Goyal Brothers Prakashan Class 10 Civics Solutions Chapter 3 The Union Executive: The Prime Minister, the Union Cabinet And the Council of Ministers
Question 1.
Who is at the head of the Union Council of Ministers.
Answer:
The Prime Minister is at the head of the Union Council of Ministers.
Question 2.
Can the President function without the Council of Ministers?
Answer:
No, the President cannot function without the Council of Ministers.
Question 3.
By whom is the Prime Minister appointed?
Answer:
The Prime Minister is appointed by the President.
Question 4.
Mention the circumstances under which the President may exercise his discretion in selecting the Prime Minister.
Answer:
The President may use his discretion, if none of the parties gets a clear majority in the Lok Sabha.
Question 5.
How is the Prime Minister a link between the Cabinet and the President?
Answer:
The Prime Minister serves as a link between the Cabinet and the President in three ways. In the first place, the decisions of the Cabinet are conveyed to the President through the Prime Minister. Secondly, Prime Minister keeps the President informed on all matters of Government. Thirdly, it is the duty of the Prime Minister to furnish such infonnation regarding the affairs of the Union as the President may call for.
Question 6.
Mention any two ways in which the Constitution ensures the pre-eminent position of the Prime Minister in relation to the Union Council of Ministers.
Answer:
The Prime Minister enjoys the pre-eminent position in relation to the Constitution as he is the recognised leader of the Cabinet. President appoints other Ministers only on the aid and advice of the Prime Minister. Secondly, the Prime-Minister co-ordinates the working of various departments. Again, it is the Prime Minister, who presides over the meetings of the Cabinet. He decides the agenda of the meeting. Thus, his position is keystone of the Cabinet arch.
Question 7.
How can we say that Prime Minister occupies a unique position in the Parliament?
Answer:
In his relation with Parliament, the Prime Minister occupies a unique position. He is the leader of the Lok Sabha, the popularly elected House of Parliament. It is on the advice of the Prime Minister that the President summons, prorogues and even dissolves the Parliament.
Secondly, the Prime Minister is the chief spokesman and defender of the Government in Parliament. Certain issues like- caste war, corruption or price hike may result in ugly situations. The matter thus, ends with the intervention of the Prime Minister.
Question 8.
What role does the Prime Minister play as the Leader of the Nation?
Answer:
The Prime Minister represents the nation. It is he, who announces major policy decisions. The Prime Minister also represents the nation to Foreign Governments. The Nation looks to Prime Minister for views on every subject, it expects leadership from the Prime Minister. Thus, on the whole when the Prime Minister speaks, the whole nation is supposed to be speaking through him.
Question 9.
Mention any two important functions (powers) of the Prime- Minister.
Answer:
The Prime Minister enjoys a unique position in the Constitutional set up of India. He enjoys following powers :
- Power to Select and Dismiss Ministers. The Prime Minister chooses the Ministers and has the power to dismiss them too.
- Power to Allocate Portfolios. It is the Prime Minister who allocates business among the Ministers. He can also reshuffle his Council of Minister whenever he pleases.
- Link between the Cabinet and the President. It is the Prime Minister who keeps the President informed about the decisions of the Cabinet.
Question 10.
Mention any two limitations on Prime Minister’s position and authority.
Or
Can Prime Minister become authoritarian in his behaviour? Give two reasons for your answer.
Answer:
In the first place, they may be dissensions within the ruling party itself. The Prime Minister has to secure the willing cooperation of all important persons of his party. Secondly, the press and public opinion act as effective check on Prime-Minister’s authority.
Question 11.
By whom and on whose advice are the Ministers appointed?
Answer:
The Ministers are appointed by the President on the advice of the Prime Minister.
Question 12.
Under what provison can a non-MP be appointed as Minister?
Or
Is there a Constitutional bar on persons, who are not Members of Parliament, becoming Ministers?
Answer:
Yes, a non-member can also be a Minister. However, such persons must get themselves elected or nominated to either House within a period of six months after their appointment.
Question 13.
Who shall administer the (a) Oath of Office, and (b) Oath of Secrecy to the Union Minister ? What do they affirm under these Oaths?
