The Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers form the core of the executive branch in the Indian parliamentary system. For aspirants of the UPSC Civil Services Examination, as well as state PCS, SSC, and other competitive exams, a deep understanding of this topic is essential. Questions on this area frequently appear in the Polity section of the Prelims, and clarity on the constitutional provisions, conventions, and functions related to this topic can significantly boost your score.
In this post, we present a set of carefully selected Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) on the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, each accompanied by a correct answer and a detailed explanation. These questions are designed not only to test your knowledge but also to strengthen your conceptual clarity, making your preparation more effective and exam-oriented.
Prime Minister and Council of Ministers MCQs and Answers
1. Which article of the Indian Constitution deals with the Prime Minister of India?
(a) Article 74
(b) Article 75
(c) Article 78
(d) Article 85
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Article 75 of the Indian Constitution contains provisions regarding the appointment, tenure, responsibilities, and salaries of the Prime Minister and other Ministers.
2. The Prime Minister of India is appointed by the:
(a) President of India.
(b) Speaker of the Lok Sabha.
(c) Chief Justice of India.
(d) Vice-President of India.
Answer: (a)
Explanation: Article 75(1) states that the Prime Minister shall be appointed by the President and the other Ministers shall be appointed by the President on the advice of the Prime Minister.
3. The Council of Ministers in India is collectively responsible to the:
(a) President of India.
(b) Prime Minister of India.
(c) Lok Sabha.
(d) Rajya Sabha.
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Article 75(3) clearly states that the Council of Ministers shall be collectively responsible to the House of the People (Lok Sabha). This principle is fundamental to the parliamentary system of government.
4. Which of the following qualifications is NOT constitutionally mandated to become the Prime Minister of India?
(a) Citizen of India.
(b) Member of either House of Parliament.
(c) Completed 25 years of age.
(d) Graduate from a recognized university.
Answer: (d)
Explanation: The Constitution does not specify any educational qualification for becoming the Prime Minister. However, they must be a member of either House of Parliament (though they can become PM first and then get elected within six months) and must be a citizen of India and have completed 25 years of age to be a member of the Lok Sabha (or 30 for Rajya Sabha).
5. The salaries and allowances of the Ministers, including the Prime Minister, are determined by:
(a) The President of India.
(b) The Prime Minister’s Office.
(c) The Parliament by law.
(d) A Cabinet resolution.
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Article 75(6) states that the salaries and allowances of Ministers shall be such as Parliament may from time to time by law determine, and until Parliament so determines, shall be as specified in the Second Schedule.
6. The Council of Ministers in India can be broadly classified into:
- Cabinet Ministers
- Ministers of State (Independent Charge)
- Ministers of State
- Deputy Ministers
Select the correct answer using the code below:
(a) Only 1, 2, and 3
(b) Only 2, 3, and 4
(c) Only 1, 3, and 4
(d) 1, 2, 3, and 4
Answer: (d)
Explanation: The Council of Ministers typically comprises all four categories of ministers, each with varying levels of responsibility and seniority within the government.
7. The principle of “collective responsibility” of the Council of Ministers means that:
(a) All ministers must belong to the same political party.
(b) All ministers are jointly responsible for the decisions of the Cabinet, even if they disagreed with them.
(c) The Prime Minister is solely responsible for the failures of the government.
(d) Each minister is only responsible for the functioning of their own ministry.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Collective responsibility is a cornerstone of the parliamentary system. It implies that all members of the Council of Ministers stand together and are jointly accountable for the policies and actions of the government.
8. The Prime Minister of India is the ex-officio Chairman of which of the following bodies?
- NITI Aayog
- National Development Council (NDC)
- Inter-State Council
Select the correct answer using the code below:
(a) Only 1
(b) Only 1 and 2
(c) Only 2 and 3
(d) 1, 2, and 3
Answer: (d)
Explanation: The Prime Minister is the ex-officio Chairman of NITI Aayog, the National Development Council (though the NDC’s role has diminished with the rise of NITI Aayog), and the Inter-State Council.
