| Nominal Head of State. | President. |
| How is PM appointed? | The leader of the majority party in the Lok Sabha is invited to form the government and become the Prime Minister. |
| How is PM appointed if there is no absolute majority in the Lok Sabha? | The President may choose who the PM will be. But, the person must be able to prove that they have the support of smaller groups. |
| Which article states the appointment of the PM and council of Ministers? | Article 75. |
| What happens if an appointed minister is not a member of the Parliament? | The minister must be nominated or elected into the Parliament within six months or they must resign from the post. |
| When has the distinction between the Cabinet and Council of Ministers become evident? | The 44th Amendement Act said that the PM cannot declare an emergency unless the decision of the Union Cabinet has communicated to the PM in writing. |
| What is the maximum no. of members for the Council of Ministers? | The Constitution Act, 2003.
The Council of Ministers at the Centre and State is 15% of the strength of the Lok Sabha and State Legislatures, respectively.
Why was this step taken?
To check defection from one party to another. And, reduce government expenditure on jumbo-size ministries. |
| What does a minister vow in the oath of secrecy? | To not disclose any matter which is brought for consideration except the minister's discharge of duties. |
| Differentiate between Cabinet and Council of Ministers. | Refer TB. |
| Real Executive of the Indian Union. | PM. |
| Who is the link b/w the President and the Council of Ministers? | PM. |
| Prime Minister and President. | 1. Advised Prez to summon and prorogue parliament and disssolve the Lok Sabha (traitor!)
2. Link b/w the Prez and Council of ministers.
3. Advises Prez in appointing the Council Of Ministers and advice on dismissing them too.
4. Advises Prez in appointing important posts like Judges of Supreme court, governors and ambassadors.
5. President can ask COM (Council of Ministers) to reconsider any matter not considered by the Cabinet. Prez can also call for information regarding affairs of the Union. |
| Prime Minister and the Cabinet. | 1. Leader of the Cabinet
2. Allocate portfolios and reshuffle ministers
3. Power to direct and coordinate policies
4. Resignation of the Prime Minister means resignation of the whole Cabinet
5. Power to select and dismiss ministers |
| Prime Minister and the Lok Sabha | 1. Leader of the Lok Sabha
2. Spokesperson of the Government
3. Defend Government Policies
4. Intervention in controversial issues |
| PM is the ex-officio chairperson of which organisation? | Niti Aayog and Atomic Energy Commission |
| Prime Minister as the Leader of the Nation | 1. PM represents the nation.
2. In a crisis or emergency, even the opposition supports them.
3. During elections, the PM is the person the public vote for or against.
4. Ex-officio chairman of the Niti Aayog and Atomic Energy Commission.
5. The PM decides what type of relations India will have with other countries.
6. In international forums, the PM discusses matters of mutual interests but also keeps India's interests in mind. |
| Check on the authority of the PM | 1. The PM must have the confidence of their ministers and the members of the Lok Sabha.
2. In coalitions, if the PM does not have an absolute majority, their position can be vulnerable.
3. The Opposition Parties always look for places to criticize the PM.
4. The Press and the public act as an effective check on the PM's authority. |
| Principle of Collective Responsibility. | (i) All decisions made in Cabinet meetings apply equally to all ministers even if they differ in opinions.
(ii) All ministers jointly share the responsibilities of government functioning and defend government policies inside and outside the Parliament.
(iii) A vote of no-confidence against one minister means a vote against the whole Cabinet. All the ministers of the Cabinet must resign as they have lost the Confidence of the Lok Sabha. |