Answer:
The President administers the Oath of Office and Secrecy to the Ministers. Under the Oath of Office, he affirms that :
- he shall bear true faith and allegiance to the Constitution of India.
- he will uphold the sovereignty and integrity of India.
- he will faithfully discharge his duties as a Minister without fear, favour, affection or ill will.
- Under Oath of Secrecy, a Minister affirms that he will not divulge the proceedings of the Cabinet or secrets pertaining to their Ministry during or after their term of office.
Question 14.
Name the two important categories of Ministers in the Union Council of Ministers.
Answer:
- Cabinet Ministers
- Ministers of State
- Deputy Minister.
Question 15.
What is meant by the Cabinet?
Answer:
The world ‘Cabinet’ implies the Council, consisting of the Prime Minister and other Ministers of Cabinet rank.
Question 16.
Mention any two important functions of the Union Council of Ministers (the Cabinet)
Answer:
In the first place, the Council of Ministers, consists of all three ranks of Ministers, while the ‘Cabinet’ generally consists of senior Ministers holding Cabinet rank and important portfolios. Secondly, the Council of Minister is a large body, which meets occasionally; while the Cabinet is a small and cohensive group which meets regularly. Thirdly, the Prime Minister may not consult the Council of Minister for taking important decisions, while the Members of the Cabinet are consulted by the Prime Minister on every important issue.
Question 16.
Mention any two important functions of the Union Council of Ministers (the Cabinet).
Answer:
Important functions of the Union Council of Ministers are as:
- The Cabinet formulates external and domestic policies of the Government. It takes decisions on all major problems – defence and security needs, energy requirements, economic reforms, pollution control, improving relations with Super Powers as well as neighbouring countries.
- The Cabinet coordinates the w’orking of various departments.
- The Cabinet is responsible for whole of the expenditure of Government and for raising necessary revenues to meet it.
Question 17.
How long can a Ministry stay in office?
Answer:
A Minister holds the office as long as he enjoys the pleasure of the President.
Question 18.
What happens to a Ministry that has lost the Confidence of the Lok Sabha?
Answer:
A Ministry that has lost the Confidence of the Lok Sabha must resign, unless it asks for and is granted a dissolution of the House itself.
Question 19.
Mention any two ways in which the Parliament exercises an effective control over the Executive (Council of Ministers).
Answer:
The Parliament ensures Ministerial responsibility by following ways:
- To put questions to Ministers, demanding proper answers.
- Moving an Adjournment Motion for discussing an important matter that should have urgent consideration.
- Moving Censure motion against the Government or an individual Minister of Government.
Question 20.
Mention three important features of the Cabinet (Parliamentary) system of government.
Answer:
- President is the Constitutional Head of the State.
- India has adopted the Parliamentary system of Government, which is based on close cooperation between the executive (Cabinet) and the legislative ‘Parliament’ wings of Government.
- The Ministry functions on the basis of Collective Responsibility.
Question 21.
Explain the terms :
(a) Collective Responsibility of the Council of Ministers
(b) Individual Responsibility of the Ministers
Answer:
(a) The term ‘Collective Responsibility’ implies that the Ministers are responsible to the Lok Sabha not as individuals alone, but collectively also. In other words, they swim and sink together. When a decision has been taken by the Cabinet, every Minister has to stand by it without any hesitation. A vote of No-Confidence against one minister is a vote of No-Confidence against the whole Ministry.
(b) Individual Responsibility implies that each Minister is individually responsible for personal lapses, departure from the official policy or the failures of his department. If such a thing happens, then the concerned Minister has to resign or he is dropped from the Council of Ministers.
Structured Questions
P.Q. Let us put a hypothetical question to you. Suppose as a result of the General Election no single party could get an absolute majority in the Lok Sabha. The Conservative Party emerged as the single largest party and mass completely opposed to form the Government with the support of the Labour Party and the Radical Party. Suppose the party position in the Lok Sabha was as follows :
| Parties | Number of Seats |
| 1. Conservative Party 2. Labour Party 3. Liberal Party 4. Radical Party 5. Democratic Party 6. Others Total |
210 101 83 107 25 17 543 |
In view of such a situation answer the following questions :
(a) How many members should alleast support a leader wishing to be the Prime Minister of the country?
