Question 1

Consider the following statements regarding the relationship between the President and the Council of Ministers:
1. The President is constitutionally obligated to act in accordance with the advice tendered by the Council of Ministers.
2. The President possesses the authority to request the Council of Ministers to reconsider its advice.
3. The advice tendered by ministers to the President is subject to judicial review to ensure constitutional compliance.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Accepted Answer

1 and 2 only. Statement 1 is correct as the President 'shall' act in accordance with the advice. Statement 2 is also correct as the President 'may require the Council of Ministers to reconsider such advice'. Statement 3 is incorrect because Article 74(2) explicitly states that the advice tendered by Ministers 'shall not be inquired into in any court'.

Question 2

Statement I: The Constitution of India provides a detailed and exhaustive codification of the principles of the parliamentary system of government.
Statement II: Article 74 of the Constitution deals with the status of the Council of Ministers, while Article 75 pertains to their appointment, tenure, and responsibilities.

Accepted Answer

Statement I is incorrect but Statement II is correct.. Statement I is incorrect. The source text mentions that the principles of the parliamentary system are dealt with in a 'broad, sketchy and general manner' and are 'not detailed in the Constitution'. Statement II is correct as it accurately reflects the information given in the text regarding the contents of Articles 74 and 75.

Question 3

With reference to the advice tendered by the Council of Ministers to the President,
which of the following statements is/are NOT correct?
1. The President must accept the advice of the Council of Ministers without any recourse for reconsideration.
2. The President is bound to act according to the advice tendered after it has been reconsidered by the Council of Ministers.
3. The judiciary is empowered to examine the legality and constitutionality of the advice given by the ministers to the President.

Accepted Answer

1 and 3 only. Statement 1 is not correct because the President has the power to require the Council of Ministers to reconsider its advice. Statement 3 is not correct as Article 74(2) explicitly bars judicial inquiry into the advice tendered by ministers. Statement 2 is correct, as the President 'shall act in accordance with the advice tendered after such reconsideration'. The question asks for the statements that are NOT correct.

Question 4

Consider the following features of the Indian politico-administrative system:
1. The Prime Minister functions as the head of the Council of Ministers.
2. The Council of Ministers is the real executive authority.
3. The Indian parliamentary system is modelled on the American pattern.
4. Cabinet Committees are constitutional bodies detailed in Article 75.
How many of the above statements are correct?

Accepted Answer

Only two. Statement 1 is correct ('Council of Ministers with the Prime Minister at the head'). Statement 2 is correct ('the council of ministers... is the real executive authority'). Statement 3 is incorrect; the text states the system is 'modelled on the British pattern'. Statement 4 is incorrect; the heading 'Cabinet Committees — Extra-Constitutional but Vital' indicates they are not constitutional bodies. Therefore, only two statements are correct.

Question 5

Consider the following pairs:
1. Status of the Council of Ministers : Article 74
2. Judicial inquiry into ministerial advice : Permitted by the Constitution
3. Cabinet Committees : Extra-Constitutional bodies
How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

Accepted Answer

Only two pairs. Pair 1 is correctly matched as the text states 'Article 74 deals with the status of the council of ministers'. Pair 2 is incorrectly matched because the text, quoting Article 74(2), says the advice 'shall not be inquired into in any court'. Pair 3 is correctly matched, as implied by the heading 'Cabinet Committees — Extra-Constitutional but Vital'. Thus, two pairs are correctly matched.

Question 6

Consider the following pairs:
1. Article 75 : Duties of Prime Minister
2. Article 77 : Conduct of business of the Government of India
3. Article 78 : Council of Ministers to aid and advise President
4. Article 88 : Rights of Ministers as respects the Houses
How many of the pairs given above are correctly matched?

Accepted Answer

Only two pairs. Article 75 deals with 'Other provisions as to Ministers'. Article 78 outlines the 'Duties of Prime Minister'. Article 74 pertains to the 'Council of Ministers to aid and advise President'. Therefore, only pairs 2 and 4 are correctly matched.

Question 7

With reference to the provisions concerning Ministers in the Union Government, consider the following statements:
1. The total number of ministers, including the Prime Minister, shall not exceed 15% of the total strength of the Lok Sabha.
2. A member of Parliament disqualified on the ground of defection is also disqualified to be appointed as a minister.
3. The salaries and allowances of ministers are determined by the President.
Which of the statements given above is/are NOT correct?

Accepted Answer

3 only. Statements 1 and 2 are correct provisions added by the 91st Amendment Act of 2003. Statement 3 is incorrect because Article 75 states that the salaries and allowances of ministers shall be determined by the Parliament, not the President.

