A no-confidence motion is a crucial parliamentary tool used to hold the executive accountable to the legislature. It reflects the foundational principle of India’s parliamentary democracy—collective responsibility of the Council of Ministers to the Lok Sabha, as enshrined in Article 75 of the Constitution. If passed, it demonstrates that the government has lost the confidence of the majority in the Lok Sabha, compelling the resignation of the Prime Minister and the entire Council of Ministers.
The motion is a manifestation of legislative oversight and political responsibility, aimed at maintaining the balance of power between the legislature and the executive. It is often used by the opposition as a check on the functioning of the government and as an opportunity to highlight grievances or policy failures. The procedure for moving a no-confidence motion ensures its serious intent and proper scrutiny, requiring the support of at least 50 members of the Lok Sabha for consideration.
By contrast, a no-confidence motion cannot be moved against the Rajya Sabha, as it does not control the executive. The motion’s roots can be traced to the Westminster system, reflecting its importance in upholding the democratic ethos of accountability and transparency.
This mechanism has been used several times in Indian parliamentary history, most notably during political crises or periods of coalition governments. Its effectiveness lies not only in determining the government’s stability but also in promoting robust debate and ensuring that the executive remains answerable to the people’s representatives.
No-Confidence Motions MCQs and Answers
1. What is a no-confidence motion?
A. A motion to remove a member from their political party
B. A formal declaration of loss of confidence in the Council of Ministers
C. A motion to impeach the President
D. A resolution to dissolve the Lok Sabha
Answer: B
Explanation: A no-confidence motion is a parliamentary motion expressing that the Lok Sabha no longer has confidence in the Council of Ministers, including the Prime Minister.
2. Under which article of the Indian Constitution can a no-confidence motion be moved in the Lok Sabha?
A. Article 74
B. Article 75
C. Article 76
D. Article 77
Answer: B
Explanation: Article 75 states that the Council of Ministers holds office during the pleasure of the President, but it must maintain the confidence of the Lok Sabha.
3. Who can introduce a no-confidence motion in the Lok Sabha?
A. The Prime Minister
B. The Speaker of the Lok Sabha
C. Any member of the Lok Sabha
D. The President of India
Answer: C
Explanation: Any member of the Lok Sabha can move a no-confidence motion, provided it has the support of at least 50 members.
4. What is the minimum support required to admit a no-confidence motion in the Lok Sabha?
A. 10 members
B. 25 members
C. 50 members
D. 100 members
Answer: C
Explanation: A no-confidence motion requires the support of at least 50 members for it to be taken up for discussion.
5. What happens if the government loses a no-confidence motion?
A. The Prime Minister resigns immediately
B. The entire Council of Ministers resigns
C. The President dissolves the Lok Sabha
D. Both A and B
Answer: D
Explanation: Upon losing a no-confidence motion, the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers must resign as they lose the mandate to govern.
6. Can a no-confidence motion be moved against the Rajya Sabha?
A. Yes, at any time
B. No, Rajya Sabha is a permanent body
C. Yes, but only during a special session
D. No, because the Rajya Sabha does not control the executive
Answer: D
Explanation: No-confidence motions are directed at the Council of Ministers, which is responsible only to the Lok Sabha.
7. Which of the following is NOT a condition for introducing a no-confidence motion?
A. It must be supported by at least 50 members
B. It must state specific reasons for lack of confidence
C. It must be introduced in the Lok Sabha
D. The Speaker must admit the motion
Answer: B
Explanation: There is no requirement to provide specific reasons for a no-confidence motion.
8. Which parliamentary procedure does a no-confidence motion fall under?
A. Financial procedure
B. Legislative procedure
C. Executive accountability procedure
D. Constitutional amendment procedure
Answer: C
Explanation: A no-confidence motion is a mechanism to ensure executive accountability to the legislature.
9. Which country inspired the concept of the no-confidence motion in India?
A. USA
B. UK
C. France
D. Canada
Answer: B
Explanation: The no-confidence motion in India is based on the Westminster system followed in the UK.
10. Who decides the date for discussing a no-confidence motion?
A. The Prime Minister
B. The Speaker of the Lok Sabha
C. The President of India
D. The Leader of Opposition
Answer: B
Explanation: The Speaker decides the date for discussing a no-confidence motion after it is admitted.
11. Can the Speaker vote on a no-confidence motion?
A. No
B. Yes, but only to break a tie
C. Yes, in all cases
D. Only if directed by the President
Answer: B
Explanation: The Speaker votes only to break a tie, as they generally remain impartial.
12. What is the quorum required for discussing a no-confidence motion?
A. One-third of the total membership
B. Two-thirds of the total membership
C. 10% of the total membership
D. One-tenth of the total membership
Answer: D
Explanation: One-tenth of the total membership of the House is required for the quorum.
13. How many no-confidence motions have been successfully passed in India till 2024?
A. 0
B. 1
C. 2
D. 3
Answer: A
Explanation: No-confidence motions have been debated several times, but none has been successfully passed against the government.
14. The first no-confidence motion in independent India was moved in which year?
A. 1950
B. 1963
C. 1975
D. 1989
Answer: B
Explanation: The first no-confidence motion was moved in 1963 by Acharya Kripalani against the government of Jawaharlal Nehru.
15. What is the difference between a no-confidence motion and a censure motion?
A. No-confidence motion applies to the entire Council of Ministers; censure motion may target an individual minister
B. No-confidence motion does not require reasons; censure motion does
C. A censure motion can be moved in both Houses, while a no-confidence motion is restricted to Lok Sabha
D. All of the above
Answer: D
Explanation: A censure motion is specific and can target individuals, whereas a no-confidence motion is broader and pertains to the entire Council of Ministers.
16. How many days’ notice is required to move a no-confidence motion?
A. 2 days
B. 7 days
C. 14 days
D. No fixed notice period
Answer: A
Explanation: A minimum of 2 days’ notice is required for a no-confidence motion.
17. Which Indian Prime Minister faced the maximum number of no-confidence motions?
A. Indira Gandhi
B. Atal Bihari Vajpayee
C. Morarji Desai
D. P.V. Narasimha Rao
Answer: A
Explanation: Indira Gandhi faced the maximum number of no-confidence motions during her tenure.
18. Can a no-confidence motion be passed during a Budget Session?
A. Yes, at any time
B. No, only during a special session
C. Yes, but only with Presidential approval
D. No, only in the Monsoon session
Answer: A
Explanation: A no-confidence motion can be moved during any session of Parliament.
19. What happens if a no-confidence motion is defeated?
A. The opposition has to resign
B. The government is strengthened
C. The Speaker is removed
D. The President intervenes
Answer: B
Explanation: Defeating a no-confidence motion bolsters the legitimacy of the government.
20. Is there a provision for no-confidence motions in state legislatures?
A. Yes, under Article 164
B. No, only in Parliament
C. Yes, under Article 171
D. No, because states do not have executives
Answer: A
Explanation: Article 164 provides for a similar mechanism in state legislatures, as the Chief Minister must maintain the confidence of the Assembly.