(b) In a situation like this what should the President do before inviting any of the leaders to form a government?
(c) What should the Conservative Party do to form a viable government?
(d) What options are open for the Labour and Radical Parties to form a government?
(e) Once the government is formed who would move in the Lok Sabha the Motion of Confidence (Trust Vote) in the Council of Ministers (the Prime Minister or the Leader of the Opposition)?
Answer:
- Minimum 272 members.
- The President may invite the single largest Conservative Party to form the government. He may also asked them to submit list of supporting party.
- The Conservative Party should get suport of atleast sixty two members to form a viable Government which is possible only when they get support of either Liberal Party (83) or Labour Party (101) members.
- The Radical Party (107) being the second largest party can form the Government with the support of Liberal Party (83) and Labour Party (101). Which all combined together 291 members,which mean a majority in Lok Sabha.
- Leader of opposition.
Question 1.
Discuss the powers and functions of the Prime Minister of India with reference to the following :
(a) His relations with the President
(b) His position in the Parliament.
Answer:
(a) The Constitution provides that there shall be a Council of Ministers with the Prime Minister at the head to aid and give advice to the President. Thus, we can study the relationship of the Prime Minister with the President under the following heads :
- Appointment:
The Prime Minister is appointed by the President and other Ministers are appointed by the President on the advice of the Prime-Minister. In reality, however, he has no discretion, as the Prime Minister is the leader of the majority party in the Lok Sabha. - Link Between The President and The Cabinet:
The decisions of the Cabinet are conveyed to the President through the Prime Minister. It is he, who keeps him informed on all matters of government. Again, it is the duty of the Prime Minister to furnish such information regarding the affairs of the Union as the President may call for.
(3) Legislative Relations:
It is on the advice of the Prime Minister that the President summons and prorogues Parliament and dissolves the Lok Sabha.
(4) Reconsideration of the Matter:
In case a Minister has taken a decision on some matter which has not been considered by the Council of Minister, the President may ask the Prime Minister to submit the matter for consideration of the Council.
(b) The Prime Minister occupies a unique position in relation to the Parliament. He is the leader of the Lok Sabha, the popularly elected House of Parliament. Thus, their relationship can’ studied under following headings :
- Legislative Relations. It is on the advice of the Prime Minister that the President summons and progress Parliament and dissolves Lok Sabha.
- Principal Spokesman. The Prime Minister is the Principal Spokesman and the defender of the Government in Parliament. It is he, who makes all important announcements of national policies on the floor of the House.
- Principal Defender. Sometimes, Ministers work comes under severe attack in the House. It is the Prime Minister who saves them from an unpleasant situation.
- If an ugly situation arises in any of Houses on issues like caste wars, reservation for the backward class of citizens corruption, price-hike and atrocities on women, the matter generally ends with the intervention of the Prime-Minister.
Question 2.
“The Prime Minister is the keystone of the Cabinet arch”. In the light of this statement, discuss his position in relation to the Cabinet.
Or
“Prime Minister is the Head of the Council of Ministers. Discuss the implications of this statement.
Answer:
The role of Prime Minister as the Head of the Council of Ministers requires that he shall exercise the following powers :
(i) Formation of the Cabinet:
The Prime-Minister is the recognised leader of the Cabinet. The Constitution empowers the Prime-Minister to appoint different categories of Ministers. Again, it is the Prime Minister, who decides the size of the Council of Ministers. No doubt, the President appoints Ministers and allocates work among them, but only on the advice of the Prime-Minister,
(ii) Removal of the Ministers. The Prime Minister’s resignation means the resignation of the whole Cabinet. No person can be retained as a member of the Council of Minister, if the Prime- Minister, opines that he should be dismissed.
(iii) The Prime Minister is the Ex-officio Chairman of the Council of Ministers. The Prime Minister presides at the Cabinet meetings. Further, he decides the agenda of the meetings. At Cabinet meetings, the Ministers put forth their views. On the other hand, the Prime Minister, listens to them and then gives his conclusion, which normally is the decision of the Cabinet.
(iv) Prime Minister directs and co-ordinates the policy. The Prime-Minister co-ordinates the working of various departments. In foreign, defence, economic and technological affairs, he plays a special role in co-ordinating the policy of the Union.