Question 8

Consider the following statements regarding the relationship between the President, Prime Minister, and the Council of Ministers:
1. The Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha.
2. The Prime Minister is constitutionally obligated to communicate all decisions of the Council of Ministers relating to administration to the President.
3. A minister holds office during the pleasure of the Prime Minister.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Accepted Answer

1 and 2 only. Statement 1 is correct as per Article 75(5). Statement 2 is correct as per Article 78(1). Statement 3 is incorrect; Article 75(4) states that ministers hold office during the pleasure of the President, not the Prime Minister.

Question 9

Consider the following statements:
1. A minister who is a member of the Lok Sabha has the right to speak in the Rajya Sabha.
2. A minister can vote in any committee of Parliament of which he may be named a member.
3. All executive actions of the Government of India are formally taken in the name of the Prime Minister.
4. A person can remain a minister for up to six consecutive months without being a member of Parliament.
How many of the above statements are correct?

Accepted Answer

Only two statements. Statement 1 is correct (Article 88). Statement 2 is incorrect; a minister has the right to speak in a committee but is not entitled to vote unless they are a member of that specific committee (Article 88). Statement 3 is incorrect; executive actions are taken in the name of the President (Article 77). Statement 4 is correct (Article 75). Thus, only two statements (1 and 4) are correct.

Question 10

With reference to the appointment and tenure of Union Ministers, consider the following statements:
1. The Prime Minister is appointed by the President.
2. Other Ministers are appointed by the President on the advice of the Prime Minister.
3. A minister who is not a member of either house of Parliament for any period of six consecutive months shall cease to be a minister.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Accepted Answer

1, 2 and 3. All three statements are correct as per the provisions of Article 75. The President appoints the Prime Minister and other ministers on the PM's advice. Furthermore, a minister must become a member of Parliament within six months of their appointment to continue in office.

Question 11

Consider the following statements regarding the relationship between the President and the Council of Ministers:
1. The advice tendered by the Council of Ministers was made binding on the President through the 42nd and 44th Constitutional Amendment Acts.
2. The President can exercise executive power without the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers after the dissolution of the Lok Sabha.
3. The 'satisfaction of the President', as required by the Constitution in various provisions, refers to the personal satisfaction of the President.
Which of the statements given above is/are NOT correct?

Accepted Answer

2 and 3 only. Statement 1 is correct. Statements 2 and 3 are incorrect. The Supreme Court has held that even after the dissolution of the Lok Sabha, the council of ministers continues to hold office and the President cannot exercise executive power without their aid and advice. Furthermore, the court has clarified that the President's satisfaction is not personal but is the satisfaction of the council of ministers.

Question 12

Statement I: The principle of collective responsibility implies that when the Lok Sabha passes a no-confidence motion, all ministers, including those from the Rajya Sabha, must resign.
Statement II: Article 75 of the Constitution states that the council of ministers is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha.

Accepted Answer

Both Statement I and Statement II are correct and Statement II is the correct explanation for Statement I.. Article 75 establishes the principle of collective responsibility of the Council of Ministers to the Lok Sabha. This means the government must command the confidence of the lower house. A successful no-confidence motion demonstrates a loss of this confidence, obligating the entire council, regardless of which house its members belong to, to resign. Thus, Statement II provides the constitutional basis for the procedure described in Statement I.

Question 13

With reference to the responsibility of ministers in the Union government, consider the following statements:
1. A minister who disagrees with a Cabinet decision is not obligated to defend it and can continue in office by remaining silent.
2. The Prime Minister can advise the President to dismiss a minister to ensure the realisation of collective responsibility.
3. The principle of individual responsibility means a minister holds office during the pleasure of the Prime Minister.
4. The resignation of a minister due to disagreement with a cabinet policy is an application of the principle of collective responsibility.
How many of the statements given above are correct?

Accepted Answer

Only two. Statement 1 is incorrect; a minister who disagrees with a cabinet decision must either defend it or resign. Statement 2 is correct; the Prime Minister can enforce collective responsibility by advising the President to dismiss a non-compliant minister. Statement 3 is incorrect; ministers hold office during the pleasure of the President, although this power is exercised on the PM's advice. Statement 4 is correct; a minister resigning over a policy disagreement is an application of the principle of collective responsibility, which requires unanimity or resignation.

Question 14

Consider the following pairs regarding the legal responsibility of ministers:
1. Countersigning of executive orders by a minister : India
2. 'The king can do no wrong' as a legal phrase : Britain
3. Courts barred from inquiring into ministerial advice : India
4. Ministerial liability in court for illegal orders : Britain
How many of the pairs given above are correctly matched?

