12.3 Constitution of the Council of Ministers (Article 76)

The formation ladder — the document's most-tested sequence: (76(1)) the leader of the party with a majority in the House of Representatives is appointed PM by the President; (76(2)) failing a majority party: a member able to command a majority with the support of two or more parties; (76(3)) if neither is possible within 30 days of final election results (or after a failed confidence vote): the leader of the largest party; (76(4)) PMs appointed under (2) or (3) must obtain a vote of confidence within 30 days; (76(5)–(6)) if that fails, another member able to command a majority under the (2)-basis; (76(7)) if all fails — the President, on the PM's recommendation, dissolves the HoR and sets elections within six months (Unit 11's dissolution door); (76(8)) the whole process is bounded by 55 days; (76(9)) the Council of Ministers: maximum 25 members (including the PM), drawn from the Federal Parliament, formed on the inclusion principle; non-members may be appointed under Article 78 (must win FP membership within 6 months; candidates defeated in the election are barred); (76(10)) the Council is collectively accountable to the Federal Parliament, and ministers are personally accountable to the Prime Minister.