(v) Link Between the Cabinet and the President. It is the Prime Minister, who keeps the President informed regarding the affairs of the Union.
Question 3.
Describe the composition of the Cabinet (Council of Ministers) under the following heads :
(a) Designation of new Prime Minister
(b) Appointment of the other Ministers
(c) Oaths of Office and Secrecy
Answer:
(a) The step towards forming a new Government is the designation of a new Prime Minister. The Constitution provides that the Prime Minister shall be appointed by the President. However, the President does not much discrete in appointing the Prime Minister. In reality, the Prime Minister, is the leader of the political party securing absolute majority in the Lok Sab
(b) The other Ministers are appointed by the President on the advice of the Prime Minister. Thus, it is his right to have a Government which can work together as a team and secure the support of the Lok Sabha. All the Ministers have to be members of either house of Parliament. Non-members too, can be chosen as Ministers, but such persons must get themselves elected or nominated to either House within a peroid of 6 months after their appointment. Another important aspect while appointing the Ministers that the Prime Minister has to bear in mind, that all the major communities and geographical regions of the country should be represented in the Ministry.
(c) The President administers the Oaths of Office and Secrecy to the Ministers. Under the Oath of Office he affirms that
- he shall bear true faith and allegiance to the Constitution of India.
- he will uphold the sovereignty and integrity of India.
- he will faithfully discharge his duties as a Minister without fear, favour, affection and ill will.
- Under Oath of Secrecy, a Minister affirms that he will not reveal to any person any matter, which shall be brought under his consideration as a Minister.
Question 4.
With regard to the Union Council of Ministers, answer the following questions :
(a) What are the various categories of Ministers and what is their role?
(b) When do Ministers of State participate in the Cabinet meetings?
(c) What is the term of office of the Prime Minister and other Ministers?
Answer:
(a) The Union Council of Ministers has three categories of Ministers besides the Prime-Minister. They are
(i) Cabinet Ministers
(ii) Ministers of State
(iii) Deputy Ministers
They play the following role :
(i) Cabinet Ministers. They are the most important members of the Council of Ministers. They are the full-fledged Ministers who hold important portfolios like- Home, Defence, Finance and External Affairs. Only the Cabinet Ministers have the right to attend meetings of the Cabinet. They together determine the policy and programme of the Government.
(ii) Ministers of State. They are not members of the Cabinet. They may or may not be given an independent charge of a Ministry. However, they do not participate in the Cabinet meeting, though they may be invited to attend meetings when matter concerning their departments are being considered.
(iii) Deputy Ministers. They are the third category of Ministers, who assist the Cabinet Ministers and the Council of Ministers.
(b) They do not participate in the Cabinet meetings. But they may be invited to attend meetings when matters concerning their departments are being considered.
(c) Constitutionally, the Prime Minister and his Council of Ministers hold office till the ‘Pleasure of the President’. But the President has little power even in this regard. The Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers are directly responsible to the Lok Sabha and can remain in office so long as they enjoy the majority support in the Lok Sabha. When a vote of No-Confidence is passed in the Lok Sabha against the Council of Ministers, they have to resign collectively.
Question 5.
What is meant by the term ‘Cabinet’? Mention four points of distinction between the Council of Ministers and the Cabinet.
Answer:
The word ‘Cabinet’ implies the Council, consisting of the Prime Minister and other Ministers of Cabinet rank. The basic differences between the Cabinet and the Council of Ministers are as follows:
(i) Composition. The Council of Ministers consists of all categories of Ministers, Cabinet Ministers, Minister of State and Deputy Ministers. While the Cabinet is a smaller group consisting of some 25 senior Ministers, holding Cabinet rank and important portfolios.
(ii) Meetings. The Council of Ministers being a large body, meets occasionally. While the Cabinet is a small and cohesive group which meets regularly to determine the policy and programme of the Government.
(iii) Consultation. The Prime Minister may not consult the Council of Ministers for taking important decisions, while the Members of the Cabinet are consulted by the Prime Minister on every important issue.
(iv) Right to attend meetings. The Cabinet Ministers attend meeting of the Cabinet in their own right, Ministers of State can attend only if invited to attend some particular meeting. A Deputy Minister being a junior Minister, can attend Cabinet meeting only in extra-ordinary situation.
