Executive | Class 11 Political Science Notes

PRIME MINISTER AND COUNCIL OF MINISTERS

This section focuses on the role of the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers in the Indian parliamentary system. The Prime Minister is the head of the Council of Ministers and the most important government functionary. The Council of Ministers is dependent on the support of the majority in the Lok Sabha; losing this support means losing office. Historically, the Congress party had a majority, but since 1989 coalition governments have become common. The Prime Minister is appointed by the President and then selects ministers, allocating ranks and portfolios based on seniority and political importance. Ministers can be Cabinet Ministers, Ministers of State, or Deputy Ministers. All ministers must be members of Parliament or get elected within six months of appointment. The section includes a quote from Begum Aizaz Rasul advocating for ministers to be elected by the legislature rather than appointed by the Prime Minister. The 91st Amendment Act (2003) limits the size of the Council of Ministers to 15% of the Lok Sabha or Assembly members to prevent excessively large cabinets and political horse-trading. The Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha, meaning a loss of confidence requires the entire ministry to resign. Collective responsibility implies solidarity; ministers must support cabinet decisions or resign. The Prime Minister acts as a link between the Council, the President, and Parliament, communicating decisions and policies. The Prime Minister's power comes from control over the Council, leadership of the Lok Sabha, command over bureaucracy, media access, and international representation. However, coalition politics since 1989 have eroded prime ministerial authority, requiring negotiation and compromise among allies. At the state level, a similar parliamentary executive exists with the Governor and Chief Minister, though Governors have more discretionary powers.

📊 Diagram: Cartoon showing the Prime Minister literally 'leading' the Council of Ministers; cartoon highlighting ministerial perks and status; photograph of a Chief Minister worried despite winning confidence vote.

🧪 Activity: Check your progress question on how the Prime Minister selects the Council of Ministers.

🔗 Connection: Leads to understanding the permanent executive or bureaucracy that implements government decisions.