Confidence and supply

Definition

Confidence and supply is a political arrangement in which a minor party or independent member agrees to support the government on key votes in exchange for policy concessions or guarantees, without forming a formal coalition. This arrangement allows the government to maintain its majority in Parliament while providing a level of stability, as the supporting party can influence legislation without being part of the cabinet.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Confidence and supply arrangements are crucial in maintaining a government's stability without forming a full coalition, especially in a multi-party system.
2. Such arrangements often involve negotiations where the supporting party may receive concessions on specific policies or funding for projects important to their constituents.
3. Confidence and supply agreements can be temporary, lasting only for a parliamentary term or until certain legislative goals are met.
4. The arrangement allows smaller parties to wield significant power by influencing key legislation despite having fewer seats in Parliament.
5. In New Zealand, confidence and supply agreements have been used frequently to enable governments to function effectively in a proportional representation electoral system.

Review Questions

• How does a confidence and supply arrangement impact the dynamics of power within Parliament?
  • A confidence and supply arrangement alters power dynamics by allowing smaller parties or independents to hold sway over major government decisions without being part of the cabinet. This means that while the government retains its majority, it must negotiate with these parties to ensure that it can pass critical legislation. The arrangement creates a scenario where minor parties can significantly influence policy direction, leading to a more collaborative political environment.
• Discuss the potential advantages and disadvantages of confidence and supply agreements for both the government and the supporting party.
  • Confidence and supply agreements offer advantages such as political stability for the government, allowing it to pass legislation while providing minor parties with opportunities to influence policy outcomes. However, they also present disadvantages; the government may face pressure from the supporting party to make concessions that could alienate other constituents. For the minor party, there’s a risk of being seen as too accommodating or losing distinctiveness if they align too closely with government policies.
• Evaluate how confidence and supply arrangements might shape long-term political relationships in New Zealand's Parliament.
  • Confidence and supply arrangements can shape long-term political relationships by fostering collaboration between larger parties and smaller factions. Over time, these agreements may lead to enhanced mutual trust and ongoing negotiations around shared goals. However, they might also create tensions if the expectations from either side are not met or if policy decisions conflict with core principles. As these relationships develop, they could either strengthen the stability of coalitions or lead to volatility if support is withdrawn due to unmet commitments.

Related terms

Minor Party: A political party that does not have enough electoral support to gain a significant number of seats in Parliament but can still influence policy and legislation.

Coalition Government: A government formed by multiple political parties cooperating, usually when no single party has a clear majority.

Vote of No Confidence: A parliamentary vote indicating that the elected government no longer has the support of the majority, which can lead to its resignation or the calling of new elections.