(v) Advice to the President. In reality, it is not the Council of Ministers that advises the President, though the Constitution assigns this responsibility to it. However, in day to day Governance of the country it is the Cabinet that advises the President.
Question 6.
Cabinet acts in the name of the Council of Ministers and exercises all the power on its behalf. Discuss its powers and functions with reference to the following :
(a) Formulation of Policies of the Government
(b) Administrative Functions
(c) Proclamation of Emergency
(d) Co-ordination between various departments
Answer:
(a) The Cabinet formulates external and domestic policies of the Government. Each of its Members controls an important department of the Government and takes decisions on all major problems, defence and security concerns, energy requirements, Presidents’ rule and sending troops to Iraq. The Cabinet also co-ordinates the activities of various departments to enhance the efficiency of the Government. Within the Cabinet room, they have very right to differ on policy matters. But, once a decision is taken, they are expected to speak of it in one voice. They stand or fall together like one. This concept of ‘Collective Responsibility’ is an essential feature of our Parliamentary form of Government.
(b) The Cabinet is essentially a policy-framing body. When it has been determined on a policy, the appropriate carries it out. Thus, each Ministry or Department must faithfully follow the directions of the Cabinet. The concerned Ministry chalks out its broad details and hand them over to the civil servants related to that Ministry to translate them into practice.
(c) Proclamation of Emergency :
The President cannot proclaim a state of Emergency (under Article 352) unless the Union Cabinet recommends to him, in writing, that such a Proclamation should be made. This Article relates to a proclamation of Emergency in the event of a War or External Aggression or the Armed Rebellion. Similarly, such decisions as the imposition of President’s Rule in a State are taken by the Cabinet.
(d) The Cabinet co-ordinates the working of various departments. Normally, several departments are involved in the formulation and implementation of a policy, be it the policy of eradicating unemployment or a cut in Government spending or improving the management of public enterprises. The Cabinet acts as the co-ordinator between various departments.
Question 7.
The Cabinet exercises vast authority in legislation and finance. In this context describe :
(a) Its legislative functions
(b) Its control over the National Finance Ans. The Cabinet’s functions areas :
Answer:
(i) The Houses are summoned by the President, though the intiative in this matter is taken by the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs.
(ii) The Cabinet prepares the President’s special Address to the Parliament. The Cabinet, thus, sets forth its legislative programme at the commencement of the first session of Lok Sabha after each General Election and at the commencement of the 1st session of Parliament each year.
(iii) More than 90% of Bills are Government Bills, prepared by the Ministeries. With a stable Parliamentary support, a majority of Members vote in favour of Governments motion.
(iv) In the matter of issuing ordinance, as in other matters, the President acts on the advice of the Ministers.
(v) The Cabinet is instrumental in planning and moving an Amendment to the Constitution.
(b) The Cabinet not only controls the executive and legislative policies of the Government, but it also holds the strings of national purse. It determines what taxes are to be imposed and how funds thus raised are to be spent. The budget, containing estimates of income and expenditure for the ensuing year is prepared by the Finance Minister. Though the Budget is passed by the Parliament, rarely any change is made in the budget figures, against the wishes of the Cabinet.
P.Q. Discuss the salient features of the Cabinet System (Parliamentary form of Government) under the following headings :
(a) President’s Role as Constitutional Head
(b) Cabinet functioning under the Leadership of the Prime-Minister
(c) Harmonious cooperation between the Ministers and the Parliament
(d) Principle of Collective Responsibility to the Lok Sabha
Answer:
(a) The President is the Constitutional Head of the State. However the real executive is the Council of Ministers. It is the Cabinet which formulates policies of the Government, directs their implementation and also is accountable for them. All this is done formally in the name of the President, but in reality it is the Cabinet which performs all the duties assigned to the President
(b) The Council of Ministers functions under the leadership of the Prime-Minister. It is the Prime Minister, who determines its composition, decides agenda of Cabinet meetings and presides over them. He alone summarises the decisions of the Cabinet. Moreover, he acts as a link between the Cabinet and the President. It is the duty of the Prime Minister to keep the President informed of all the decisions regarding the Cabinet. The resignation of the Prime- Minister, results in the resignation of the entire Cabinet. Thus, the Prime-Minister is the keystone of the Cabinet arch. He is also the leader of the House of the people (Lok Sabha) and represents India in all the International Conferences.
