Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

unit-rule

Noun

/ˈjuːnɪt ruːl/

Definition

The unit rule is a principle in political party nominations that directs delegates to cast their votes in accordance with the majority preference of their constituency or an entire state.

Examples

The unit-rule system can heavily influence the outcome of presidential primaries.
Many argue that the unit rule makes smaller parties less competitive in state-wide elections.
During the selection of delegates, the unit rule is often a point of contention among candidates.

Meaning

In practice, it means that in a primary election, all delegates from a state will vote for the candidate who receives the most votes in that state, instead of dividing their votes proportionally among candidates.