Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
A confidence motion is a parliamentary procedure used to test the support of the governing party or coalition. It allows members of parliament to express their confidence or lack of confidence in the current government.
Related terms
Vote of Confidence: A vote taken by members of parliament to express their support and confidence in the current government.
Vote of No Confidence: A vote taken by members of parliament to express their lack of support and confidence in the current government.
Parliamentary Procedure: The rules and practices followed in a parliamentary system that govern how decisions are made and how debates are conducted.