and then doing as the majority rules - that is an "atrocity"?
The Brexit turnout was 72% of eligible voters, which is generally considered high. The apathetic 28 percent, which also may represent a lot of people for whom voting was not convenient due to travel or unyielding work obligations, is not a majority.
When it regards human rights and basic human needs.
That's not very detailed, but it least it kind of answers the question.
If I had all the answers I would be a God.
That's OK. I was just looking for perspectives. I largely agree that human rights (e.g torture, right to due process, etc.) should not be abridgeable by ANY majority.
On the other hand, a decision as momentous as the Brexit struck me as something that maybe shouldn't be up to a 50%+1 proportion of those casting votes. But reasonable people can differ on that question.
Old School, you are a better man than I am.
I mean you have the whole site of USUALS at your doorstep. You must be exhausted by now. LOL I'm reading and it just keeps getting worser.
Not you. Of course. You know what I mean. 
I rest my case. LOL
Oh God. I went through this the other day on here. I am exhausted.
Delivering the Douche? He is legend.
HEY OLD SCHOOL. At least I hit the like button!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
