Prime Minister and Council of Ministers in a Parliamentary System

A set of 15 question-and-answer flashcards covering the roles, powers, responsibilities, and challenges of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers in a parliamentary system.

Who is the head of government in a parliamentary system?

The Prime Minister.

What is the body of high-ranking officials that assists the Prime Minister in governance called?

The Council of Ministers.

As Chief Executive, what primary responsibility does the Prime Minister hold?

Overseeing the administration of the government.

How is the Prime Minister selected in systems such as India’s?

By being elected as the leader of the majority party or coalition in the lower house (e.g., Lok Sabha) and maintaining its confidence.

Name two key appointment powers of the Prime Minister.

Appointing ministers and appointing governors of states (along with other key officials).

What legislative role allows the Prime Minister to influence law-making directly?

Introducing government bills and ensuring their passage through the legislature.

What significant power can the Prime Minister recommend to the President regarding the lower house?

The dissolution of the lower house of Parliament.

Which category of ministers heads major government departments like Finance or Home Affairs?

Cabinet Ministers.

What constitutional principle makes all members of the Council of Ministers jointly answerable for cabinet decisions?

Collective responsibility.

What must occur if the legislature passes a vote of no confidence against the Council of Ministers?

All ministers, including the Prime Minister, must resign.

What is meant by individual ministerial responsibility?

Each minister is accountable for the performance of their own department and must resign if they lose the Prime Minister’s or Parliament’s confidence.

What are Cabinet meetings primarily used for?

Discussing important issues, making policy decisions, and recording minutes for accountability.

List any two challenges faced by the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers.

Examples include political opposition, public opinion/media scrutiny, coalition management, and ensuring administrative efficiency.

In coalition governments, what major difficulty does the Prime Minister often face?

Managing diverse party interests and maintaining unity within the coalition.

Why is it important to understand the roles and powers of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers?

Because their effectiveness directly affects political stability, policy outcomes, and national development in a parliamentary democracy.