How does the parliamentary system ensure a “responsible government”?

Correct option is B

The correct answer is (b) By making the council of ministers collectively accountable to the Parliament.

• In a parliamentary system, the Council of Ministers, headed by the Prime Minister, is collectively responsible to the Parliament (Lok Sabha). This means that the ministers must maintain the confidence of the majority in the Lok Sabha.

• If the Lok Sabha passes a vote of no confidence against the government, the entire Council of Ministers, including the Prime Minister, is obligated to resign.

• This system ensures that the government is accountable to the elected representatives of the people, thus fostering a "responsible government."

Related Articles:

• Article 75: Deals with the appointment of the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers, specifying that the Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha.

• Article 74: States that the Council of Ministers is responsible for advising the President of India, but it also emphasizes that this advice must be aligned with the legislative process.

• Article 85: Deals with the dissolution of the Lok Sabha, which can occur if the government loses the confidence of the house, forcing a general election.

Information Booster:

• Collective Responsibility: The principle of collective responsibility ensures that all ministers, regardless of their individual positions, are held accountable for the actions of the government.

• Parliamentary Accountability: Regular sessions in the Parliament, such as Question Hour, allow MPs to ask the government tough questions, ensuring transparency.

• Confidence Motion: The government can only remain in power as long as it commands the majority in the Lok Sabha. If it loses this majority, it must step down.