Class 10 The Union Executive: Prime Minister and Council of Ministers Mock Test (ICSE)

Topics in The Union Executive: Prime Minister and Council of Ministers

• Appointment of the Prime Minister
• Formation and tenure of the Council of Ministers
• Functions of the Cabinet
• Collective and individual responsibility
• Council of Ministers and Cabinet compared

The Union Executive: Prime Minister and Council of Ministers practice questions with answers

1. Q1Multiple choice·1 mark
   What is the primary tenure condition for the Union Council of Ministers to remain in office?

   1. (a)Fixed 5 years regardless of parliamentary support
   2. (b)At the pleasure of the Chief Justice of India
   3. (c)As long as they enjoy the majority support in the Lok Sabha
   4. (d)Coinciding strictly with the tenure of Rajya Sabha members
   Show answer and step marks

   1. Correct option: (c) As long as they enjoy the majority support in the Lok Sabha+1

   Answer: (c)
2. Q2Multiple choice·1 mark
   The principle of 'collective responsibility' of the Council of Ministers means that:

   1. (a)Cabinet decisions do not bind dissenting ministers
   2. (b)Ministers can be removed by a no-confidence motion in the Rajya Sabha
   3. (c)Ministers are individually accountable to the Prime Minister alone
   4. (d)The entire Council of Ministers is responsible to the Lok Sabha as a team
   Show answer and step marks

   1. Correct option: (d) The entire Council of Ministers is responsible to the Lok Sabha as a team+1

   Answer: (d)
3. Q3Short answer·2 marks
   State two differences between the Council of Ministers and the Cabinet based on their membership and powers.
   Show answer and step marks

   1. Difference in membership: The Council of Ministers includes all categories of ministers (Cabinet Ministers, Ministers of State, and Deputy Ministers), whereas the Cabinet is a smaller, core group of senior ministers.+1
   2. Difference in powers: The Cabinet is the supreme decision-making and policy-formulating body, whereas the Council of Ministers as a whole rarely meets and primarily executes policies directed by the Cabinet.+1

   Answer: Membership: the Council of Ministers includes all ministers (Cabinet Ministers, Ministers of State and Deputy Ministers), whereas the Cabinet is a small core of senior ministers. Powers: the Cabinet is the supreme policy-making body, whereas the Council of Ministers as a whole rarely meets and carries out Cabinet decisions.
4. Q4Short answer·2 marks
   State any two differences between the Union Council of Ministers and the Cabinet.
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   1. First difference, any one of: composition and size: the Council of Ministers includes all ministers (Cabinet Ministers, Ministers of State and Deputy Ministers), whereas the Cabinet is a small inner group of senior Cabinet Ministers; policy-making: the Cabinet takes the major policy decisions, whereas the Council of Ministers as a whole does not and carries them out; meetings: the Cabinet meets regularly, whereas the Council of Ministers rarely meets as a body; portfolios: Cabinet Ministers head the most important ministries, whereas other ministers hold smaller charges or assist Cabinet Ministers; binding decisions: Cabinet decisions bind all members of the Council of Ministers; or any other valid difference.+1
   2. Second difference, a different one from the same list.+1

   Answer: Any two of: the Council of Ministers includes all ministers, the Cabinet only senior ones; the Cabinet takes policy decisions, the Council carries them out; the Cabinet meets regularly, the Council rarely meets as a body; Cabinet Ministers head the key ministries; Cabinet decisions bind the whole Council.
5. Q5Long answer·4 marks
   With reference to the Union Executive, answer the following questions: (a) State the constitutional provision regarding the appointment of the Prime Minister. [1] (b) Explain any three circumstances when the President uses discretion in appointing the Prime Minister. [3]
   Show answer and step marks

   1. (a) Under Article 75(1), the Prime Minister is appointed by the President (by convention, the leader of the majority in the Lok Sabha).+1
   2. (b) First circumstance, any one of: no party or pre-poll alliance wins a clear majority in the Lok Sabha (hung Parliament), so the President chooses the leader most likely to win a vote of confidence; the Prime Minister dies in office and the ruling party has no obvious successor; a split in the ruling party or coalition leads to rival claims for leadership; the government loses a vote of confidence or resigns and no leader clearly commands a majority; or any other valid circumstance.+1
   3. (b) Second circumstance, a different one from the same list.+1
   4. (b) Third circumstance, a different one from the same list.+1

   Answer: (a) Article 75: the Prime Minister is appointed by the President. (b) Any three of: no party or alliance has a clear majority in the Lok Sabha; the Prime Minister dies in office with no obvious successor; a split in the ruling party causes rival claims; the government loses a confidence vote or resigns and no leader clearly commands a majority.
6. Q6Long answer·4 marks
   With reference to the Union Executive, answer the following questions: (a) Explain the meaning and scope of individual responsibility of a minister in the Union government. [2] (b) What course of action is followed if a minister disagrees with a Cabinet decision or fails to defend it publicly? [2]
   Show answer and step marks

   1. For part (a): Individual responsibility implies that every minister is personally accountable to Parliament for the smooth administration and functioning of the department or ministry under their charge.+1
   2. The minister must answer questions raised by members, defend the policies of their ministry, and take moral or administrative responsibility for any lapses or failures within it.+1
   3. For part (b): Due to the principle of cabinet solidarity and collective responsibility, a minister who is unable to support or defend a Cabinet decision is expected to resign from office.+1
   4. Alternatively, the Prime Minister holds the authority to demand their resignation or advise the President to dismiss the minister to maintain the unity and discipline of the government.+1

   Answer: (a) Each minister is personally answerable to Parliament for the working of their ministry: they must answer questions, defend its policies and take responsibility for its lapses. (b) Under collective responsibility, the minister is expected to resign; otherwise the Prime Minister may ask for the resignation or advise the President to dismiss the minister.

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