Accepted Answer

Only three pairs. Pair 1 is incorrect; the system of countersigning executive orders by a minister to establish legal responsibility is a feature of the British system, not the Indian one. Pair 2 is correct; 'The king can do no wrong' is a legally accepted phrase in Britain, placing legal responsibility on the minister. Pair 3 is correct; Indian courts are explicitly barred from inquiring into the nature of advice rendered by ministers to the President. Pair 4 is correct; in Britain, a minister who countersigns an illegal order can be held liable in court.

Question 15

With reference to the Council of Ministers, consider the following statements:
1. Article 75 of the Constitution states that the Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha.
2. The Supreme Court has ruled that the President cannot exercise executive power without the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers, even after the Lok Sabha is dissolved.
3. Article 74 mandates that the advice tendered by ministers to the President can be enquired into by the Supreme Court to check for unconstitutionality.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Accepted Answer

1 and 2 only. Statement 1 is correct as Article 75 explicitly provides for the collective responsibility of the Council of Ministers to the Lok Sabha. Statement 2 is correct, reflecting a key Supreme Court ruling that ensures the continuity of the executive and the mandatory nature of ministerial advice. Statement 3 is incorrect; Article 74 contains a provision that explicitly bars any court from inquiring into the nature of advice tendered by ministers to the President, ensuring confidentiality.

Question 16

Consider the following statements regarding the appointment of a Union Minister:
1. A person who is not a member of either House of Parliament can be appointed as a minister.
2. Such a minister must become a member of the Lok Sabha by election within six months of their appointment.
3. A minister who is a member of one House has the right to vote in the proceedings of the other House.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Accepted Answer

1 only. Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect because the person must become a member of either House of Parliament (Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha), and this can be through either election or nomination. Statement 3 is incorrect because a minister can speak and participate in the proceedings of both Houses, but can only vote in the House of which they are a member.

Question 17

With reference to the Union Council of Ministers,
which of the following statements is NOT correct?

Accepted Answer

The Constitution explicitly provides for the post of a Deputy Prime Minister for administrative convenience.. The Constitution of India does not mention the post of 'Deputy Prime Minister'. The Supreme Court has held that describing a minister as a Deputy Prime Minister is only descriptive and does not confer any additional constitutional powers. The Constitution only provides for the Prime Minister and ministers.

Question 18

A Union Minister's oath of office includes a commitment to:
1. Bear true faith and allegiance to the Constitution of India.
2. Uphold the sovereignty and integrity of India.
3. Not reveal any matter to any person unless required for the due discharge of duties.
4. Do right to all manner of people without fear or favour.
How many of the above are part of the oath of OFFICE?

Accepted Answer

Only three. A minister takes two separate oaths: one of office and one of secrecy. The commitments to bear true faith to the Constitution, uphold India's sovereignty and integrity, and do right to all people are part of the oath of office. The commitment not to reveal any matter is the core of the separate oath of secrecy.

Question 19

Consider the following pairs:
1. Appointing authority for ministers : The Prime Minister
2. Administrator of Oath of Secrecy : The President
3. Body determining minister's salary : The Parliament
How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

Accepted Answer

Only two pairs. Pair 1 is incorrect; the President appoints ministers, although it is on the advice of the Prime Minister. Pair 2 is correct; the President administers the oaths of office and secrecy to ministers. Pair 3 is correct; Parliament determines the salaries and allowances of ministers by law.

Question 20

Statement I: The Supreme Court upheld the validity of the oath taken by a minister who was described as 'Deputy Prime Minister'.
Statement II: The Supreme Court ruled that the description 'Deputy Prime Minister' is merely descriptive and does not confer any powers of the Prime Minister, as long as the substantive part of the oath is correct.

Accepted Answer

Both Statement I and Statement II are correct and Statement II is the correct explanation for Statement I.. Both statements are correct. In the 1990 case involving Devi Lal's oath as Deputy Prime Minister, the Supreme Court did uphold its validity. The reasoning provided by the court, as stated in Statement II, was that the title was only descriptive and did not violate the Constitution, as the core oath remained correct. Therefore, Statement II is the correct explanation for Statement I.

Question 21

Consider the following statements regarding the Council of Ministers:
1. Cabinet Ministers' responsibilities extend over the entire gamut of the Central government.
2. Ministers of State can only be attached to Cabinet Ministers and cannot be given independent charge of ministries.
3. Deputy Ministers assist Cabinet Ministers or Ministers of State in their administrative, political, and parliamentary duties.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Accepted Answer

1 and 3 only. Statement 2 is incorrect. The source text explicitly mentions that Ministers of State can either be given independent charge of ministries/departments or can be attached to cabinet ministers. Statements 1 and 3 are accurate descriptions of the roles of Cabinet Ministers and Deputy Ministers, respectively, as detailed in the text.

