Question

Study the figure and answer the following questions: 

1. What is meant by the term 'Cabinet'? Who comprises the Cabinet?
2. State three points of difference between the Cabinet and the Council of Ministers.
3. Distinguish between individual responsibility and collective responsibility.

Answer 1

1. The Cabinet comprises top party leaders serving on the Council of Ministers.
   1. They occupy crucial portfolios and make significant decisions for the government.
   2. As the Prime Minister's loyal colleagues, they include the administration's nucleus.
   3. In truth, the Cabinet is the pivot around which the entire administration swings.
   4. They hold vital portfolios in home, defence, finance, external affairs, and railways.
   5. A Cabinet Minister is in charge of one or more ministries.
   6. Only Cabinet Ministers have the privilege to attend Cabinet meetings.
   7. They work together to develop the government's policy and programme.

2. S. No.	Council of Ministers	Cabinet
   1.	The Council of Ministers includes Cabinet Ministers, Ministers of State, and Deputy Ministers.	The 'Cabinet' is a group of 15 - 18 senior ministers who hold key portfolios such as defence, finance, and home affairs.
   2.	The Prime Minister may or may not consult with Ministers below the Cabinet level.	They are the Prime Minister's most trusted colleagues and are regularly consulted. Cabinet decisions are binding on all ministers.
   3.	The Council of Ministers rarely meets during its daily operations.	The Cabinet is a small group of senior ministers responsible for determining government policies and programs. They meet frequently.

3. The differences between collective responsibility and individual responsibility of the Council of Ministers are as follows:
   

   S. No.	Collective Responsibility	Individual Responsibility
   1.	The Lok Sabha holds collective responsibility for the Council of Ministers, as stated in Article 75(3) of the Constitution.	Ministers are responsible to the President.
   2.	Cabinet decisions apply equally to all Ministers despite policy differences.	Each Minister is accountable to Parliament for the department under their authority. He must answer all queries from MPs on personal lapses, deviation from public policy, breach of oath of secrecy, and other issues.
   3.	A vote of no-confidence against a minister is a vote against the entire ministry. A Ministry that has lost the confidence of the Lok Sabha must resign.	The President may fire a minister based on the Prime Minister's advice, even if they enjoy the legislature's confidence.