9. A Minister who is not a member of either House of Parliament at the time of their appointment can continue in office for a maximum period of:
(a) Three months.
(b) Six months.
(c) One year.
(d) Until the next general election.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Article 75(5) states that a Minister who for any period of six consecutive months is not a member of either House of Parliament shall at the expiration of that period cease to be a Minister.
10. The size of the Council of Ministers, including the Prime Minister, is limited to what percentage of the total number of members of the Lok Sabha?
(a) 10 percent
(b) 15 percent
(c) 20 percent
(d) There is no such limit.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: The 91st Amendment Act of 2003 inserted Article 75(1A), which limits the total number of Ministers, including the Prime Minister, in the Council of Ministers to not exceed fifteen percent of the total number of members of the House of the People.
11. Which of the following functions is NOT typically performed by the Prime Minister?
(a) Chairing Cabinet meetings.
(b) Advising the President on the appointment of other Ministers.
(c) Representing India in international forums.
(d) Presiding over the Lok Sabha.
Answer: (d)
Explanation: The Speaker of the Lok Sabha presides over the Lok Sabha. The Prime Minister’s functions include chairing Cabinet meetings, advising the President on ministerial appointments, and representing India internationally.
12. The relationship between the Prime Minister and the President of India is primarily governed by:
(a) The President’s discretion.
(b) The Prime Minister’s authority as head of government.
(c) Article 74 of the Constitution.
(d) Conventions established over time.
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Article 74(1) states that there shall be a Council of Ministers with the Prime Minister at the head to aid and advise the President who shall, in the exercise of their functions, act in accordance with such advice.
13. The Prime Minister tenders their resignation to the:
(a) Speaker of the Lok Sabha.
(b) President of India.
(c) Chief Justice of India.
(d) Vice-President of India.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: The Prime Minister holds office during the pleasure of the President (Article 75(2)), and they tender their resignation to the President.
14. If the Lok Sabha passes a vote of no-confidence against the Council of Ministers, the:
(a) Prime Minister is removed, but the other ministers may continue.
(b) Entire Council of Ministers has to resign.
(c) President can dissolve the Lok Sabha.
(d) Rajya Sabha takes over the functions of the Lok Sabha.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: The principle of collective responsibility (Article 75(3)) means that if the Lok Sabha expresses a lack of confidence in the Council of Ministers, the entire Council, including the Prime Minister, must resign.
15. Which of the following statements about the Cabinet Secretariat is correct?
(a) It is headed by the President.
(b) It is under the direct charge of the Prime Minister.
(c) It functions under the overall control of the Cabinet Secretary.
(d) It is primarily responsible for advising the President on constitutional matters.
Answer: (c)
Explanation: The Cabinet Secretariat functions under the direct control of the Prime Minister and is headed by the Cabinet Secretary, who is the senior-most civil servant in the country. It provides secretarial assistance to the Cabinet and its committees.
16. The Prime Minister communicates to the President all decisions of the Council of Ministers relating to the administration of the affairs of the Union and proposals for legislation. This is a duty under:
(a) Article 74
(b) Article 78
(c) Article 85
(d) Article 105
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Article 78 lays down the duties of the Prime Minister, including communicating to the President all decisions of the Council of Ministers relating to the administration of the affairs of the Union and proposals for legislation, and furnishing such information relating to these as the President may call for.
17. The concept of a “shadow cabinet” is primarily associated with:
(a) The parliamentary system in India.
(b) The presidential system in the United States.
(c) Authoritarian regimes.
(d) Coalition governments.
Answer: (a)
Explanation: A shadow cabinet is a feature of the parliamentary system, particularly in countries like the UK. It consists of a team of senior spokespeople for the opposition party who “shadow” the key portfolios of the government, scrutinizing their policies and offering alternatives. While not formally recognized in the Indian Constitution or rules, it is a practice followed by major opposition parties.