Question 22

Consider the following statements:
Statement I: Ministers of State, whether holding independent charge or attached to a cabinet minister, do not attend cabinet meetings unless specially invited for matters concerning their departments.
Statement II: All Ministers of State, regardless of their charge, work under the overall charge and responsibility of the cabinet ministers.

Accepted Answer

Statement I is correct but Statement II is incorrect.. Statement I is correct as the text specifies that Ministers of State are not members of the cabinet and only attend meetings when specially invited. Statement II is incorrect because while attached Ministers of State work under cabinet ministers, those with independent charge perform the same functions and exercise the same powers as cabinet ministers for their own ministries, not under the overall charge of another cabinet minister.

Question 23

With reference to the Union Council of Ministers, consider the following statements:
1. The Prime Minister stands at the top of all ministers as the supreme governing authority.
2. A Minister of State holding an independent charge of a ministry attends all cabinet meetings by virtue of their position.
3. The appointment of Parliamentary Secretaries is a regular and continuous feature of the Council of Ministers since independence.
Which of the statements given above is/are NOT correct?

Accepted Answer

2 and 3 only. Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect because Ministers of State, even with independent charge, are not members of the cabinet and attend its meetings only when specially invited. Statement 3 is incorrect as the text states that since 1967, no parliamentary secretaries have been appointed, with one exception. Therefore, statements 2 and 3 are not correct.

Question 24

Consider the following pairs:
1. Cabinet Minister : Heads an important ministry and is a member of the cabinet.
2. Minister of State (Independent Charge) : Exercises powers similar to a Cabinet Minister for their ministry.
3. Deputy Minister : Can be given independent charge of a ministry or department.
4. Parliamentary Secretary : Has a specific government department under their control.
How many of the pairs given above are correctly matched?

Accepted Answer

Only two pairs. Pair 1 is correct as Cabinet Ministers head key ministries and are cabinet members. Pair 2 is correct as Ministers of State with independent charge exercise powers like Cabinet Ministers for their specific ministry. Pair 3 is incorrect; the text clearly states Deputy Ministers are not given independent charge. Pair 4 is incorrect; the text states Parliamentary Secretaries have no department under their control. Thus, only two pairs are correctly matched.

Question 25

Consider the following functions:
1. Heading important ministries of the Central government.
2. Attending cabinet meetings as a regular member.
3. Assisting senior ministers with their parliamentary duties.
4. Working under the supervision and guidance of a cabinet minister.
How many of the functions listed above are described in the passage as being characteristic of a Cabinet Minister's role?

Accepted Answer

Only two. The passage identifies heading important ministries (1) and being a member of the cabinet who attends its meetings (2) as key characteristics of Cabinet Ministers. Assisting senior ministers (3) is a role for Deputy Ministers and Parliamentary Secretaries, while working under supervision (4) is a role for attached Ministers of State and Deputy Ministers. Therefore, only the first two functions are characteristic of a Cabinet Minister.

Question 26

Consider the following statements regarding the Cabinet in India:
1. It is a wider body typically consisting of 60 to 70 ministers.
2. Its functions are determined by the Council of Ministers.
3. The term 'Cabinet' was inserted into the Constitution by the 44th Amendment Act, 1978.
4. It supervises the implementation of its decisions by the Council of Ministers.
How many of the above statements are correct?

Accepted Answer

Only two. Statement 1 is incorrect; it describes the Council of Ministers. The Cabinet is a smaller body. Statement 2 is incorrect; the Cabinet determines the functions of the Council of Ministers, not the other way around. Statements 3 and 4 are correct. The term 'Cabinet' was added to Article 352 by the 44th Amendment, and it supervises the Council of Ministers.

Question 27

With reference to the Council of Ministers, consider the following statements:
1. It includes all three categories of ministers: cabinet ministers, ministers of state, and deputy ministers.
2. The size and classification of the Council of Ministers are explicitly detailed in Articles 74 and 75 of the Constitution.
3. It is a part of the Cabinet.
Which of the statements given above is/are NOT correct?

Accepted Answer

2 and 3 only. Statement 1 is correct. The Council of Ministers is a composite body. Statement 2 is incorrect; while Articles 74 and 75 deal with the Council of Ministers, its size and classification are not mentioned in the Constitution and are based on conventions and prime ministerial discretion. Statement 3 is incorrect; the Cabinet is a part of the Council of Ministers, not the other way around. Therefore, statements 2 and 3 are not correct.

