DifferenceHard3 marks
4
The Council of Ministers headed by the Prime Minister aids and advises the President. In this context, answer the following questions:
Mention any three points to distinguish between the Council of Ministers and the Cabinet.
Topic: Council of Ministers and the Cabinet
Previous-year question practice database
Answer
Exam answer
Three points of distinction are shown in the table.
Explanation
Three marks means three DISTINCT points of difference — a two-column table is the clearest way to present them and examiners reward it. The essential idea, and the one to state first, is that the Cabinet is a PART of the Council of Ministers — its inner and senior core. Every other difference follows from that. The second point (the Council never meets as a body while the Cabinet meets weekly) is the practical difference and the one candidates most often miss.
Comparison
| Council of Ministers | Cabinet |
|---|---|
| It is the larger body, consisting of all three ranks of ministers — Cabinet Ministers, Ministers of State and Deputy Ministers. | It is the smaller inner body, consisting only of the senior-most ministers holding important portfolios. |
| It never meets as a single body to take decisions. | It meets frequently, usually once a week, and takes all major policy decisions. |
| It is mentioned in Article 74 of the Constitution and is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha. | It is the real executive authority; it determines policy, and the Council of Ministers is bound by its decisions. |
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