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Polity Shortcuts Tricks
Polity Shortcuts Tricks
The most important Majorities will be Simple Majority and Special Majority of the 2nd kind. We will use current
strength of the Lok Sabha = 545 in the examples to explain.
This majority is never used anywhere but has a huge significance. If a political party has an Absolute Majority,
it means it gets to form the govt., there is stability in the house.
2. Simple – Also called functional majority. It means Majority of more than 50% of members present and
voting.
Lets assume the members present and voting is 300 (out of 545). We have –
Usage
When not stated what type of Majority in the Constitution, this majority is assumed.
Passage of Ordinary, Money and Financial Bills.
Passage of No-Confidence Motion, Confidence Motion, Vote of Thanks to the President, Censure
Motion, Adjournment Motion, Calling Attention Motion.
Election of the Speaker, Dy. Speaker, Dy. Chairman of RS.
Passage of approval to President’s Rule and Financial Emergency.
Approval by LS for discontinuance of Emergency.
3. Effective – Means Majority of the Effective Strength of the House where Effective Strength is defined as
Total Strength – No. of Vacancies. Vacancies arise due to 3 reasons – Death, Disqualification,
Resignation. Some sources mention Absenteeism as a vacancy but that is incorrect.
Usage
Removal of the VP. Initiated by the RS, requires Effective Majority in the RS, thereafter Simple Majority
in the LS. (this procedure is assumed since the Constitution doesn’t explicitly state it. Actual text
available here)
Removal of the Speaker, Dy. Speaker and Dy. Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
Passage of Resolution under Art. 249 and Art. 312. What are they and when have they been used?
Eg. Out of 545, 450 Members are present and 300 vote in favor. Both the above conditions are satisfied – 300
is more than 2/3 of 450 and 300 is more than 1/2 of 545.
Usage
3rd kind : This is used only once – during the impeachment of the President of India. Is mentioned in Art. 61
of the Constitution.
2/3rd Majority of the Total Strength of the House.
As a rule of thumb, you should never mention Special Majority in any answer as it could mean any of the 3
Special Majorities.