UPSC Prelims 1995 · General Studies

Question 61: Polity and Governance

Which one of the following is not explicitly stated in the Constitution of India but followed as a convention?

aThe Finance Minister is to be a member of the Lower House

bThe Prime Minister has to resign if he loses majority in the Lower House

cAll the parts of India are to be represented in the Council of Ministers

dIn the event of both the President and the Vice-President demitting office simultaneously before the end of their tenure, the Speaker of the Lower House of Parliament will officiate as the President

AnswerThe answer is (c).

The Constitution says nothing requiring every part of India to be represented in the Council of Ministers; it is a political convention that a Prime Minister tries to include ministers from all regions. The other options differ: Article 75(3) makes the Council collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha, so a Prime Minister who loses its confidence must go. Remember: regional representation in the ministry is convention, not constitutional text.

Why each option is right or wrong

(a) No rule in the Constitution says so, and a Finance Minister can sit in the Rajya Sabha; it is not a settled convention.
(b) Explicit in substance: collective responsibility to the Lok Sabha is in Article 75(3).
(c) Right: a convention, not in the text.
(d) Not in the Constitution as a convention: a 1969 law provides for the Chief Justice of India to act, not the Speaker.

Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 1995, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.