"[T]he political party whose members hold the second largest number of seats in the combined houses of the general assembly." Tenn. Code §2-1-104(12). That "political party whose candidates were elected to less than a majority of the constitutional offices of this state in the last preceding general election or the political party which polled the second greatest number of votes for the office of Governor in the last preceding general election if all of the elected constitutional officers of this state are from a single political party." Ark. Code §7-1-101(15) Cf. PARTY. MAJORITY
What is minority party?
The term Minority Party refers to a political party holding fewer seats or less legislative control than the majority party, or a party formally classified as minor under applicable law. It gives election, security, legal, or technical readers a specific label for the concept rather than a broader everyday meaning.
How does minority party work in party politics?
In election administration, Minority Party is applied according to its defined purpose: a political party holding fewer seats or less legislative control than the majority party, or a party formally classified as minor under applicable law. Officials then use the relevant eligibility, filing, ballot, timing, notice, or procedural rules for that election.
Can the meaning of minority party vary by jurisdiction?
Yes, the rules or practical use of Minority Party can vary by jurisdiction or governing framework. The core glossary meaning is a political party holding fewer seats or less legislative control than the majority party, or a party formally classified as minor under applicable law.
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"[T]he political party whose members hold the second largest number of seats in the combined houses of the general assembly." Tenn. Code §2-1-104(12). That "political party whose candidates were elected to less than a majority of the constitutional offices of this state in the last preceding general election or the political party which polled the second greatest number of votes for the office of Governor in the last preceding general election if all of the elected constitutional officers of this state are from a single political party." Ark. Code §7-1-101(15) Cf. PARTY. MAJORITY
Cite this term
Election Security Glossary. (2026). Minority Party. In Election Security Glossary. Retrieved August 15, 2026, from https://electionsecurityglossary.com/glossary/minority-party
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