unit rule

noun

1. (in national conventions of the Democratic Party) a rule whereby a state's delegation votes as a unit, not recognizing minority votes within the delegation.

Word History and Origins

Origin of unit rule¹

An Americanism dating back to 1880–85

Example Sentences

This was the famous unit rule, the defeat of which was the first event of the convention.

From Project Gutenberg

The delegations in the Bundesrath vote en masse—that is the "unit rule" prevails.

From Project Gutenberg

It was that convention that abolished what was known as "the unit rule."

From Project Gutenberg

What is your opinion of the "unit rule" followed by the Democratic party?

From Project Gutenberg