UPSC Prelims 2013 Q59: Indian Polity – Parliament & State Legislatures
In the context of India, which of the following principles is/are implied institutionally in the
parliamentary government?
1. Members of the Cabinet are Members of the Parliament.
2. Ministers hold the office till they enjoy confidence in the Parliament.
3. Cabinet is headed by the Head of the State.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- (b) 3 only
- (c) 2 and 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only
Explanation
Principles implied in parliamentary government
| Statement | Verdict | Fact |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Members of the Cabinet are Members of the Parliament | Correct | A Minister must be, or become within six months, a member of either House |
| 2. Ministers hold the office till they enjoy confidence in the Parliament | Correct | Collective responsibility to the Lok Sabha (Article 75(3)) |
| 3. Cabinet is headed by the Head of the State | Incorrect | It is headed by the Prime Minister, the head of the Government; the President is the head of the State |
Parliamentary and presidential systems:
| Feature | Parliamentary | Presidential |
|---|---|---|
| Heads | Two: nominal and real | One |
| Executive drawn from | Legislature | Outside the legislature |
| Removal | By no-confidence vote | Fixed term; impeachment only |
Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. Ministers are members of Parliament and stay while they have its confidence.
- (b) Incorrect. The Cabinet is not headed by the Head of the State.
- (c) Incorrect. Statement 3 is false, and statement 1 is true.
- (d) Incorrect. Statement 3 is false; the Prime Minister heads the Cabinet.
Key point
Parliamentary government: ministers are MPs, hold office while they have the confidence of the House; Prime Minister heads the Cabinet; President is head of State.
Remember
Cabinet is headed by the Prime Minister, not the President.
Common mistakes
- Mixing up Head of State (President) and Head of Government (Prime Minister).
- Forgetting the six-month rule for a non-member Minister.
- Thinking the President presides over Cabinet meetings.
Exam tip
Two heads: the President reigns, the Prime Minister rules.
Sources
- Constitution of India — Articles 74 and 75
- NCERT Class XI — Indian Constitution at Work, Ch 4 (Executive)