Question 28

Consider the following two statements:
Statement I: The term 'Cabinet' was not present in the original text of the Constitution of India.
Statement II: The role of the Cabinet in India's politico-administrative system is based on conventions of parliamentary government as developed in Britain.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

Accepted Answer

Both Statement I and Statement II are correct but Statement II is not the correct explanation for Statement I.. Statement I is correct; the term 'Cabinet' was inserted into Article 352 by the 44th Constitutional Amendment Act of 1978. Statement II is also correct; the Cabinet's powers and functions are not described in the Constitution and are based on British parliamentary conventions. However, Statement II does not explain Statement I. The reason for the late inclusion of the term 'Cabinet' was a specific political and constitutional context post-Emergency, not its conventional basis.

Question 29

With reference to the relationship between the Cabinet and the Council of Ministers, consider the following statements:
1. The Cabinet, in practice, exercises the powers of the Council of Ministers.
2. The Council of Ministers implements the policy decisions taken by the Cabinet.
3. The Cabinet enforces the collective responsibility of the Council of Ministers to the Lower House of Parliament.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Accepted Answer

1, 2 and 3. All three statements correctly describe the power hierarchy. The Cabinet is the nucleus of power, acting for the larger Council of Ministers. It takes policy decisions which are binding on all ministers and which the Council implements. The Cabinet also acts as the enforcer of the principle of collective responsibility to the Lok Sabha.

Question 30

Consider the following pairs:
1. Council of Ministers : Meets frequently to transact government business.
2. Cabinet : Vested with all powers but only in theory.
3. Council of Ministers : Implements decisions taken by the Cabinet.
4. Cabinet : Its functions are determined by the Council of Ministers.
How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

Accepted Answer

Only one pair. Pair 1 is incorrect: The Council of Ministers does not meet as a body to transact business. Pair 2 is incorrect: The Council of Ministers is vested with powers in theory, while the Cabinet exercises them in practice. Pair 3 is correct: The Council of Ministers is the implementing body for Cabinet decisions. Pair 4 is incorrect: The Cabinet directs the Council of Ministers and determines its functions. Therefore, only one pair is correctly matched.

Question 31

Consider the following statements regarding the role of the Cabinet in the Indian politico-administrative system:
1. It is the chief policy formulating body of the Central government.
2. Its advice to the president is binding.
3. It deals with all major legislative and financial matters.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Accepted Answer

1, 2 and 3. The Cabinet serves as the primary body for policy formulation, its advice to the President is constitutionally binding, and it handles all significant legislative and financial matters for the Central government.

Question 32

With reference to the Cabinet, consider the following functions:
1. Acting as the chief crisis manager
2. Serving as the supreme executive authority of the Central government
3. Exercising control over higher appointments like constitutional authorities
4. Dealing with all foreign policies and foreign affairs
How many of the above functions are performed by the Cabinet?

Accepted Answer

All four. The Cabinet is responsible for a wide range of critical functions, including crisis management, serving as the supreme executive authority, overseeing high-level appointments, and directing foreign policy.

Question 33

Consider the following statements about the Cabinet:
1. It is the highest decision-making authority in the Indian politico-administrative system.
2. The advice it tenders to the president is advisory in nature and not binding.
3. It is the chief coordinator of State administration.
Which of the statements given above is/are NOT correct?

Accepted Answer

2 and 3 only. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Cabinet's advice to the President is binding. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Cabinet is the chief coordinator of Central administration, not State administration.

Question 34

Statement I: The Cabinet is described as the supreme executive authority of the Central government.
Statement II: The Cabinet exercises control over significant appointments, such as those of constitutional authorities and senior secretariat administrators.
Which of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

Accepted Answer

Both Statement I and Statement II are correct but Statement II is not the correct explanation for Statement I.. Both statements are correct and represent distinct functions of the Cabinet. The power over appointments is one facet of the Cabinet's supreme executive authority, but not the sole or primary explanation for it. The executive authority is a broader concept that also includes policy-making, coordination, and crisis management.

Question 35

Consider the following domains:
1. Policy formulation
2. Emergency management
3. Foreign affairs
4. Financial matters
In
how many of the above domains does the Cabinet play a decisive role as per its functions in the Central government?

Accepted Answer

All four. The Cabinet is the central body dealing with policy formulation, crisis and emergency management ('chief crisis manager'), foreign policy and affairs, and major financial matters.

Question 36

Consider the following pairs:
Political Thinker : Description of the Cabinet
1. Ramsay Muir : The steering wheel of the ship of the state
2. Bagehot : The hyphen that joins the executive and legislative departments
3. Gladstone : The pivot around which the whole political machinery revolves
4. Sir Ivor Jennings : The magnet of policy
How many of the pairs given above are correctly matched?

Accepted Answer

Only two pairs. Pair 1 is correct as Ramsay Muir described the Cabinet as the 'steering wheel of the ship of the state.' Pair 3 is correct as Gladstone referred to it as the 'pivot around which the whole political machinery revolves.' Pair 2 is incorrect; the description of the Cabinet as a 'hyphen' is attributed to John Marriott. Pair 4 is incorrect; the description 'magnet of policy' is attributed to Barker.