18. The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) is:
(a) A constitutional body established under Article 75.
(b) A statutory body created by an Act of Parliament.
(c) An extra-constitutional body that provides secretarial assistance to the Prime Minister.
(d) Part of the Cabinet Secretariat.
Answer: (c)
Explanation: The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) is an extra-constitutional body, meaning it is not directly established by the Constitution or an Act of Parliament. It is an administrative setup that provides secretarial assistance to the Prime Minister.
19. A vote of no-confidence against the government can be introduced only in the:
(a) Rajya Sabha.
(b) Lok Sabha.
(c) Joint session of Parliament.
(d) Any House of Parliament.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Rule 198 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha specifies the procedure for a motion of no-confidence, indicating that it can only be moved in the Lok Sabha, as the Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to it.
20. Which of the following committees is usually headed by the Prime Minister?
(a) Public Accounts Committee.
(b) Estimates Committee.
(c) Committee on Public Undertakings.
(d) Appointments Committee of the Cabinet.
Answer: (d)
Explanation: The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) is usually chaired by the Prime Minister. It decides on appointments to senior posts in the Government of India.
21. The Prime Minister’s role in relation to the President includes:
- Advising on the appointment of Governors.
- Communicating all decisions of the Council of Ministers.
- Furnishing information as called for by the President.
Select the correct answer using the code below:
(a) Only 1
(b) Only 2
(c) Only 1 and 3
(d) 1, 2, and 3
Answer: (d)
Explanation: Article 78 outlines the duties of the Prime Minister, which include advising the President on the appointment of other Ministers (which implicitly extends to other key appointments like Governors), communicating Cabinet decisions, and providing information as sought by the President.
22. The concept of “individual responsibility” of a Minister means that:
(a) Each minister is responsible for the overall policies of the government.
(b) Each minister is primarily responsible for the functioning of their own ministry.
(c) The Prime Minister is responsible for the conduct of all ministers.
(d) A minister can be removed from office only by a vote of no-confidence against them individually.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Individual responsibility implies that each minister is accountable for the performance and conduct of their own ministry. They are answerable to the Parliament for the affairs of their department.
23. The Prime Minister can ask a Minister to resign or advise the President to dismiss a Minister. This reflects the Prime Minister’s:
(a) Absolute authority over all ministers.
(b) Role as the head of the government and leader of the Council of Ministers.
(c) Power derived directly from the President.
(d) Authority as the leader of the ruling political party.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: As the head of the government and the leader of the Council of Ministers, the Prime Minister has the prerogative to determine the composition of their team and ensure its effective functioning. This includes asking a minister to resign or advising the President to dismiss them.
24. Which of the following is NOT a constitutional function of the Council of Ministers?
(a) To aid and advise the President in the exercise of their functions.
(b) To take all major policy decisions of the government.
(c) To be collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha.
(d) To represent the President in international forums.
Answer: (d)
Explanation: The Council of Ministers aids and advises the President (Article 74), takes major policy decisions, and is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha (Article 75). Representing India in international forums is a function performed by the Prime Minister and relevant ministers, but it’s not a specific constitutional function of the entire Council as a collective.
25. The Prime Minister is often described as “first among equals” in the Council of Ministers. This implies:
(a) The Prime Minister has no more power than any other minister.
(b) The Prime Minister is the head of the government and holds a position of authority, but all ministers are of equal rank.
(c) The Prime Minister is elected by the Council of Ministers.
(d) The Prime Minister can be removed by a vote of no-confidence passed by the Council of Ministers.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: The phrase “first among equals” suggests that while all Cabinet ministers hold the same rank, the Prime Minister is the leader and holds a pre-eminent position with the authority to guide, coordinate, and oversee the work of the government.
26. The Prime Minister’s tenure is:
(a) Fixed for five years.
