Question

What is the difference between simple and special majority?

Hint:

For Constitutional Amendment (Article 368), remember the two conditions for a special majority must be met simultaneously: (1) Absolute majority of total strength + (2) Two-thirds majority of those present and voting.

Answer 1

Step 1: Key Concept:
Simple majority and special majority are types of voting majorities required to pass bills and motions in a legislature. The type of majority required depends on the purpose and significance of the matter being voted on.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Simple Majority:
- Definition: It means a majority of more than 50% of the members present and voting in the house.
- Use: This is the most common type of majority used for passing ordinary bills, money bills, no-confidence motions, and adjournment motions. For example, if 200 members are present and voting in the Lok Sabha, the support of 101 members is needed to pass a bill by a simple majority.
Special Majority:
- Definition: The term 'special majority' refers to any majority that is not a simple majority. There are several types, but the most common one, used for constitutional amendments under Article 368, is:
(i) A majority of the total membership of the house (i.e., more than 50% of the total strength of the house), and
(ii) A majority of not less than two-thirds of the members of that house present and voting.
- Use: This is used for more significant matters like amending the Constitution, removing judges of the Supreme Court/High Courts, or the Chief Election Commissioner. This makes the process more difficult and ensures broader consensus.
Key Difference: A simple majority is easy to achieve as it only considers members present and voting. A special majority is much harder to achieve as it has stricter conditions, including a requirement related to the total strength of the house.