Question

Why is the Prime Minister in India not directly elected by the people? Choose the most appropriate answer and give reasons for your choice.

• A. In a Parliamentary democracy only the leader of the majority party in the Lok Sabha can become the Prime Minister.
• B. Lok Sabha can remove the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers even before the expiry of their term.
• C. Since the Prime Minister is appointed by the President, there is no need for it.
• D. Direct election of the Prime Minister will involve a lot of expenditure on election.

Answer 1

The correct option is A

In a Parliamentary democracy only the leader of the majority party in the Lok Sabha can become the Prime Minister.

The correct answer is an option (A) – In a Parliamentary democracy only the leader of the majority party in the Lok Sabha can become the Prime Minister

• The Council of Ministers is controlled by the Lok Sabha. A person is appointed as the Prime Minister only if he enjoys the support of the majority of the members in the Lok Sabha.
• All the council of ministers and even the Prime Minister have to quit if the majority of the members of Lok Sabha say they have ‘no confidence in the Council of Ministers.
• The above-mentioned power is not given to the Rajya Sabha.
• The Prime Minister is appointed by the President.
• The Prime Minister is the head of the Government, whereas the President is the head of the state.
• Based on the advice given by the Prime Minister, the Council of Ministers is appointed by the President
• Ministers can be dismissed by the Prime Minister. The entire ministry will have to quit if the Prime Minister quits.
• In consultation with the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, and on the advice of the Prime Minister, the judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts are appointed by the President of India.
• Wide ranging powers are in the hands of the Prime Minister.
• Cabinet Meetings are chaired by the Prime Minister.
• Work of different departments is coordinated by the Prime Minister.
• If there are disagreements between different departments then the decision of the Prime Minister is final.
• All the ministries are supervised by the Prime Minister and all the ministries function under the leadership of the Prime Minister.
• The work gets distributed to different ministries by the Prime Minister.
• Within the cabinet, the Prime Minister is the most powerful and important position.