(b) Co-terminus with the Lok Sabha.
(c) During the pleasure of the President.
(d) Dependent on the confidence of the Rajya Sabha.
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Article 75(2) states that the Ministers shall hold office during the pleasure of the President. While the Prime Minister is usually the leader of the majority party in the Lok Sabha, their formal tenure is at the pleasure of the President. However, this pleasure is usually contingent upon the Prime Minister maintaining the confidence of the Lok Sabha.
27. Which of the following is a constitutional constraint on the Prime Minister’s powers?
(a) The requirement to consult the Supreme Court on major policy decisions.
(b) The collective responsibility of the Council of Ministers to the Lok Sabha.
(c) The power of the President to veto all legislation.
(d) The need to obtain a vote of confidence from both Houses of Parliament.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: The collective responsibility of the Council of Ministers to the Lok Sabha is a significant constitutional constraint on the Prime Minister’s powers, as it means the government must maintain the confidence of the Lower House to stay in power.
28. The Prime Minister plays a crucial role in the formation of the Council of Ministers by:
(a) Directly electing all ministers.
(b) Advising the President on the selection and appointment of ministers.
(c) Determining the salaries and allowances of ministers.
(d) Deciding on the tenure of all ministers.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Article 75(1) states that the other Ministers shall be appointed by the President on the advice of the Prime Minister. This gives the Prime Minister a central role in choosing their team.
29. Which of the following is a function of the Cabinet Committees?
(a) To advise the President on constitutional matters.
(b) To scrutinize the financial accounts of the government.
(c) To deal with specific issues and formulate proposals for the Cabinet.
(d) To conduct elections to the Parliament and State Legislatures.
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Cabinet Committees are extra-constitutional bodies that are formed to deal with specific areas of governance and make recommendations to the Cabinet. They help in the efficient transaction of government business by deliberating on specific issues.
30. The Prime Minister’s leadership is crucial for:
- Maintaining unity in the Council of Ministers.
- Coordinating the work of different ministries.
- Presenting a cohesive government policy.
Select the correct answer using the code below:
(a) Only 1
(b) Only 2
(c) Only 1 and 3
(d) 1, 2, and 3
Answer: (d)
Explanation: The Prime Minister, as the head of the government, plays a vital role in maintaining cohesion within the Council of Ministers, ensuring coordination among different ministries, and presenting a unified policy framework to the nation and the world.
31. The Prime Minister’s relationship with the Parliament involves:
(a) Presiding over both Houses.
(b) Introducing all legislation.
(c) Answering questions and participating in debates, particularly in the Lok Sabha.
(d) Certifying all money bills.
Answer: (c)
Explanation: As a member of the Lok Sabha (usually), the Prime Minister participates in parliamentary proceedings, answers questions related to their portfolio and the government’s policies, and engages in debates.
32. The Council of Ministers is responsible for:
(a) Interpreting the Constitution.
(b) Enforcing judicial decisions.
(c) Formulating and implementing government policies.
(d) Electing the President and Vice-President.
Answer: (c)
Explanation: The primary function of the Council of Ministers is to formulate and implement the policies of the government, under the overall guidance and leadership of the Prime Minister.
33. The Prime Minister’s role as a link between the President and the Council of Ministers is mandated by:
(a) Article 74(2)
(b) Article 78(1)
(c) Article 85(2)
(d) Article 105(4)
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Article 78(1) specifically lays down the duty of the Prime Minister to communicate to the President all decisions of the Council of Ministers relating to the administration of the affairs of the Union and proposals for legislation.
34. The stability of the Council of Ministers largely depends on the:
(a) Support of the President.
(b) Confidence of the Rajya Sabha.
(c) Confidence of the Lok Sabha.
(d) Approval of the Supreme Court.
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Due to the principle of collective responsibility, the Council of Ministers remains in power as long as it enjoys the confidence of the Lok Sabha. A vote of no-confidence passed by the Lok Sabha can lead to the fall of the government.
