INTERPELLATION, a term meaning, in general, an inter ruption, more particularly used of a method of procedure adopted in some of the legislative chambers of continental Europe, especi ally those of France and Italy. It was originally confined to the asking of a question, after due notice, on some affair of State. It is now, however, the chief means by which the policy or action of the Ministry of the day is challenged. An interpellation can be
brought on without the consent of the minister to be attacked; it is usually made the subject of a general debate, and ends with a vote of confidence or want of confidence in the Ministry.