Prime Minister

Explain how the Cabinet coordinates the functioning of various ministers

-coordinates the working of various departments -all gov't policies require involvement of several departments

Explain power to implementation of policy of the Cabinet

-decision is taken by cabinet --> conveyed to Minister of State and Deputy Minister who work out the details--> pass to civil servants -business of gov't is managed by both the CoM and the civil servants

Explain the relationship of PM inside parliament

1. Leader of Lok Sabha, as leader of the majority party 2. Spokesperson of the gov't 3. Defender of gov't policies 4. intervention in controversial issues

Explain the relationship of the PM and the Cabinet

1. Leader of the cabinet, PM is head of the Cabinet 2. Power to allocate portfolios and reshuffle the CoM 3. Power to select and dismiss ministers 4. Power to direct and coordinate policy 5. resignation of the MP means the whole Cabinet resigns

What are the administrative powers of the Cabinet?

1. Policy Making 2. Implementation of policies 3. Coordinates the functioning of various ministers 4. Appointments

Who are the cabinet ministerS?

The most important members of the Council of ministers holding important portfolios like home, defence, railways, etc. They are the trusted members of the PM and the senior leaders of the party

Who appoints the prime minister and how

The president. He invites the leader of the majority party or group in the Lok Sabha to form the government. When no single political party secures an absolute majority, the pres may have some option in appointment. But he must appoint that person who can prove he has the support of the smaller groups or parties in order to have majority in the house

How are the other minsters appointed

by the president on the advice of the PM

What are emergency powers of the Cabinet?

cannot declare a proclamation of general emergency without the decision in writing of the Cabinet

Who is the CoM responsible to?

collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha

How is being a minister an elected post?

only members of parliament are appointed as ministers. In case he is a non-member, he must be elected or nominated to parliament within six months of the date of his appointment

Who are the deputy ministerS?

the third category of ministers who assist the Cabinet Ministers and Council of Ministers. They take no part in Cabinet deliberations

Explain policy making power of cabinet

-formulates external and domestic policy -decisions on matters of defence, economic policy, security needs, imports, etc. -individual ministers have reasonable freedom but must consult the cabinet on important matters

What is the legislative power of the cabinet with regard to introduction of bills?

-most bills are initiated by the Cabinet -legislative proposals of the Cabinet are Official Bills -Official bills are given priority to private bills -preparing the draft, presenting the bill, and explaining its merits are done by the Cabinet -pilots the bill through various processes of legistlation from introduction to final passage

What are the Financial powers of the Cabinet

1. Budget: Finance minister prepares annual budget 2. Finances of the Gov't: Cabinet is responsible for the expenditure of the gov't 3. Introduction of Money Bills

What are the legislative powers of the Cabinet?

1. Introduction of bills 2. Source of information 3. Amendment to the Constitution 4. Summoning the houses of parliament (Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs) 5. President's Special Address is prepared by the Cabinet, thus the cabinet sets forth the legislative programme of Lok Sobha 6. Issuing ordinances, done by President on the advice of the Cabinet

explain the relationship between the PM and the Pres

1. PM is principal advisor of the Pres. Pres is nominal head, PM is real executive head 2. advises on appointments, summoning and proroguing Parliament, dissolving Lok Sabha 3. link between Pres and CoM 4. The PM must furnish the Pres with information regarding the affairs of the Union if he calls for it

Differentiate between CoM and Cabinet

1. all categories of ministers vs. smaller group of trusted, senior men holding imp portfolios 2. may or may not consult non-cabinet ministers vs. always consults cabinet ministers 3. CoM rarely meets as a whole vs. meets as frequently as possible 4. CoM does not really advise the Pres vs. Cabinet advises Pres through the PM in day-to-day governance

What is the Minister's oath of office?

1. bear true faith and allegiance to the Constituion 2. uphold the sovereignty and integrity of india 3. faithfully and conscientiously discharge his duties

How is the PM's authority checked?

1. has to ensure support of his ministers and the party 2. in case of coalition, his position becomes more vulnerable 3. Opposition parties 4. Press and public opinion

Explain the PM as leader of th nation

1. when he speaks the whole nation speaks through him 2. during national crises, even the opposition supports the PM 3. PM tries to protect country interests in int'l forums 4. General Election, people vote for the PM 5. ex-officio chairman of the Planning Commission and Atomic Energy Commission

What is Cabinet's power of appointments

Appointments are made by the president but on the advice of the Cabinet. e.g. Supreme Court and High Court judges, Governors, Chief Election Commissioner

Explain collective responsibility of the CoM

CoM is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha 1. Decisions taken in meetings of the Cabinet are equally applicable to all Ministers even though they may differ on a particular policy 2. Ministers jointly share responsibility for the gov't's policies and performance 3. Vote of no-confidence against one minister is a vote against the whole ministry

Explain individual responsibility fo the Ministers

Individually responsible to the Pres, may be dismissed by him on the advice of the PM -answerable to Parliament for the department under his control -responsible for matters such as 1) personal lapse 2) departure from official policy c) breach of oath of secrecy

What is the Minister's oath of secrecy?

Minister swears not to directly or indirectly communicate or reveal to anyone any matter which is brought for consideration except as may be required for the discharge of his duties

How are the cabinet ministers appointed?

PM selects his senior and trustworthy colleagues and advises the President to appoint them as Cabinet Ministers

When do the ministers hold office?

during the pleasure of the Pres, but in actuality while they enjoy the majority support of the Lok Sabha

How is the cabinet formed?

small but important body of senior leaders of the party, who are included in the Council of Ministers. They hold important portfolios and decide major gov't policies. They, being the trusted men of the PM form the nucleus of the administration. The Cabinet is the pivot around which the whole administration revolves

How is the salary of a minister determined?

such as the parliament from time to time determines

Who are the ministers of state?

the second category of ministers who may or may not hold independent charge of any portfolio. They so not participate in Cabinet meetings, but may be invited to attend when matters concerning their departments are being considered