Council of Ministers Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is required for the President to exercise executive powers according to Article 74?

Approval from the Supreme Court

Personal satisfaction of the President

Aid and advice of the council of ministers (correct)

Majority approval from the Parliament

Who has the authority to appoint the Prime Minister?

The Council of Ministers

The President (correct)

The Parliament

The Chief Justice

What must a minister who is not already a member of Parliament do within six months of their appointment?

Attend a parliamentary training program

Become a member of either House of Parliament (correct)

Resign from their ministerial position

Obtain a vote of confidence

What does a minister swear to uphold in their oath of office?

The sovereignty and integrity of India Signup and view all the answers

What type of matters is a minister prohibited from revealing under the oath of secrecy?

Confidential matters related to their duties Signup and view all the answers

In the case of Devi Lal as Deputy Prime Minister, what aspect was upheld by the Supreme Court?

The title was only descriptive Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about ministerial voting rights is accurate?

Ministers can only vote in the House they are a member of Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true regarding the appointment of ministers by the President?

The President must appoint ministers as recommended by the Prime Minister Signup and view all the answers

What is one major advantage of the 'Kitchen Cabinet' as described?

It allows for more efficient decision-making. Signup and view all the answers

What is a disadvantage of the 'Kitchen Cabinet'?

It can undermine the authority of the formal cabinet. Signup and view all the answers

How does the 'Kitchen Cabinet' assist the Prime Minister?

By advising on political and administrative issues. Signup and view all the answers

In which ways can the 'Kitchen Cabinet' be described in its functioning?

As a circle within the formal cabinet structure. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about the 'Kitchen Cabinet' is true?

It can operate without formal approval from the larger cabinet. Signup and view all the answers

What does collective responsibility mean in the context of the council of ministers?

All ministers share joint responsibility for their collective actions. Signup and view all the answers

What happens if the Lok Sabha passes a no-confidence motion against the council of ministers?

All ministers must resign, regardless of their origin. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key requirement for ministers concerning cabinet decisions?

They must publicly support all cabinet decisions. Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence if a minister disagrees with a cabinet decision and does not wish to defend it?

They must resign from their position. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements regarding the salary of ministers is true?

Minister salaries are determined by Parliament. Signup and view all the answers

What is included in the benefits provided to ministers aside from salaries?

Medical facilities. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following allowances was NOT increased in 2001?

Sumptuary allowance for members of Parliament. Signup and view all the answers

What must the council of ministers do if they believe the Lok Sabha does not represent the electorate's views?

Advise the President to dissolve the Lok Sabha. Signup and view all the answers

Which minister resigned in 1953 due to disagreements regarding the Hindu Code Bill?

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a type of minister as mentioned in the content?

Deputy Minister. Signup and view all the answers

What principle does Article 75 of the Constitution relate to regarding ministers?

Individual responsibility of ministers Signup and view all the answers

What action can the Prime Minister take if dissatisfied with a minister's performance?

Ask the minister to resign or advise the President to dismiss him Signup and view all the answers

How is the legal responsibility of ministers different in India compared to Britain?

Ministers in India are not accountable for actions before the courts Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes cabinet ministers from ministers of state in India?

Cabinet ministers head important ministries and hold higher political importance Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best reflects Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's view on collective responsibility?

The Prime Minister must be able to nominate and dismiss ministers for collective responsibility Signup and view all the answers

Which category of ministers is at the top of the hierarchy in the Indian government?

Prime Minister Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of the council of ministers in India?

It consists of different categories with varying ranks and responsibilities Signup and view all the answers

In the case of the removal of a minister, who plays a crucial role in advising the President?

The Prime Minister Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase 'The king can do no wrong' imply about the legal responsibility of ministers in Britain?

Ministers have no legal ground to challenge royal commands Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'cabinet' refer to within the context of the council of ministers?

A powerful subset of ministers managing significant government policies Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of ministers of state with independent charge?

They perform the same functions and exercise the same powers as cabinet ministers. Signup and view all the answers

Which role does not have independent control over a ministry or department?

Deputy ministers Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of parliamentary secretaries?

They assist senior ministers in parliamentary duties. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes deputy prime ministers from other ministers?

Their appointment is often for political reasons. Signup and view all the answers

How does the role of the cabinet compare to the council of ministers?

