An earlier referendum in 1974, where the same proposed change had been bundled with a lowering of the required number of states to a half (3 of the 6) instead of a majority, had been defeated.
Proposals can be blocked should a qualified majority of at least four Council members representing more than 35% of the EU population be formed.
[2][3][4] Changing the constitution of Finland requires that a simple majority of the sitting Parliament vote in favor of the amendment.
An expedited process may however be entered if five sixths of the sitting parliament vote to declare an amendment urgent.
[5] Under the terms of the Belfast Agreement, if 30 members or more request it, a measure may be put to a "cross-community vote" which requires a majority from both the Nationalist and Unionist camps.
The referendum was, however, subsequently invalidated by the Constitutional Court, the body responsible for overseeing the whole process, putting an end to the crisis.
Double majority is used in the United States for some initiative or referendum votes on issues such as a tax levy or bond.
This mechanism is used to prevent a small group from passing spending measures that affect the entire population in order to support their pet causes, especially at an election expected to have low voter turnout.
[citation needed] A similar rule exists for adopting metropolitan government in Tennessee, where the referendum must pass both inside and outside the principal city.