Previous Year Question
Out of the following statements, choose the one that brings out the principle underlying the cabinet form of government:
An arrangement for minimising the criticism against the government whose responsibilities are complex and hard to carry out to the satisfaction of all.
A mechanism for speeding up the activities of the government whose responsibilities are increasing day by day.
A mechanism of parliamentary democracy for ensuring collective responsibility of the government to the people.
A device for strengthening the hands of the head of the government whose hold over the people is in a state of decline.
Correct Answer: C
Detailed Solution
The cabinet form of government is founded upon the principle of collective responsibility. The Cabinet remains accountable to the people through Parliament.
Under Article 75(3), the Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha. Since members of the Lok Sabha are directly elected by the people, the Council of Ministers is ultimately accountable to the people.
Meaning of collective responsibility
Collective decision
Cabinet decisions are treated as decisions of the entire Council of Ministers. A minister cannot ordinarily remain in office while publicly opposing a Cabinet decision.
Collective existence
If the Lok Sabha passes a no-confidence motion against the Council of Ministers, the entire Council—not merely an individual minister—must resign.
Political unity
The Council of Ministers must support government policies and decisions collectively in Parliament. A minister with a serious disagreement is expected to resign.
Dependence on Lok Sabha’s confidence
The government remains in office only while it commands majority support in the Lok Sabha.
Constitutional basis
Article 74(1): There shall be a Council of Ministers headed by the Prime Minister to aid and advise the President.
Article 75(1): The President appoints the Prime Minister and appoints other ministers on the Prime Minister’s advice.
Article 75(2): Ministers hold office during the pleasure of the President.
Article 75(3): The Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha.
Article 75(5): A minister who is not a member of either House of Parliament for six consecutive months cannot continue as a minister.
Cabinet and Council of Ministers
The Council of Ministers is the broader body containing all categories of ministers. The Cabinet is its smaller and influential inner group that makes major policy decisions. Constitutionally, Article 75(3) imposes collective responsibility upon the entire Council of Ministers.
Other options
Option (a) concerns minimising criticism, whereas cabinet government increases governmental accountability.
Option (b) concerns administrative speed, which is not the underlying constitutional principle of cabinet government.
Option (d) focuses on strengthening the head of government, whereas collective responsibility and parliamentary control are fundamental.