The Prime Minister and the Union Council of Ministers play a crucial role in shaping the governance of India, leading the executive branch of the government. Understanding their functions, responsibilities, and how they influence national policy is key to grasping the structure of Indian politics. This article presents a comprehensive set of Prime Minister & Union Council of Ministers GK MCQs, designed to test your knowledge and provide valuable insights into their roles in the Indian political system.
1. Which among the following statements is correct about the Prime Minister of India?
- He cannot dismiss any of his ministers.
- He is responsible to the Parliament.
- Prime Minister is the nominal head of the Council of Ministers.
- Prime Minister is the real head of the Council of Ministers.
Show Answer
Answer: Prime Minister is the real head of the Council of Ministers.
According to Article 74(1) of the Indian Constitution, there shall be a Council of Ministers with the Prime Minister at the head to aid and advise the President. This provision establishes the parliamentary system of government in India, where real power is vested in the Prime Minister. The President is expected to act in accordance with the advice of the Council of Ministers.
2. Who administers the oath to the Prime Minister of India?
- Chief Justice of India
- President
- A Judge of Supreme Court
- The Speaker
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Answer: President
The President administers the oaths of office and secrecy to the Prime Minister, ensuring that the Prime Minister swears not to communicate or reveal any matters brought under his consideration, except as required for the discharge of his duties as a Union Minister. This oath underscores the principle of confidentiality in the functioning of the Council of Ministers.
3. What is the term of Prime Minister as mentioned in the Constitution?
- 5 Years
- 6 Years
- No fixed term
- None of the above
Show Answer
Answer: No fixed term
While the Constitution does not fix the term of the Prime Minister, the Prime Minister holds office during the pleasure of the President. This means that the President can remove the Prime Minister from office at any time, as long as it is done following the constitutional process. However, this does not imply that the President can dismiss the Prime Minister arbitrarily.
4. Who decides the salary and allowances of the Prime Minister?
- By Parliament
- By Lok Sabha
- By Rajya Sabha
- By Council of Ministers
Show Answer
Answer: By Parliament
The salary and allowances of the Prime Minister of India are determined by the Parliament, and they are equivalent to those payable to a Member of Parliament. This emphasizes the principle of financial accountability in the government.
5. Who allocates and reshuffles various portfolios among the ministers?
- The Parliament
- The Lok Sabha
- The Prime Minister
- The Cabinet
Show Answer
Answer: The Prime Minister
The Prime Minister plays a pivotal role in allocating and reshuffling various ministerial portfolios among the members of the Council of Ministers. Additionally, the Prime Minister can ask a minister to resign or advise the President to dismiss a minister in the case of a difference of opinion, demonstrating his authority in the functioning of the government.
6. Which of the following statements are correct with respect to Prime Minister?
1. He recommends persons who can be appointed as ministers by the president.
2. He presides over the meeting of the council of ministers.
3. He can bring about the collapse of the council of ministers by resigning from office.
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
- Only 1
- Only 1 & 2
- Only 3
- All of the above
Show Answer
Answer: All of the above
The Prime Minister recommends individuals for appointment as ministers to the President. The President can appoint only those persons as ministers who are recommended by the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister guides, directs, controls, and coordinates the activities of all ministers. Moreover, the Prime Minister can bring about the collapse of the Council of Ministers by resigning from office.
7. Who advises the president with regard to the appointment of important officials like Attorney General of India, Comptroller and Auditor General of India?
- The Council of Ministers
- The Prime Minister
- The Chief Justice of India
- The Union Home Minister
Show Answer
Answer: The Prime Minister
The Prime Minister also advises the President on the appointment of important officials, such as the Attorney General of India, Comptroller and Auditor General of India, members of constitutional bodies, and more, which highlights the Prime Minister’s role in shaping the government.
8. Who can recommend the dissolution of the Lok Sabha to the President at any time?
- Prime Minister
- Council of Ministers
- Lok Sabha
- Speaker
Show Answer
Answer: Prime Minister
The Prime Minister advises the President on matters related to the summoning, proroguing, and dissolution of Parliament. This underscores the Prime Minister’s influence over the legislative functions of the government.
9. The Prime Minister of India does not act as the chairman of which of the following?
- NITI Ayog
- National Water Resources Council
- Inter-State Council
- National Green Tribunal
Show Answer
Answer: National Green Tribunal
While the Prime Minister does not serve as the chairman of the National Green Tribunal (NGT), he does act as the chairman of various other bodies, including NITI Aayog, National Integration Council, Inter-State Council, National Water Resources Council, and more.
10. Who described the Prime Minister as ‘primus inter pares’ (first among equals) and ‘key stone of the cabinet arch’?
- Herbert Marrison
- Sir William Vernor Harcourt
- H.J. Laski
- Lord Morely
Show Answer
Answer: Lord Morely
Lord Morely described the Prime Minister as ‘primus inter pares’ (first among equals) and ‘key stone of the cabinet arch.’ He said, “The head of the cabinet is ‘primus inter pares,’ and occupied a position which long as it lasts is one of exceptional and peculiar authority.”
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