The Council of Ministers headed by the Prime Minister aids and advises the President. In this context, answer the following questions:
Who appoints the Cabinet Ministers? Mention any two administrative powers of the Cabinet.
Topic: Appointment and powers of the Cabinet
Answer
The Cabinet Ministers are appointed by the PRESIDENT, on the advice of the Prime Minister.
Two administrative powers of the Cabinet: (1) It formulates and directs the internal and external policy of the country, and every important administrative decision of the government is taken by it; the departments merely carry out its decisions. (2) It controls and co-ordinates the work of all the government departments, and it makes the higher appointments of the state — Governors, Ambassadors, and the heads of the great public services — which the President formally makes on its advice.
Three marks: one for the appointment and one for each power. On the appointment, both halves are needed — the President appoints, but on the ADVICE of the Prime Minister. Giving only one half loses the mark. For the powers, keep to ADMINISTRATIVE ones as asked — policy-making, control of departments, appointments. Legislative and financial powers of the Cabinet exist too but do not answer this question.