By which article of the Indian Constitution the State Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to State Legislature for its functions?
- A.Article 164
- B.Article 154(2)
- C.Article 161(2)
- D.Article 151(1)
Show answer
Correct answer: A. Article 164
Explanation
The correct answer is A, Article 164. Clause (2) of Article 164 says that the Council of Ministers shall be collectively responsible to the Legislative Assembly of the State, which is the rule of collective responsibility in a parliamentary system: the ministry stays in office only while it holds the confidence of the elected house, and a no-confidence motion removes the whole ministry, not one minister. The same Article also provides that the Governor appoints the Chief Minister and, on the Chief Minister's advice, the other ministers, and that a minister who is not a member of the legislature for six consecutive months ceases to hold office. Option B is wrong because Article 154 vests the executive power of the State in the Governor. Option C is wrong because Article 161 gives the Governor the power to pardon, reprieve and remit sentences. Option D is wrong because Article 151 deals with the audit reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General. Exam tip: collective responsibility is Article 75(3) for the Union and Article 164(2) for a State.