Question 37

Consider the following statements regarding the concept of the 'Dictatorship of the Cabinet':
1. The term was coined by Ramsay Muir to describe the powerful position of the Cabinet in the British system of government.
2. According to Ramsay Muir, this dictatorship is absolute and operates without any qualifications or checks.
3. The concept of the Cabinet's dictatorship is considered entirely inapplicable to the Indian political context.
Which of the statements given above is/are NOT correct?

Accepted Answer

2 and 3 only. Statement 1 is correct. Statements 2 and 3 are incorrect. Ramsay Muir described the dictatorship as being 'qualified by publicity,' meaning it is not absolute. The source text explicitly states, 'The same description holds good in the Indian context too,' making statement 3 incorrect.

Question 38

Statement I: Sir Ivor Jennings described the Cabinet as the core of the British Constitutional System, providing unity to the government.
Statement II: Gladstone characterized the Cabinet as the pivot around which the entire political machinery revolves.

Accepted Answer

Both Statement I and Statement II are correct but Statement II is not the correct explanation for Statement I.. Both statements are accurate attributions to Sir Ivor Jennings and Gladstone, respectively, highlighting the central and unifying role of the Cabinet. However, they are independent observations from different political thinkers. Statement II describes a similar concept to Statement I but does not serve as a direct explanation for it.

Question 39

Consider the following descriptions of the Cabinet's function:
1. The keystone of the political arch
2. The solar orb around which other bodies revolve
3. A hyphen that joins the executive and legislative departments
4. The central directing instrument of Government
How many of the above descriptions are mentioned in the provided text?

Accepted Answer

All four. All four descriptions are explicitly mentioned in the source text. 'The keystone of the political arch' is attributed to Bagehot. 'The solar orb...' is attributed to Jennings. 'A hyphen that joins...' is attributed to John Marriott. The text also refers to the Cabinet as 'the central directing instrument of Government'.

Question 40

With reference to the Cabinet's role in a parliamentary system, consider the following statements:
1. John Marriott described the Cabinet as a mechanism that binds the executive and legislative departments together.
2. Bagehot's description of the Cabinet as the 'keystone of the political arch' signifies its role in separating the powers of the legislature and the executive.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Accepted Answer

1 only. Statement 1 is correct as it accurately reflects John Marriott's view of the Cabinet as a 'hyphen that joins, the buckle that binds'. Statement 2 is incorrect. A 'keystone' is a central, locking stone in an arch that holds the other stones together, symbolizing a link or fusion, not separation. Therefore, Bagehot's metaphor emphasizes the Cabinet's function in connecting the executive and legislative branches.

Question 41

Consider the following statements regarding the 'Kitchen Cabinet' in India:
1. It is a formal body mentioned in the Constitution of India.
2. Its membership is strictly limited to Cabinet Ministers.
3. It is considered the highest decision-making body in the formal sense.
4. It assists the Prime Minister in maintaining secrecy on important political issues.
How many of the above statements are correct?

Accepted Answer

Only one. Only the fourth statement is correct. The Kitchen Cabinet is an informal, extra-constitutional body, not a formal one mentioned in the Constitution. Its membership can include outsiders like friends and family, not just ministers. The formal Cabinet is the highest decision-making body in a formal sense, whereas the Kitchen Cabinet is the 'real centre of power' informally. One of its merits is helping the PM maintain secrecy.

Question 42

With reference to the 'Kitchen Cabinet', consider the following statements:
1. It is an extra-constitutional body designed for efficient decision-making.
2. It strengthens the formal Cabinet's role as the supreme decision-making authority.
3. Its membership is exclusively composed of the most important ministers of the Cabinet.
Which of the statements given above is/are NOT correct?

Accepted Answer

2 and 3 only. Statement 1 is correct as the Kitchen Cabinet is an extra-constitutional body valued for its efficiency. Statement 2 is incorrect because a major demerit of the Kitchen Cabinet is that it reduces the authority and status of the formal Cabinet. Statement 3 is incorrect as this informal body can include outsiders like friends and family members of the Prime Minister, not just ministers. Therefore, statements 2 and 3 are not correct.

Question 43

Statement I: The 'Kitchen Cabinet' became a particularly powerful informal body during the prime ministership of Indira Gandhi.
Statement II: The phenomenon of an informal inner circle influencing government decisions is unique to the Indian political system.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

Accepted Answer

Statement I is correct but Statement II is incorrect.. Statement I is correct; the text explicitly mentions that the 'Kitchen Cabinet' was particularly powerful during the era of Indira Gandhi. Statement II is incorrect because the text states that this phenomenon is not unique to India and also exists in the USA and Britain, where it is quite powerful.

