UPSC Prelims 2017 Q99: Indian Polity – Union & State Executive
- (a) An arrangement for minimizing the criticism against the Government whose responsibilities are complex and hard to carry out to the satisfaction of all.
- (b) A mechanism for speeding up the activities of the Government whose responsibilities are increasing day by day.
- (c) A mechanism of parliamentary democracy for ensuring collective responsibility of the Government to the people.
- (d) A device for strengthening the hands of the head of the Government whose hold over the people is in a state of decline.
Answer: (c) A mechanism of parliamentary democracy for ensuring collective responsibility of the Government to the people.
Explanation
Principle underlying the Cabinet form of Government
The Cabinet system rests on collective responsibility.
Article 75(3): the Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha, and through it to the people.
Ministers swim or sink together.
| Option | Verdict | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| (a) An arrangement for minimizing the criticism against the Government | Incorrect | The system invites criticism in Parliament |
| (b) A mechanism for speeding up the activities of the Government | Incorrect | Speed is not its underlying principle |
| (c) A mechanism of parliamentary democracy for ensuring collective responsibility of the Government to the people | Correct | This is the core principle |
| (d) A device for strengthening the hands of the head of the Government | Incorrect | The Prime Minister is first among equals |
Two kinds of responsibility:
| Type | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Collective | The whole Council resigns if the Lok Sabha passes a no-confidence motion |
| Individual | A Minister holds office during the pleasure of the President (Article 75(2)) |
Answer: (c) A mechanism for ensuring collective responsibility of the Government to the people.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. The Cabinet system does not aim at minimizing criticism; it answers criticism.
- (b) Incorrect. Speeding up the activities of the Government is not the underlying principle.
- (c) CORRECT. The Cabinet form ensures collective responsibility of the Government to the people.
- (d) Incorrect. It is not a device for strengthening the head of the Government.
Key point
Cabinet government = collective responsibility (Article 75(3)): the Council of Ministers answers as one body to the Lok Sabha and so to the people.
Remember
Cabinet system = collective responsibility to the people.
Common mistakes
- Choosing an option about efficiency, which is a by-product and not the principle.
- Thinking the Cabinet exists to strengthen the Prime Minister.
- Confusing collective responsibility with a Minister's individual responsibility.
Exam tip
Cabinet government = collective responsibility. Look for these two words in the options.
Sources
- Constitution of India — Article 75
- NCERT Class XI — Indian Constitution at Work, Ch 4 (Executive)