Eduqo
Indian Polity & Constitution›Ch 3: Union Government›Prime Minister and Council of Ministers
Articles 74-75, 91st Amendment & Collective Responsibility
Article 74 creates a Council of Ministers headed by the Prime Minister to aid and advise the President. Article 75 mandates that the Council is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha.
Quick Memory Hooks
| Feature | Cabinet | Council of Ministers |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Smaller (15-20) | Larger (60-80) |
| Composition | Cabinet ministers only | Cabinet, MoS, Deputy |
| Meetings | Meets frequently as a body | Rarely meets as a body |
| Power | Directs policy decisions | Carries out cabinet policy |
Article 74
(Aid and advise)
Aid and advise
President acts on advice.
Article 75
(Appointment of PM)
Appointment of PM
PM appointed by President.
91st Act
(15 percent cap)
15 percent cap
Limits council size.
Lok Sabha
(Collective duty)
Collective duty
Answerable to lower house.
Council is responsible to ParliamentCouncil is responsible to Lok Sabha
Collective responsibility is strictly towards the Lok Sabha, not both houses.
91st Amendment limits size to 10%91st Amendment limits size to 15%
The maximum size of the council cannot exceed 15 percent of Lok Sabha strength.
Cabinet is mentioned in original Article 74Cabinet added by 44th Amendment
The word Cabinet was specifically inserted into Article 74 by the 44th Amendment in 1978.
Q1.To which house is the Council of Ministers collectively responsible under Article 75?
Q2.What is the maximum percentage limit for the total strength of the Council of Ministers including the Prime Minister?