Prime Minister Transition - Invocation of Article 75 Rules
In the Westminster model of government, which is adopted by several countries including India, the Council of Ministers is the executive body responsible for government administration and policy implementation. This body is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha, the lower house of Parliament in India.
Role of the Council of Ministers
The Council of Ministers exercises the executive authority of the government, with the Prime Minister leading the way. The Prime Minister sets the policy direction, manages cabinet composition, and portfolios, while the Council is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha. This means that all ministers must support government decisions publicly or resign if they dissent.
The Council responds to a motion of no confidence from the Lok Sabha by resigning if it loses majority support. This ensures parliamentary accountability and executive stability.
Composition of the Council of Ministers
The Council of Ministers includes the Prime Minister and other ministers who can be members of either the Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha, the two houses of Parliament in India. Ministers may hold different ranks such as Cabinet Ministers, Ministers of State, and Deputy Ministers, depending on their portfolio and responsibilities.
Ministers serve at the pleasure of the President, and individual ministers head different government departments. However, all ministers share the responsibility for governmental decisions.
This structure reflects the Westminster system's principle of collective responsibility, wherein the executive functions as a unified entity accountable to the parliament, specifically the elected lower house. This ensures democratic control over the executive branch.
The Prime Minister
The Prime Minister is appointed by the President but must command majority support in the Lok Sabha to remain in office. The Prime Minister is the de facto executive and head of the government in India. They are described as 'primus inter pares' and 'key stone of the cabinet arch' by Lord Morely.
In the Westminster model, the Prime Minister is a key figure, playing a crucial role in the functioning of the executive branch of the government. The Prime Minister is responsible to the legislature and chairs various councils such as NITI Aayog, National Integration Council, Inter-State Council, etc.
It is important to note that the role and responsibilities of the Prime Minister may vary slightly depending on the specific country adopting the Westminster model.
Origins of the Westminster Model
The Westminster model originated in the United Kingdom and has its roots in the United Kingdom. It is a system of government in which the executive is responsible to the legislature. This model has been adopted by several countries, including India, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Ministers take an oath of office and secrecy administered by the President before they begin their duties. This oath binds them to uphold the Constitution and maintain the confidentiality of government proceedings.
In conclusion, the Council of Ministers and the Prime Minister play a crucial role in the Westminster model of government. Their collective responsibility to the Lok Sabha ensures democratic control over the executive branch and provides a system of checks and balances that is essential for the functioning of a democratic nation.
- The Council of Ministers, which includes the Prime Minister and other ministers, holds responsibility for the policy-and-legislation implementation of the government, being collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha, the lower house of Parliament in India.
- In the Westminster model of government, politics and general news revolve around the role of the Prime Minister, who is appointed by the President but must command majority support in the Lok Sabha to remain in office, as they are the de facto executive and key figure in the functioning of the executive branch of the government.
