The Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers

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Class 10 Civics Chapter 3
The Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers
Important Questions

Here are class 10 The Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers important questions and answers .These questions aim to aid students in practising and achieving high scores in their ICSE Class 10 History & Civics Examination 2024-25. Diverse question types will assist in clarifying doubts and effective exam preparation, enhancing problem-solving skills, and building confidence. Important questions of civics class 10 will be helpful in preparing well for the exam.

Introduction

The Prime Minister (PM) serves as the linchpin of the executive branch in a parliamentary system, acting as the head of government and the principal executive authority. As the leader of the majority party in the lower house of parliament, the PM’s appointment is formalised by the head of state, whether that be a monarch or president. This role involves the formulation and execution of government policy, as well as the administration of state affairs, necessitating the PM to coordinate and lead the Council of Ministers. The Council, comprising various senior government officials, including Cabinet Ministers, is responsible for specific governmental departments, working collectively to implement the national agenda. Each minister is tasked with the operation and policy implementation of their respective ministries.These concepts are crucial when studying class 10 The Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers important questions and answers

What are The Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers?

The Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers constitute the executive branch in parliamentary systems like that of India. The Prime Minister, appointed by the head of state or elected by the parliament, serves as the head of government, responsible for running the administration, formulating policies, and overseeing the functioning of various ministries. The Council of Ministers consists of senior members appointed by the Prime Minister, typically heads of various government departments or ministries. Together, they collaborate in decision-making, policy formulation, and implementation, each minister overseeing specific portfolios and collectively being accountable to the parliament.
class 10th civics question answer

Class 10 The Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers important questions and answers

Q 1. Which of the following coordinates the policies and the working of the various departments of the government?
Options
(a) The President
(b) The Prime Minister
(c) The Vice-President
(d) The Speaker of Lok Sabha

Ans.(b) The Prime Minister
Explanation:
The Prime Minister manages the policies and operations of all the ministries of the government in order to ensure that all departments adhere to the Cabinet’s policies and decisions.

Q 2. Who represents India in the international conferences?
Options
(a) The Foreign Minister
(b) The Prime Minister
(c) The President
(d) The Foreign Secretary

Ans.(b) The Prime Minister
Explanation:
Despite the fact that there is a Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Prime Minister has an important role in these matters. In international conferences, he represents India and attends the meetings.

Q 3. What is the role of the Cabinet Secretariat?

Explanation:
The Cabinet has a Secretariat with a Secretary-General as its head. It plays an important coordination role in the decision making at the highest level. It operates under the supervision and direction of the Prime Minister. It prepares the agenda of the Cabinet meetings, prepares minutes of the meetings, and arranges follow-up action for the implementation of the decisions taken in the meeting.

Q 4. What are the diplomatic functions of the Cabinet?

Explanation:

The diplomatic functions of the Cabinet are :
1. The Cabinet finally approves the appointment of Ambassadors.
2. It determines India’s foreign policy with other countries.
3. It formulates the provisions of the Treaties and Agreements with other countries.

Q 5. “In the parliamentary system the Prime Minister vests many powers for controlling the Council of Ministers.” Discuss the Functions and Powers of the Prime Minister as the head of the Council of Minister.

Explanation:

In India, the PM is the head of the Government. He has an edge over Council of minister in executive government because of the following reasons:

  • The Prime Minister recommends persons who can be appointed as ministers by the president. The President can appoint only those persons as ministers who are recommended by the Prime Minister.
  • The Prime Minister can ask a minister to resign or advise the President to dismiss him in case of difference of opinion.
  • It is the PM who presides over the meeting of the council of ministers and influences its decisions.
  • He is the link between the President and council of ministers.
  • Since he is the Chairman of the Planning Commission of India, the ministries headed by other members of the Council of Ministers can be greatly influenced by him through the planning process.
  • He can bring about the collapse of the council of ministers by resigning from office.
  • The role of the Prime Minister in the parliamentary government is so significant and crucial that observers like to call it a “Prime Ministerial government”
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ICSE Class 10 history and civics Chapter wise Important Questions

Conclusion

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Frequently Asked Questions

Ans: The Prime Minister is usually appointed by the head of state. In a parliamentary democracy, this is typically done based on the individual’s ability to command a majority in the lower house of parliament.
Ans: The Prime Minister leads the government, sets its agenda, makes key policy decisions, manages the civil service, represents the country in international affairs, and is the principal spokesperson for the government both domestically and abroad.
Ans: The Council of Ministers is formed by the Prime Minister, who selects members based on their expertise, political influence, and regional representation, subject to the approval of the head of state.
Ans: The Cabinet is a smaller executive body consisting of senior ministers who are heads of their respective departments. It is a subset of the larger Council of Ministers, which includes all the ministers in the executive branch.
Ans: Decisions in the Council of Ministers are usually made collectively, often in Cabinet meetings chaired by the Prime Minister. These decisions are typically made through consensus or majority vote.