In a perfect democracy, at least 50% of people would support every decision.

The U.S. falls short of this goal.

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Spoken For.
House vote: S. 686 // March 21, 2005Needed two-thirds to pass

For the relief of the parents of Theresa Marie Schiavo

Sponsor: WILLIAM FRIST (R-TN)

Grants jurisdiction to the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida to hear, determine, and render judgment on a suit or claim by or on behalf of Theresa Marie Schiavo (Ms. Schiavo) for the alleged violation of any right of hers under the U.S. Constitution or laws relating to the withholding or withdrawal of food, fluids, or medical treatment necessary to sustain her life. Grants standing to any parent of Ms. Schiavo to bring a suit under this Act. Allows suit to be brought against any other person who: (1) was a party to State court proceedings relating to the withholding or withdrawal of food, fluids, or medical treatment necessary to sustain Ms. Schiavo's life; or (2) may act pursuant to a State court order authorizing or directing the withholding or withdrawal of food, fluids, or medical treatment necessary to sustain her life.

Law Topic assigned by the Congressional Research Service.

Who won, and how much of the country was behind them

Won the vote · Yea

203 votes, representing 101,340,344 people47.2%of U.S. adults

Lost the vote · Nay

58 votes, representing 28,529,329 people13.3%of U.S. adults

The dotted gap is 39.6% of U.S. adults whose member did not vote, voted “present,” or whose seat was vacant.

Share of U.S. adults represented, the House. The winning side fell 2.8 points short of a majority of the country.
SideOutcomeVotesShare of U.S. adults
YeaWon20347.2%
NayLost5813.3%
Not represented on this questionNo position taken039.6%