Final answer:
If a union wins a plurality election, the candidate with the most votes becomes the winner without requiring a majority. In a majority election, a candidate must receive over 50% of votes or face a runoff against the second-highest candidate to ensure majority support.
Step-by-step explanation:
When the union wins the election, the implications vary depending on the type of electoral system in place. In a plurality election, also known as first-past-the-post, the candidate with the most votes wins, even if they do not have a majority. For instance, if Candidate D had the most votes but less than 50%, they would still win. On the other hand, in a majority election, a candidate must secure more than half of the votes to be declared the winner. If no candidate achieves this, a runoff election between the top two candidates is required. This ensures that the selected candidate has the majority support of the electorate.
Historical elections illustrate the outcomes of these systems. For example, James Buchanan's victory in the 1856 presidential election, where he won both the popular and Electoral College votes, showed the potential for a candidate to win without broad regional support if they can secure key states. In contrast, the Union Government's landslide victory in a federal election, as described for the November 25 event, signifies the electorate's overwhelming preference for a certain political direction.
To summarize, the result of an election varies greatly depending on whether it follows a plurality or majority system. The plurality system may result in a winner without an absolute majority, while the majority system requires a candidate to gain the majority of votes, potentially leading to a runoff election.