prime minister

Question 1

PM position?

Answer 1

1. the head of government
2. de facto head
3. “pivot” of constitutional machinary: lakshi
4. “cornerstone” of constitution: jennings
5. “super-ministerial powers” of the PM is a “defect”

Question 2

appointment?

Answer 2

1. no constitutional rop prescribed
2. appointed by the president
3. leader of majority party appointed PM
4. if no majority, leader of largest party appointed PM. the PM so appointed must get the majority of the LS within one month.
5. PM holds office during pleasure of president, however, president cannot dismiss PM at will. PM only can be removed from office when they lose majority of the LS, or die.
6. when the PM dies, the president can appoint the next PM. however, if ruling party chooses the next PM themselves, president cannot disagree with the choice.

Question 3

oath?

Answer 3

1. administered by the president
2. oath of office:
   a. full faith and allegiance to the consti
   b. execute duties of office faithfully
   c. treat all people constitutionally without fear or favour or ill faith
3. oath of secrecy: no disclosure unless for dispersal of duty wrt to the said matter

Question 4

relation with president?

Answer 4

1. president appoints only those ministers as cabinet ministers who the PM recommends
2. advises president on important appointments like the attorney general, chief election commissioners, UPSC board, Comptroller and Auditor General, etc
3. advised the president on proroguing the parliament and also dissolution of LS
4. pm is the main channel of communication between president and council of ministers (A78)
   a. communication of all decisions taken by cabinet
   b. présents all info regarding administration and proposal of legislation whenever PM demands
   c. submits all matters to president where council of ministers have not been consulted

Question 5

relation with council of ministers?

Answer 5

1. cabinet ministers recced by PM
2. allocated and reshuffles portfolios
3. can ask a minister to resign or advise president to dismiss any ministers
4. heads and runs the meetings of cabinet ministers
5. directs, controls, coordinates the activities of all ministers
6. can bring about the collapse of council of minister by resigning

Question 6

other functions of PM?

Answer 6

1. spokesperson of the union
2. chairman of NITI Aayog, inter state council, NDC, etc
3. meets people and communities and accepts memorandums addressing concerns
4. is the political head of the services
5. chief manager-in-crisis in emergency
6. influences the foreign policy of india
7. leader of the party in power

Question 7

relation with parliament

Answer 7

1. presents government policies on the floor of the house
2. advises president to summon and proroguing the parliament
3. can recommend the dissolution of the LS