UPSC Previous Year Question | Prelims GS | 2017

Out of the following statements, choose the one that brings out the principle underlying the Cabinet form of Government:

  1. An arrangement for minimizing the criticism against the Government whose responsibilities are complex and hard to carry out to the satisfaction of all.
  2. A mechanism for speeding up the activities of the Government whose responsibilities are increasing day by day.
  3. A mechanism of parliamentary democracy for ensuring collective responsibility of the Government to the people.
  4. A device for strengthening the hands of the head of the Government whose hold over the people is in a state of decline.

Answer

Correct Answer

A mechanism of parliamentary democracy for ensuring collective responsibility of the Government to the people.

Explanation

The core principle underlying the Cabinet form of Government is collective responsibility, whereby the Council of Ministers as a whole is accountable to the legislature (Parliament) and, through it, to the people.

Topics: cabinet form of government, cabinet system of government, polity and governance, principle of collective responsibility