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📘 Fact Sheet: Key Terminologies in Constitutional Democracy
Filibuster
A tactic employed in the United States Senate to prevent or delay voting on a bill. The most common form is unnecessary lengthy debates by Senators.
💡 Popular in the US Senate, where members may speak for indefinite time.
Gerrymandering
A practice intended to gain unfair electoral advantage by manipulating the geographical boundaries of electoral constituencies.
🗳 While delimiting constituencies, areas may be included/excluded to suit caste/religion arithmetic.
Guillotine
Refers to the passage of bills/proposals en masse (in a block) due to time limits.
🇫🇷 French origin word. Commonly used by Speaker in Budget session to pass Demands for Grants in block without debate.
Zero Hour
The time gap between Question Hour (11 am – 12 pm) and the regular business of the House. MPs can raise urgent matters of public importance at short notice.
🕛 Indian Parliamentary innovation, usually from 12 to 1 pm.
Whip
Official directions issued to members of Legislature to vote along party lines.
⚠️ Members voting against the party line may lose their membership.
No Confidence Motion
To remain in power, the Government must maintain the confidence of the Lok Sabha. The motion may be moved by the opposition.
🚨 If passed, the Government must resign.
Cut Motion
A proposal in the Lok Sabha to reduce the Demands for Grants by Government ministries during the Budget session.
📉 If adopted, it amounts to a no-confidence vote.
Adjournment Motion
Normal business of the House is suspended to discuss urgent matters of public importance.
🛑 Allows Parliament to focus on critical issues overriding routine work.
Yield the Floor
Stopping one’s speech to allow another member to speak.
🔄 Popular in US Senate debates.
Laid on the Floor of House
Submission of important reports and subordinate legislation in Parliament by the executive.
📑 Reports of CAG, CEC, Finance Commission, etc. are laid before Parliament.