A "supermajority" is a voting requirement that exceeds a simple majority, which is typically more than half of the votes cast. Common thresholds for a supermajority include two-thirds or three-fifths of the votes. This higher standard is often used in legislative bodies, such as the U.S. Congress, to pass significant measures, amend constitutions, or override vetoes. The purpose of a supermajority is to ensure broader consensus and stability in decision-making. By requiring more than a simple majority, it encourages cooperation among different political groups and helps prevent hasty or divisive decisions that could arise from a narrow majority.