Legislative Department, Ministry of Law and Justice, Government of India - The Constitution of India 2024 (English Version)↗
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Article 356: Provisions in case of failure of constitutional machinery in States
Allows President Rule in a State when constitutional machinery fails, subject to constitutional process and parliamentary approval.
Part XVIIIactive
In this article
What it means
Plain-language explanation
Where you notice it
Daily civic life
How it protects you
Citizen protection
What to remember
Exam and recall pointers
What it means
Simple explanation
Article 356 lets the Union intervene in State governance when constitutional government cannot function, but misuse is subject to judicial review.
Practical daily-life use
Where citizens notice it
- Relevant when a State government loses majority or governance breaks down constitutionally.
- Helps citizens understand President Rule.
How it protects you
Citizen protection context
- Provides a constitutional response to State breakdown.
- Judicial review helps protect federalism from arbitrary use.
Example situations
General civic examples
- A State government cannot demonstrate majority in the Assembly.
- President Rule is challenged under federalism principles.
Citizen note
Learning note
Article 356 is historically sensitive; S. R. Bommai is central to understanding limits.
Exam pointers
What to remember
- Article 356 concerns failure of constitutional machinery in a State.
- S. R. Bommai limited arbitrary use and strengthened floor-test logic.
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Source references
Verification basis
Supreme Court of India constitutional rights jurisprudence↗
Used only for interpretation notes where courts have shaped the practical reach of constitutional provisions, especially Articles 14, 19, 21, 32, 226, 368, and 370.
Last reviewed against official sources: 2026-05-20.