(c) The Members of the Executive (Ministers) are members of the Legislative and take part in its deliberations. They answer questions and defend their policies from attack of the opposition. Even the members of the ruling party or parties fully support their Ministers. The Ministers, being certain of the support of the party can pursue their policies vigorously. They get the laws and finances passed by the Parliament. Thus, the chief merit of the Parliamentary form of Government is the harmony between the Executive and the Legislature.
(d) The Ministry functions on the basis of Collective Responsibility.
Once the Cabinet has reached a decision, it is the duty of each Minister to owe it as his own.’ The only alternative for a Minister, who is unwilling defending the policy of the Government may resign.
Question 8.
With reference to the ‘Ministerial Responsibility’ explain the meaning of the following Statements or provisions of the
Constitution of India :
(a) The Council of Ministers shall be collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha
(b) The Ministers shall hold office during the pleasure of the President
Or
The Ministers shall be Individually responsible to Head of State.
Answer:
(a) The Constitution provides that the Council of Ministers shall be collectively responsible to the Parliament. It implies that the Ministers are responsible to the Lok Sabha not as individuals alone, but collectively also. in other words, the Members of the Cabinet swim and sink together. When a decision has been taken by the Cabinet, every Minister has to stand by it without hesitation.
The essence of Collective Responsibility is that all the Ministers jointly share the responsibility for the Government’s policies and performance. Thus, they function as a team, supporting and defending Government policies in and outside Parliament. Another implication of this principle is that if a vote of No-Confidence is passed against the Government or even a Single Minister in the Lok Sabha, then the whole Ministerial team has to resign.
b) Though the Ministers are Collectively Responsible to the Lok Sabha, they are also individually responsible to the Head of State. The Ministers hold office as long as they enjoy the pleasure of the President. It implies that each Minister is responsible for personal lapses, departure from the official policy or for the failure of his department. Thus, the Minister is liable to be dismissed by the President for their undesirable behaviour, however, the President acts on the advice of the Prime Minister. Besides, every Minister is obliged to answer questions pertaining to his department.
Question 9.
Mention any four methods by which Parliament exercises control over the Executive (the Council of Ministers).
Answer:
The Parliament controls the Executive through the following
measures :
- Parliament may grill the Executive by putting Ministers to questions,
which have to be properly answered. The purpose of the question is to obtain information on a matter of public importance or to ventilate a grievance. Thus, it is a valuable protection against injustice and slackness on the part of the Government. - Moving an Adjournment Motion for discussing an important matter that should have urgent consideration.
- Moving Cut Motions when the financial matters are under consideration.
- The debates can take place on a resolution moved in the House, but no debate is allowed during question hour or half an hour discussion.
- Moving Censure Motion against the Government or an Individual Minister of the Government.
- Moving of No-Confidence, such a motion if carried, implies loss of confidence and the Government has to resign.
Extra Practice Questions
Question 1.
What should the maximum and minium strength of the Council of Ministers?
Answer:
The Constitution is silent about the size of the Council of Ministers. Rather, it leaves the Prime Minister at liberty in the selection of the Council of Ministers.
Question 2.
Does the resignation of the Prime Minister mean the resignation of the whole Cabinet?
Answer:
Yes, the resignation of the Prime Minister means the resignation of the whole Cabinet.
Question 3.
Who presides over the meetings of the Cabinet?
Answer:
The Prime Minister presides over the meetings of the Cabinet.
Question 4.
Who represents India in world conferences like Heads of CommonWealth, Heads of Non-Aligned Nations and of SAARC Nations?
Answer:
The Prime Minister.
Question 5.
What important criteria is kept in mind by the Prime Minister while selecting his team?
Answer:
The Prime Minister, bears in mind that as far as possible all the major communities and Geographical regions of the country should be represented in his team.ICSE Class 10 Civics Goyal Brothers Solutions Chapter 2 The Union Executive: The President and the Vice-President.
ICSE History and Civics Class 10 Goyal Brothers Prakashan Solutions