35. The Prime Minister’s authority within the Council of Ministers stems from:
(a) Their direct election by the people.
(b) Their appointment by the President.
(c) Their leadership of the majority party in the Lok Sabha and their role as head of government.
(d) Their seniority in age among the ministers.
Answer: (c)
Explanation: The Prime Minister’s authority is primarily derived from their position as the leader of the party or coalition that commands a majority in the Lok Sabha and their role as the head of the government, which allows them to guide and coordinate the Council of Ministers.
36. Which of the following is NOT a prerogative of the Prime Minister?
(a) To choose ministers and allocate portfolios.
(b) To advise the President on the dissolution of the Lok Sabha.
(c) To preside over joint sittings of both Houses of Parliament.
(d) To communicate government policies to the nation.
Answer: (c)
Explanation: The Speaker of the Lok Sabha usually presides over joint sittings of both Houses of Parliament (Article 118(4)). The Prime Minister does have the prerogative to choose ministers, advise on the dissolution of the Lok Sabha, and communicate government policies.
37. The Council of Ministers aids and advises the President in the exercise of their:
(a) Legislative powers.
(b) Judicial powers.
(c) Executive powers.
(d) Amendment powers.
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Article 74(1) states that there shall be a Council of Ministers with the Prime Minister at the head to aid and advise the President who shall, in the exercise of their functions, act in accordance with such advice. These functions primarily relate to the executive powers of the President.
38. The Prime Minister’s role in foreign policy includes:
(a) Negotiating treaties without consulting the Cabinet.
(b) Representing India in international summits and bilateral talks.
(c) Ratifying all international agreements without parliamentary approval.
(d) Appointing all ambassadors without the President’s involvement.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: The Prime Minister plays a significant role in shaping and representing India’s foreign policy, including participating in international summits and bilateral discussions with leaders of other countries. However, they operate within the framework of Cabinet decisions and constitutional provisions.
39. The Council of Ministers is responsible to the Lok Sabha, which means:
(a) Individual ministers are accountable to the Lok Sabha for their actions.
(b) The entire Council is collectively accountable to the Lok Sabha and must maintain its confidence.
(c) The Lok Sabha can directly appoint and dismiss ministers.
(d) The Lok Sabha has the power to overrule Cabinet decisions.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Collective responsibility to the Lok Sabha means that the entire Council of Ministers, led by the Prime Minister, is accountable to the Lower House of Parliament and must enjoy its majority support to remain in power.
40. The Prime Minister’s position can be weakened by:
(a) A strong and unified opposition.
(b) Internal dissent within the ruling party or coalition.
(c) Adverse public opinion.
(d) All of the above.
Answer: (d)
Explanation: The Prime Minister’s authority and stability can be challenged by a strong opposition, lack of unity within their own party or coalition, and widespread public disapproval of the government’s policies or performance.
41. The Prime Minister’s role in relation to the bureaucracy involves:
(a) Directly controlling all appointments and transfers of civil servants.
(b) Overseeing the functioning of various government ministries and departments through the Council of Ministers.
(c) Being the ex-officio head of all civil services.
(d) Personally drafting all major policy documents.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: The Prime Minister, through the Council of Ministers, oversees the functioning of the bureaucracy, which is responsible for implementing government policies. While the Prime Minister has significant influence on senior appointments, the direct control lies with the respective ministries and the Union Public Service Commission.
42. The Council of Ministers is bound by the advice of the:
(a) President.
(b) Supreme Court.
(c) Prime Minister.
(d) Parliament.
Answer: (c)
Explanation: While the Council of Ministers aids and advises the President, within the Council, the Prime Minister is the head, and the other ministers generally follow their lead and the collective decisions of the Cabinet.
43. The Prime Minister’s power to advise the President on the dissolution of the Lok Sabha is a significant tool that can be used when:
(a) The government loses a vote of no-confidence.
