Q1. What does the principle of collective responsibility mean for the Council of Ministers?
- Each minister is individually responsible for their actions.
- The Council of Ministers is jointly responsible for its actions to the legislative assembly.
- Only the Chief Minister is responsible to the legislative assembly.
- The legislative assembly is responsible for the actions of the ministers.
Correct Option: 2. The Council of Ministers is jointly responsible for its actions to the legislative assembly.
Explanation: Under the principle of collective responsibility, all ministers in the council are responsible together for the actions and decisions of the government. If the legislative assembly passes a no-confidence motion, all ministers must resign.
Q2. What happens if a minister disagrees with a cabinet decision?
- The minister can ask the Chief Minister to reverse the decision.
- The minister can ignore the decision and continue working.
- The minister can challenge the decision in court.
- The minister must resign if they are unwilling to support the decision.
Correct Option: 4. The minister must resign if they are unwilling to support the decision..
Explanation: The principle of collective responsibility mandates that ministers must support cabinet decisions. If a minister cannot do so, they must resign, as this is a matter of maintaining unity within the council.
Q3. Who can remove a minister under the principle of individual responsibility?
- The Chief Minister, based on his discretion.
- The Governor, without any advice.
- The legislative assembly.
- The Chief Minister, on the advice of the Governor.
Correct Option: 1. The Chief Minister, based on his discretion.
Explanation: According to Article 164, a minister holds office at the pleasure of the Governor, but in practice, the Governor can remove a minister only on the advice of the Chief Minister. The Chief Minister can ask a minister to resign or advise the Governor to dismiss them if there are differences or dissatisfaction with their performance.
Q4. Which of the following is true about the legal responsibility of state ministers?
- Ministers are legally bound to counter-sign the Governor’s orders.
- Ministers must be legally accountable in court for their actions.
- There is no provision for the legal responsibility of ministers in the states.
- The Governor’s orders must be countersigned by a minister for them to be valid.
Correct Option: 3. There is no provision for the legal responsibility of ministers in the states.
Explanation: The Constitution does not impose legal responsibility on ministers in state governments. This means that the courts cannot inquire into the nature of advice given by ministers to the Governor, and no counter-signing is required for the Governor’s orders.
Q5. Who heads the important departments of the state government?
- Cabinet Ministers.
- Ministers of State.
- Deputy Ministers.
- Chief Minister.
Correct Option: 1. Cabinet Ministers.
Explanation: Cabinet Ministers are responsible for heading key departments of the state government, such as home, education, finance, and agriculture. They are part of the Cabinet and have significant political and executive power.