- The Prime Minister heads the Council of Ministers and is the real executive authority in India.
- The President acts on the advice of the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers.
- Appointed by the President, usually the leader of the majority party in the Lok Sabha.
- In a hung Parliament, the President appoints the leader who can prove majority support.
- In the parliamentary system, the Prime Minister is the most powerful figure, while the President is nominal.
Key Points
Key Points: The Prime Minister
Key Points: Council of Ministers and the Cabinet
- India has a Parliamentary system where the President is nominal and real power lies with the Prime Minister.
- The Prime Minister, leader of the majority in the Lok Sabha, heads the Council of Ministers.
- The Council of Ministers aids and advises the President and is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha.
- The Cabinet is the core body of senior ministers that decides major policies and programmes.
- Ministers hold office as long as they enjoy majority support in the Lok Sabha.
Key Points: Powers and Functions of the Cabinet
- Makes and implements national policies.
- Coordinates work of all ministries.
- Decides major appointments.
- Initiates laws, Budget and Money Bills.
- Advises President on emergencies and ordinances.
Key Points: Features of the Cabinet System
- The President is the nominal head; real executive power lies with the Cabinet.
- There is close coordination between the Executive (Cabinet) and Legislature (Parliament).
- The Prime Minister is the head and leader of the Cabinet.
- The Cabinet is responsible to Parliament and can be removed by a No-Confidence Motion.
- Ministers are both lawmakers and administrators.
Key Points: Distinction Between Council of Ministers and the Cabinet
| Council of Ministers | Cabinet |
|---|---|
| All ministers included | Only senior ministers |
| Rarely meets | Meets frequently |
| May not be consulted | Always consulted |
| Formal adviser | Real decision-maker |
Key Points: Position and Powers of the Prime Minister
- Real Head of Government: President is nominal; Prime Minister is the real executive.
- Link between President & Cabinet: Advises President and conveys Cabinet decisions.
- Leader of the Cabinet: Selects, allocates portfolios, reshuffles and dismisses ministers.
- Parliamentary Leader: Leader of Lok Sabha and chief spokesperson of the Government.
- Policy Maker: Directs national policies—foreign, defence, economic and internal affairs.
- Coordinator: Ensures smooth working of all ministries.
- National Leader: Represents India nationally and internationally.
- Emergency Role: Key decision-maker during national crises.
- Resignation Effect: PM’s resignation means resignation of entire Cabinet.
- Checks on Power: Controlled by Parliament, party, opposition, media and public opinion.
Key Points: Ministerial Responsibility: Collective and Individual Under the Indian Constitution
- Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha (Article 75(3)).
- All ministers must support Cabinet decisions, even if they disagreed earlier.
- Government works as one team inside and outside Parliament.
- No-Confidence Motion against one minister means against the whole Cabinet.
- If Lok Sabha loses confidence, the entire ministry must resign.
- Ministers hold office during the pleasure of the President (on PM’s advice).
- Each minister is responsible for his/her own department.
- Must answer questions in Parliament about departmental work.
- A minister may resign for personal lapse, policy failure, or breach of secrecy.
Important Questions [28]
- The President is the nominal head of the Indian Union. Mention any four functions of the Prime Minister with reference to the President.
- The junior category of ministers who assist senior ministers ______.
- The Council of Ministers headed by the Prime Minister aids and advises the President. In this context, answer the following question: Who appoints the Cabinet Ministers?
- Under What Condition Can a Non-member of Parliament Can Be Made a Minister?
- What is meant by the ‘Collective Responsibility’ of the Cabinet?
- The Union Executive Which Consists of the President, Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers is a Powerful Body in a Parliamentary Democracy. in this Context Answer the Following Questions: Mention the Three Categories of Ministers in Order of Their Rank and Status.
- The Union Executive Which Consists of the President, Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers is a Powerful Body in a Parliamentary Democracy. in this Context Answer the Following Questions: Mention Any Four Legislative Powers of the Cabinet.
- By Whom and on Whose Advice Are the Council of Ministers Appointed?
- The Makers of Our Constitution Adopted the Parliamentary and the Cabinet Form of Government. with Reference to This, Answer the Following Questions: What is Meant by the Collective and Individual Responsibility of the Members of the Cabinet?
- Distinguish between the Cabinet and Council of Ministers.
- The Cabinet holds a pivotal position in the working of the Indian Parliamentary Government. In this context discuss the following: The formation of the Cabinet.
- Who administers the oath of office to the Council of Minister?
- State Any One Reason Why the President is Elected Indirectly.
- State Any One Administrative Function of the Cabinet.
- At the Head of the Council of Ministers of the State is the Chief Minister, Who is the Real Executive Head of the State. in this Context, Explain the Following: the Appointment of the Chief Minister.
- At the Head of the Council of Ministers of the State is the Chief Minister, Who is the Real Executive Head of the State. in this Context, Explain the Following: His Relationship with the Council of Ministers.
- At the Head of the Council of Ministers of the State is the Chief Minister, Who is the Real Executive Head of the State. in this Context, Explain the Following: His Relations with the Governor of the State.
- On whose advice can the President appoint the Council of Ministers ?
- The Council of Ministers headed by the Prime Minister, is the most Powerful Institution in the Indian Polity. Distinguish between the Council of Ministers and the Cabinet.
- The Council of Ministers Headed by the Prime Minister, is the Most Powerful Institution in the Indian Polity. in this Context Answer the Following : Write Any Four Functions of the ‘Cabinet’.
- Who is the Executive Head of the State?
- Mention the Different Categories of Ministers in the Union Council of Ministers.
- The Cabinet Holds a Pivotal Position in the Working of the Indian Parliamentary Government. in this Context Discuss the Following: Any Two Administrative Powers of the Cabinet.
- The salaries and allowances of the ministers are decided by the ______.
- The Council of Ministers Headed by the Prime Minister, is the Most Powerful Institution in the Indian Polity.The Council of Ministers Headed by the Prime Minister, is the Most Institution
- The Makers of Our Constitution Adopted the Parliamentary and the Cabinet Form of Government. with Reference to This, Answer the Following Questions: Explain Briefly the Position and Power of the Prime Minister in Relation to the Cabinet.
- The Union Executive Which Consists of the President, Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers is a Powerful Body in a Parliamentary Democracy. in this Context Answer the Following Questions: State the Position of the Prime Minister and State Any Two of His Powers in Relation to the President.
- Mention One Way by Which the Authority of the Prime Minister Can Be Checked?
