Question

Distinguish between the Cabinet and Council of Ministers.

Answer 1

Sr. No.	Cabinet of Ministers	Council of Ministers
1.	It is a small group consisting of senior members which hold important portfolios.	It consists of all categories of ministers, Cabinet Ministers, Ministers of State and Deputy Ministers.
2.	They are the most trusted and consulted colleagues of the Prime Minister. He asks their advice on important matters. The decisions of the Cabinet are binding on all the ministers.	He may or may not consult these ministers for making important decisions.
3.	They are a small organised group of senior ministers who meet as frequently as possible to shape national policies and transact government business.	They meet rarely as a whole in the day-to-day workings of the government.
4.	They advise the President, through the Prime Minister, in the day-to-day governance of the country.	Though the Council of Ministers advise the President, in reality, it is the Cabinet which advises the President, and the latter acts on their advice.