What is Constitutional Provisions related to Government Stability?
Historical Background
Key Points
12 points- 1.
Article 75 states that the Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha. This means the government must maintain the confidence of the majority of the members of the Lok Sabha.
- 2.
A No-Confidence Motion can be moved against the entire Council of Ministers. If passed, the government must resign.
- 3.
The Tenth Schedule (anti-defection law) disqualifies Members of Parliament (MPs) or Members of Legislative Assemblies (MLAs) who defect from their political party. This helps prevent governments from being destabilized by defections.
- 4.
Defection includes voluntarily giving up membership of a political party or voting (or abstaining from voting) contrary to the directions issued by the party whip.
Visual Insights
Constitutional Provisions for Government Stability
Comparison of key constitutional provisions aimed at ensuring government stability in India.
| Provision | Description | Impact on Stability |
|---|---|---|
| Article 75(3) | Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha. | Ensures the government maintains the confidence of the majority in the Lok Sabha. |
| Tenth Schedule (Anti-Defection Law) | Disqualifies MPs/MLAs who defect from their political party. | Prevents governments from being destabilized by defections. |
| No-Confidence Motion | A motion can be moved against the Council of Ministers. If passed, the government must resign. | Provides a mechanism to test the government's majority and hold it accountable. |
| Article 164 | Similar to Article 75(3), but for states. | Ensures stability in state governments by enforcing collective responsibility. |
| Five-Year Term | The Constitution mandates that a general election must be held every five years. | Provides a regular opportunity for the electorate to express their confidence in the government. |
Recent Real-World Examples
1 examplesIllustrated in 1 real-world examples from Feb 2026 to Feb 2026
Source Topic
Understanding the Process and Implications of a No-Confidence Motion
Polity & GovernanceUPSC Relevance
Frequently Asked Questions
121. What is government stability in the Indian context, and what is its constitutional basis?
Government stability in India refers to the ability of a ruling government to maintain its majority support in the Lok Sabha and complete its term. The constitutional basis lies in provisions like Article 75 (collective responsibility) and the Tenth Schedule (anti-defection law), which aim to ensure the government's survival and prevent frequent collapses.
Exam Tip
Remember Article 75 and the Tenth Schedule as key constitutional provisions related to government stability.
2. What are the key provisions of the Tenth Schedule (anti-defection law)?
The Tenth Schedule disqualifies MPs and MLAs who defect from their political party. Defection includes voluntarily giving up membership or voting against party directives. Exceptions exist for mergers if two-thirds of the members agree.
- •Disqualification of defecting MPs/MLAs
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