150. Which article of the Constitution deals with the Union Council of Ministers?
[DSSSB Assistant Superintendent, 4 July 2026]
(A) Article 78
(B) Article 75
(C) Article 74
(D) Article 73
Answer: (C) Article 74
Explanation: Article 74 creates the Council of Ministers headed by the Prime Minister to advise the President. Article 75 separately covers appointment, tenure, collective responsibility and related rules. Distinguishing these two articles is essential for constitutional questions.
149. Under Article 75(3), which institution is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha?
[RRB NTPC Graduate CBT-II, 10 July 2026]
(A) Rajya Sabha
(B) Council of Ministers
(C) Supreme Court
(D) Finance Commission
Answer: (B) Council of Ministers
Explanation: Article 75(3) places collective responsibility upon the Union Council of Ministers, not an independent institution. The Lok Sabha can withdraw confidence from the government, requiring the entire ministry, including the Prime Minister, to resign.
148. Consider these statements about the Union ministry:
(1) The 15% ceiling excludes the Prime Minister.
(2) The 91st Amendment introduced the cap.
(3) A corresponding 15% ceiling applies to states.
(4) The Union cap uses the combined strength of both Houses.
Which are incorrect?
[OPSC Odisha Civil Services Prelims, 7 June 2026]
(A) 1 and 4
(B) 2 and 3
(C) 3 and 4
(D) 2 and 4
Answer: (A) 1 and 4
Explanation: The 15% ceiling includes the Prime Minister and is calculated using Lok Sabha membership alone. The 91st Amendment inserted Article 75(1A); states also have a similar ceiling under Article 164(1A), subject to a minimum of twelve ministers.
147. Which constitutional amendment capped the Union Council of Ministers at 15% of the Lok Sabha’s strength?
[RRB NTPC UG CBT-I, 19 June 2026]
(A) 42nd Amendment
(B) 99th Amendment
(C) 86th Amendment
(D) 91st Amendment
Answer: (D) 91st Amendment
Explanation: The 91st Amendment Act of 2003 added Article 75(1A), placing a numerical ceiling on the Union ministry, including the Prime Minister. It also made certain persons disqualified for defection ineligible for ministerial appointment.
146. Who heads the Union Council of Ministers?
[RRB NTPC UG CBT-I, 14 June 2026]
(A) Union Home Minister
(B) Attorney General
(C) President
(D) Prime Minister
Answer: (D) Prime Minister
Explanation: Article 74 expressly puts the Prime Minister at the head of the Council of Ministers. The President is the constitutional head of the Union, whereas day-to-day political leadership and coordination of ministers rest with the Prime Minister.
145. In which governmental system does the Prime Minister function as the real executive?
[SSC GD Constable, 31 May 2026]
(A) Presidential system
(B) Parliamentary system
(C) Unitary system
(D) Federal system
Answer: (B) Parliamentary system
Explanation: A parliamentary system distinguishes the nominal head of state from the political executive. In India, the President is the constitutional head, while the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers exercise executive authority through responsible government.
144. Who formally appoints the Prime Minister of India?
[SSC GD Constable, 4 May 2026]
(A) Parliament
(B) Chief Justice of India
(C) President of India
(D) Vice-President of India
Answer: (C) President of India
Explanation: Article 75(1) authorises the President to appoint the Prime Minister. Parliamentary convention generally requires choosing a person capable of commanding a majority in the Lok Sabha. Other Union ministers are appointed by the President on the Prime Minister’s advice.
143. Which article provides for a Council of Ministers headed by the Prime Minister to aid and advise the President?
[DSSSB MTS, 25 April 2026]
(A) Article 74
(B) Article 80
(C) Article 76
(D) Article 78
Answer: (A) Article 74
Explanation: Article 74 establishes the Union Council of Ministers and links it to presidential decision-making. Article 78, by contrast, identifies the Prime Minister’s duties to communicate governmental decisions and information to the President.
142. Statements:
(1) The President administers the Prime Minister’s oaths.
(2) The President may arbitrarily dismiss a majority-supported Prime Minister.
(3) A Prime Minister losing Lok Sabha confidence must resign or may be dismissed.
Which are correct?
[RRB NTPC Graduate CBT-I, 25 March 2026]
(A) 1 only
(B) 1 and 2 only
(C) 1 and 3 only
(D) 2 and 3 only
Answer: (C) 1 and 3 only
Explanation: The President administers the constitutional oaths before a Prime Minister assumes office. Presidential discretion is constrained by parliamentary majority support. Once the Prime Minister loses the Lok Sabha’s confidence, continued tenure becomes untenable.
141. Which article states that a Prime Minister-led Council of Ministers advises the President?
[RRB ALP CBT-I, 16 February 2026]
(A) Article 70
(B) Article 50
(C) Article 74
(D) Article 84
Answer: (C) Article 74
Explanation: Article 74 sets out the constitutional arrangement for ministerial advice to the President. It is central to cabinet government, since the President ordinarily acts on this advice and may return it only once for reconsideration.