A confidence vote is a parliamentary vote that tests whether the government retains the confidence (support) of the legislature. If the government loses a confidence vote, convention requires the Prime Minister or Premier to resign or ask for an election. Certain votes are automatically matters of confidence: the budget, the Speech from the Throne, and explicit confidence motions. A government with a majority rarely loses confidence votes, but minority governments must maintain enough support from opposition parties to survive. The confidence convention is central to responsible government—the executive must maintain legislative support to govern. Confidence votes add drama and stakes to parliamentary proceedings.