The cabinet is the highest decision-making authority. Signup and view all the answers

In which circumstance would a minister of state attend cabinet meetings?

When topics related to their departments are discussed. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following characteristics differentiates the cabinet from the council of ministers?

The level of executive authority. Signup and view all the answers

Since when have no parliamentary secretaries been appointed, except in Rajiv Gandhi's government?

1967 Signup and view all the answers

Which function is NOT a role of the cabinet?

Management of all departmental tasks. Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between deputy ministers and ministers of state?

Deputy ministers assist cabinet ministers or ministers of state. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The Role of the Council of Ministers

The President exercises executive power with the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers
The President's satisfaction is considered to be the satisfaction of the Council of Ministers
The Prime Minister is appointed by the President
Other Ministers are appointed by the President on the advice of the Prime Minister
Members of Parliament from the Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha are typically appointed as Ministers
Non-MPs can also be appointed as Ministers, but they must become members of Parliament within six months
A Minister who is a member of one House of Parliament has the right to speak and participate in the proceedings of the other House, but can only vote in the House they're a member of

Oath and Salary of Ministers

Before assuming office, Ministers are sworn in by the President
Ministers take oaths of office and secrecy
The oath of office includes a pledge to uphold the Constitution, sovereignty, and integrity of India
The oath of secrecy commits Ministers to confidentiality regarding information brought under their consideration or becoming known to them
The Supreme Court has ruled that describing a person as Deputy Prime Minister is only descriptive and doesn't confer any additional powers
The salaries and allowances of Ministers are determined by Parliament, and they receive the same salary and allowances as members of Parliament
Ministers also receive additional allowances including a sumptuary allowance based on their rank

Responsibility of Ministers

The principle of collective responsibility governs the parliamentary system of government
The Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha
If the Lok Sabha passes a no-confidence motion against the Council of Ministers, all Ministers must resign
The Council of Ministers can advise the President to dissolve the Lok Sabha and call for fresh elections
Cabinet decisions are binding on all Ministers, even if they disagreed during the meeting
Ministers are expected to defend cabinet decisions, both inside and outside Parliament
Ministers who disagree with a cabinet decision must resign
Article 75 also enshrines the principle of individual responsibility, allowing the President to remove a Minister during the pleasure of the President, upon the advice of the Prime Minister
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar emphasized the importance of the Prime Minister's role in enforcing collective responsibility

Composition of the Council of Ministers

The Council of Ministers is composed of three categories of ministers: Cabinet Ministers, Ministers of State, and Deputy Ministers
Cabinet Ministers head important ministries and are members of the Cabinet, actively involved in policy decisions
Ministers of State can have independent charge of ministries/departments or be attached to Cabinet Ministers
Deputy Ministers are attached to Cabinet Ministers or Ministers of State and have no independent charge, providing administrative and parliamentary support
Parliamentary Secretaries, a fourth category, assist senior Ministers with parliamentary duties but don't have control over any department, and have not been appointed since 1967 (with the exception of the first Rajiv Gandhi government)
Deputy Prime Ministers may be appointed for political reasons

Council of Ministers vs. Cabinet

The terms "Council of Ministers" and "Cabinet" are often used interchangeably, but there are distinctions in composition, functions, and role
The Cabinet is the highest decision-making authority in the politico-administrative system
The Cabinet plays a crucial role in policy formulation and serves as the supreme executive authority of the government
The Cabinet acts as the chief coordinator of the Central administration

Kitchen Cabinet

The Cabinet is the formal highest decision-making body, but a smaller "Inner Cabinet" or "Kitchen Cabinet" has emerged as a center of power
The Kitchen Cabinet consists of the Prime Minister and a small circle of trusted colleagues who provide advice and assistance
This informal body may include individuals outside of the Cabinet
The Kitchen Cabinet, though efficient, can reduce the authority of the Cabinet and allow outsiders to influence government functioning
This phenomenon of informal groups is not unique to India, and is also prevalent in countries like the USA and Britain.

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Description

This quiz explores the structure and functions of the Council of Ministers in India. It covers the appointment of ministers, their roles, and the oath they take before assuming office. Test your knowledge on the constitutional provisions regarding the executive power in the Indian parliamentary system.