razor-thin majority

Definition

A legislative majority so small that losing even one or two votes can defeat legislation, giving individual members outsized leverage. It's democracy on a knife's edge.

Example Usage

With a razor-thin majority of 218-217, moderate members could kill any bill by withholding support, making them kingmakers.

Origin

Political journalism terminology, popularized in coverage of closely divided legislatures.

Fun Fact

Razor-thin majorities often produce gridlock but sometimes enable bipartisan deals because the majority party must negotiate with the other side when their own members defect.

Source: Legislative analysis terminology

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