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 type of majority 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 among members, making it harder for a small majority to make substantial changes. This can help protect minority interests and promote stability in decision-making processes, especially in organizations or governments where diverse opinions exist.