Out of the following statements, choose the one that brings out the principle underlying the Cabinet form of Government :
- (a) An arrangement for minimizing the criticism against the Government whose responsibilities are complex and hard to carry out to the satisfaction of all.
- (b) A mechanism for speeding up the activities of the Government whose responsibilities are increasing day by day.
- (c) A mechanism of parliamentary democracy for ensuring collective responsibility of the Government to the people. ✓ UPSC's answer
- (d) A device for strengthening the hands of the head of the Government whose hold over the people is in a state of decline.
Why the answer is (c)
• The Cabinet system rests on collective responsibility: the Council of Ministers acts as one body, stands or falls together, and is answerable to the legislature and through it to the people (Article 75(3)) — option (c).
• It is not a device to deflect criticism (a), merely speed up work (b) or prop up a weakening head of government (d).
• Hence option (c).
Why the other options are wrong
- (a) An arrangement for minimizing the criticism against the Government whose responsibilities…
- Deflecting criticism is not the principle of Cabinet government.
- (b) A mechanism for speeding up the activities of the Government whose responsibilities are…
- Speed is not the underlying principle.
- (d) A device for strengthening the hands of the head of the Government whose hold over the…
- It is not a device to shore up a weak leader.
Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2017, held on 18 June 2017. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.