Question 44

Prime Ministers have often resorted to the device of an 'Inner Cabinet' or 'Kitchen Cabinet'. Consider the following as potential merits of this body:
1. Enhanced efficiency in decision-making due to its small size.
2. Ability to meet more frequently and expeditiously than the larger Cabinet.
3. Strengthening the legal process by formalizing all discussions.
4. Assisting the Prime Minister in maintaining secrecy on crucial issues.
How many of the above are considered merits of the Kitchen Cabinet?

Accepted Answer

Only three. The merits of the Kitchen Cabinet include its small size leading to efficient decision-making, its ability to meet more often and deal with business expeditiously, and its role in helping the Prime Minister maintain secrecy. Therefore, statements 1, 2, and 4 are correct. Statement 3 is incorrect; a demerit of the Kitchen Cabinet is that it circumvents the legal process, as it is an informal body.

Question 45

With reference to the 'Kitchen Cabinet' in the Indian political system, consider the following statements:
1. It is an extra-constitutional body that often functions as the real centre of power.
2. Decisions are frequently finalized within this smaller group before being presented to the formal Cabinet for approval.
3. Its power is derived from constitutional provisions that establish it as a formal sub-committee of the Cabinet.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Accepted Answer

1 and 2 only. Statements 1 and 2 are correct. The Kitchen Cabinet is described as an 'extra-constitutional body' and the 'real centre of power'. It is also noted that decisions are 'cooked' in this group and then placed before the formal Cabinet for approval. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Kitchen Cabinet is an informal body, not a formal sub-committee established by the Constitution. Its power is political and informal, not constitutional.

Question 46

Consider the following statements regarding the features of Cabinet Committees:
1. They are constitutional bodies explicitly mentioned in the Constitution of India.
2. Their membership is strictly limited to Cabinet Ministers.
3. They are always headed by the Prime Minister.
Which of the statements given above is/are NOT correct?

Accepted Answer

1, 2 and 3. All three statements are incorrect. Cabinet Committees are extra-constitutional and are not mentioned in the Constitution; they are established under the Rules of Business. Their membership can include non-cabinet Ministers. While mostly headed by the Prime Minister, other senior ministers like the Home Minister or Finance Minister can also act as their Chairman.

Question 47

Given below are two statements:
Statement I: The number, nomenclature, and composition of Cabinet Committees vary from time to time.
Statement II: Cabinet Committees are set up by the Prime Minister according to the exigencies of the time and requirements of the situation.
In the context of the two statements, which one of the following is correct?

Accepted Answer

Both Statement I and Statement II are correct and Statement II is the correct explanation for Statement I.. Both statements are correct. Statement II provides the direct reason for Statement I. Because the Prime Minister sets up these committees based on the needs of the time and situation, their number, names, and composition are not fixed and can change.

Question 48

Consider the following pairs:
1. Political Affairs Committee : Looks after the progress of government business in the Parliament.
2. Economic Affairs Committee : Directs and coordinates governmental activities in the economic sphere.
3. Appointments Committee : Decides all higher level appointments in the Central Secretariat, Public Enterprises, and Banks.
4. Parliamentary Affairs Committee : Deals with all policy matters pertaining to domestic and foreign affairs.
How many of the pairs given above are correctly matched?

Accepted Answer

Only two pairs. Only two pairs are correctly matched. The Political Affairs Committee deals with domestic and foreign policy, not parliamentary business. The Parliamentary Affairs Committee looks after government business in Parliament. The Economic Affairs Committee and Appointments Committee functions are correctly stated. Therefore, pairs 2 and 3 are correct.

Question 49

With reference to the decision-making process involving Cabinet Committees, consider the following statements:
1. Cabinet Committees can take decisions on behalf of the Cabinet.
2. The decisions made by Cabinet Committees are final and cannot be reviewed by the Cabinet.
3. They are based on the principles of division of labour and effective delegation to reduce the workload of the Cabinet.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Accepted Answer

1 and 3 only. Statement 2 is incorrect. While Cabinet Committees can take decisions, the Cabinet has the authority to review these decisions. Statements 1 and 3 are correct as these committees not only formulate proposals but also take decisions, and they serve as an organizational device to reduce the Cabinet's workload through division of labour and delegation.

Question 50

Of the four key Cabinet Committees listed below, how many are chaired by the Prime Minister?
1. Political Affairs Committee
2. Economic Affairs Committee
3. Appointments Committee
4. Parliamentary Affairs Committee

Accepted Answer

Only three. The Prime Minister chairs the Political Affairs Committee, the Economic Affairs Committee, and the Appointments Committee. The Parliamentary Affairs Committee is chaired by the Home Minister. Therefore, three of the four listed committees are chaired by the Prime Minister.

