Prime minister and council of ministers

Question 1

How is the prime minister appointed?

Answer 1

The prime minister is appointed by the president. The president invites that person who is the leader of majority party in Lok Sabha to be the prime minister but if no single party gets a majority, the president invites the leader of a combination of parties constituting the majority of Lok Sabha

Question 2

Who is the constitutional head of the union government?

Answer 2

prime minister

Question 3

Who is the head of the union council of ministers?

Answer 3

prime minister

Question 4

What is the term of office of the prime minister?

Answer 4

Five years but he has to resign if a vote of no confidence is passed against his government

Question 5

By whom is the prime minister appointed?

Answer 5

Prime minster is appointed by the president

Question 6

What does article 74 of the constitution relate to and what does it provide ?

Answer 6

Article 74 of the constitution provides that there shall be a council of ministers with the prime minister at the head to aid and advise the president

Question 7

Mention two ways in which the constitution ensures the pre- eminent position of the prime minister in relation to his council of ministers

Answer 7

1) The prime minster chooses the council of ministers and has the power to dismiss them
2) He can also reshuffle his council of ministers whenever he pleases

Question 8

Can a non member of the parliament be appointed as a minister ? If yes , write the condition

Answer 8

Yes , a non member can be appointed as minister but he must be elected or nominated to the parliament within six months

Question 9

Mention two methods which are adopted by the parliament to control the executive

Answer 9

1) The parliament can move a vote of no- confidence

2) The parliament reserves the right to ask questions with regard to policies of the union government

Question 10

Under what circumstances can the president use his discretion in appointing the prime minister?

Answer 10

When no single party gets a clear majority in the Lok Sabha , then the president uses his discretion in appointing the prime minister

Question 11

What is meant by political homogeneity in the council of ministers ?

Answer 11

Political homogeneity means that the council of ministers must have an agreement amongst its members on a common ideology or a common minimum agenda or program of action

Question 12

What happens to the council of minsters if prime minster resigns ?

Answer 12

The prime minister’s resignation means the entire council of minsters need to resign

Question 13

Mention the categories of ministers in the council of minsters

Answer 13

1. The cabinet minsters
2. Minsters of state
3. Deputy minsters
4. Parliamentary secretaries

Question 14

What is meant by the term inner cabinet ?

Answer 14

The inner cabinet is the core group of three to four cabinet ministers, whom the prime minister meets and consults regularly

Question 15

Explain the term collective/ joint responsibility

Answer 15

The council of minsters is jointly or collectively responsible to the parliament. once they have reached a decision after full discussion in the meeting under prime minister’s chairmanship , all the ministers must defend it inside the parliament and in the public