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.
Senate vote: Cloture motion // April 28, 2016Needed 60 votes to end debate

Motion to Invoke Cloture Re: Alexander Amdt. No. 3801, Upon Reconsideration

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

Won the vote · Nay

43 votes, representing 111,241,149 people44.7%of U.S. adults

Lost the vote · Yea

52 votes, representing 106,344,571 people42.7%of U.S. adults

The dotted gap is 12.6% of U.S. adults whose member did not vote, voted “present,” or whose seat was vacant.

Share of U.S. adults represented, the Senate. The winning side fell 5.3 points short of a majority of the country.
SideOutcomeVotesShare of U.S. adults
NayWon4344.7%
YeaLost5242.7%
Not represented on this questionNo position taken012.6%

Senate This vote needed 60 yes votes to pass, more than the usual majority. It's called cloture, and it means a side with a majority of votes can still lose.