(b) The Prime Minister believes a fresh mandate is needed from the people.
(c) The term of the Lok Sabha is about to expire.
(d) All of the above.
Answer: (d)
Explanation: The Prime Minister can advise the President to dissolve the Lok Sabha in various situations, including after losing a no-confidence vote, when seeking a fresh mandate, or towards the end of the Lok Sabha’s term.
44. The Council of Ministers can include members from:
(a) Only the Lok Sabha.
(b) Only the Rajya Sabha.
(c) Both Houses of Parliament.
(d) Neither House of Parliament, for a maximum of six months.
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Ministers can be members of either the Lok Sabha or the Rajya Sabha. Article 75(5) allows a person to be a minister for up to six months without being a member of either House, but they must get elected within that period to continue.
45. The Prime Minister’s role in economic policy includes:
(a) Directly controlling the Reserve Bank of India.
(b) Heading key economic policy-making bodies like NITI Aayog.
(c) Personally preparing the Union Budget.
(d) Approving all foreign investments without consulting the Finance Minister.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: The Prime Minister chairs important economic policy bodies like NITI Aayog, playing a significant role in shaping the economic direction of the country. However, specific functions like monetary policy (RBI) and budget preparation (Finance Minister) are handled by relevant institutions and ministers.
46. The Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha, and this responsibility is enforced through:
(a) The President’s power to dismiss the government.
(b) The Rajya Sabha’s power to pass a vote of censure.
(c) Instruments like votes of no-confidence and censure motions in the Lok Sabha.
(d) Judicial review by the Supreme Court.
Answer: (c)
Explanation: The Lok Sabha holds the Council of Ministers accountable through mechanisms like votes of no-confidence, censure motions, and debates on government policies and actions.
47. The Prime Minister’s absence from the country typically leads to:
(a) The President taking over their functions.
(b) The Speaker of the Lok Sabha assuming their responsibilities.
(c) A senior Cabinet Minister being designated to discharge their routine functions.
(d) The government ceasing to function.
Answer: (c)
Explanation: When the Prime Minister is away, a senior member of the Cabinet is usually designated to handle routine governmental functions and chair Cabinet meetings in their absence.
48. The Council of Ministers operates on the principle of:
(a) Strict hierarchy with absolute power vested in the Prime Minister.
(b) Collective decision-making and shared responsibility.
(c) Individual ministers making decisions for their respective ministries without Cabinet approval.
(d) Advice from the Supreme Court guiding all policy decisions.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: The Council of Ministers functions on the principle of collective decision-making and shared responsibility, where discussions and deliberations within the Cabinet lead to government policies, for which all ministers are collectively accountable.
49. The Prime Minister’s role in appointments extends to:
(a) Directly appointing all civil servants.
(b) Advising the President on the appointment of key officials like Governors, heads of commissions, and diplomats.
(c) Selecting judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts.
(d) Appointing the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: While the President formally makes these appointments, they do so on the advice of the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers. The Prime Minister plays a crucial role in these selections. Judicial appointments involve a different process through the collegium system.
50. The Prime Minister’s authority is significantly enhanced by:
(a) A fragmented mandate in the Lok Sabha.
(b) A strong personal rapport with the President.
(c) A clear majority for their party or coalition in the Lok Sabha.
(d) Frequent interventions by the Supreme Court in policy matters.
Answer: (c)
Explanation: A strong majority in the Lok Sabha provides the Prime Minister with greater stability and authority to implement their agenda and lead the Council of Ministers effectively. A fragmented mandate often leads to a weaker and more constrained Prime Minister due to the need for constant coalition management.
Mastering topics like the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers requires both factual accuracy and conceptual depth—exactly what competitive exams like UPSC CSE demand. We hope these MCQs, with their detailed explanations, have helped clarify important constitutional principles and governance mechanisms.
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