Question 51

Consider the following statements regarding Groups of Ministers (GoMs):
1. GoMs are permanent bodies designed for long-term inter-ministerial coordination.
2. All GoMs are empowered to take final decisions on behalf of the Cabinet.
3. GoMs are typically disbanded after they have submitted their recommendations on the issue assigned to them.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Accepted Answer

3 only. Groups of Ministers (GoMs) are ad hoc, not permanent, bodies. Not all GoMs are empowered to take decisions on behalf of the Cabinet; some are constituted only to make recommendations. They are disbanded once their specific task is completed and their advice is crystallised.

Question 52

With reference to the recommendations of the Second Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC) on Groups of Ministers (GoMs), consider the following:
1. A significant increase in the number of GoMs to ensure comprehensive policy review.
2. More selective use of GoMs with a clear mandate.
3. Empowering GoMs to arrive at a decision on behalf of the Cabinet.
4. Prescribing clear time limits for completing the work entrusted to them.
How many of the above recommendations were made by the Second ARC?

Accepted Answer

Only three. The Second ARC recommended selective use of GoMs, empowering them to take decisions, and setting time limits. It observed that a large number of GoMs was a problem leading to delays, and thus did not recommend increasing their number. Therefore, only three of the statements are correct recommendations.

Question 53

Consider the following statements about Groups of Ministers (GoMs):
1. They are regarded as an effective instrument for coordination among different ministries.
2. Ministers who head the ministries relevant to the issue are inducted into the GoM.
3. GoMs are a sub-category of the permanent Cabinet Committees.
Which of the statements given above is/are NOT correct?

Accepted Answer

3 only. GoMs are constituted 'in addition to' Cabinet Committees, indicating they are distinct entities, not a sub-category. Cabinet Committees can be permanent, whereas GoMs are ad hoc. Statements 1 and 2 are correct descriptions of the function and composition of GoMs. The question asks for the incorrect statement.

Question 54

Statement I: Groups of Ministers (GoMs) are ad hoc bodies formed to provide recommendations to the cabinet on emergent issues and critical problem areas.
Statement II: The Second Administrative Reforms Commission noted that the formation of a large number of GoMs resulted in significant delays in decision-making on major issues.

Accepted Answer

Both Statement I and Statement II are correct but Statement II is not the correct explanation for Statement I.. Both statements are factually correct. Statement I describes the intended purpose and ad hoc nature of GoMs. Statement II is an observation by the Second ARC about a negative consequence of their overuse. While both relate to GoMs, the observation of inefficiency (Statement II) does not explain the fundamental design or purpose (Statement I).

Question 55

Consider the following characteristics regarding Groups of Ministers (GoMs):
1. They are invariably empowered to take decisions on behalf of the Cabinet.
2. They are ad hoc bodies.
3. They serve as an instrument of coordination among ministries.
4. They are dissolved once their specific mandate is fulfilled.
How many of the above statements are correct?

Accepted Answer

Only three. GoMs are ad hoc, serve as a coordination instrument, and are disbanded after their task. However, the power to take decisions on behalf of the Cabinet is not universal to all GoMs; some are only empowered to make recommendations. Therefore, the first statement is incorrect, while the other three are correct.

Question 56

With reference to the Cabinet Committees in India, consider the following statements in the context of their reconstitution in July 2024:
1. The Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs is often referred to as a “Super-Cabinet” and is chaired by the Home Minister.
2. The establishment of Cabinet Committees is provided for under Article 77(3) of the Constitution, making them constitutional bodies.
3. Following the 2024 reconstitution, the Prime Minister chairs all eight functional Cabinet Committees without exception.
4. The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC), which remained unchanged in 2024, is composed solely of the Prime Minister and the Home Minister.

How many of the above statements are correct?

Accepted Answer

Only one. Statement 1 is incorrect: While the Political Affairs Committee is called a “Super-Cabinet”, it is chaired by the Prime Minister, not the Home Minister. Statement 2 is incorrect: Cabinet Committees are extra-constitutional. Their establishment is provided for by the Rules of Business, which are framed under the authority of Article 77(3), but they are not mentioned in the Constitution itself. Statement 3 is incorrect: The 2024 update specifies that the Prime Minister heads six of the eight committees, excluding the Cabinet Committee on Accommodation and the Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs. Statement 4 is correct: The current affairs text explicitly states that the ACC is headed by the Prime Minister and the Home Minister is the sole other member. Therefore, only one statement is correct.

Central Council of Ministers & Cabinet Committees

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