Colonial elections were held in South Australia from 10 February to 1 March 1875.

Henry Ayers who, from the Legislative Council, led more ministries than any other person in the history of SA, had defeated Arthur Blyth as soon as the Assembly met, one month after the 1871 election, re-shuffled his ministry after only 42 days, and then survived until he was defeated by Blyth in July 1873.

Since the inaugural 1857 election, no parties or solid groupings had been formed, which resulted in frequent changes of the Premier.

If for any reason the incumbent Premier of South Australia lost sufficient support through a successful motion of no confidence at any time on the floor of the house, he would tender his resignation to the Governor of South Australia, which would result in another member deemed to have the support of the House of Assembly being sworn in by the Governor as the next Premier.

Informal groupings began and increased government stability occurred from the 1887 election.