Prime Minister MCQ: Appointment, Article 75 & Collective Responsibility

Attempt the quiz above first, then review every question with its correct answer and a short explanation below.

1. Q1.Which Article of the Indian Constitution deals with the appointment of the Prime Minister?

   • A.Article 74
   • B.Article 75✓ Correct Answer
   • C.Article 76
   • D.Article 78

   Explanation: Article 75 says that the Prime Minister shall be appointed by the President.

2. Q2.The total number of ministers, including the Prime Minister, in the Council of Ministers shall not exceed what percentage of the total strength of the Lok Sabha?

   • A.10%
   • B.15%✓ Correct Answer
   • C.20%
   • D.25%

   Explanation: The 91st Amendment Act of 2003 limited the size of the Council of Ministers to 15% of the total strength of the Lok Sabha.

3. Q3.Who administers the oath of office and secrecy to the Prime Minister?

   • A.Chief Justice of India
   • B.President✓ Correct Answer
   • C.Speaker of Lok Sabha
   • D.Vice-President

   Explanation: The President administers the oaths of office and secrecy to the Prime Minister and other ministers.

4. Q4.The salary and allowances of the Prime Minister are determined by the:

   • A.President
   • B.Parliament✓ Correct Answer
   • C.Constitution
   • D.Finance Commission

   Explanation: The salary and allowances of the Prime Minister are determined by the Parliament from time to time.

5. Q5.Which Article defines the duties of the Prime Minister as respects the furnishing of information to the President?

   • A.Article 74
   • B.Article 75
   • C.Article 77
   • D.Article 78✓ Correct Answer

   Explanation: Article 78 deals with the duties of the Prime Minister to communicate to the President all decisions of the Council of Ministers.

6. Q6.The term of office of the Prime Minister is:

   • A.5 years
   • B.6 years
   • C.Fixed by Constitution
   • D.Not fixed✓ Correct Answer

   Explanation: The term of the Prime Minister is not fixed and he holds office during the pleasure of the President.

7. Q7.Article 74 provides for a Council of Ministers with the Prime Minister at the head to aid and advise the:

   • A.Speaker
   • B.President✓ Correct Answer
   • C.Vice-President
   • D.Chief Justice

   Explanation: Article 74 states there shall be a Council of Ministers to aid and advise the President.

8. Q8.A person who is not a member of either House of Parliament can be appointed as a minister for a maximum period of:

   • A.3 months
   • B.6 months✓ Correct Answer
   • C.1 year
   • D.Cannot be appointed

   Explanation: A minister who is not a member of either House for six consecutive months shall cease to be a minister.

9. Q9.The principle of 'Collective Responsibility' is enshrined in which Article?

   • A.Article 75(3)✓ Correct Answer
   • B.Article 74(1)
   • C.Article 78
   • D.Article 77

   Explanation: Article 75(3) states that the Council of Ministers shall be collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha.

10. Q10.If the Prime Minister resigns or dies, the Council of Ministers:

    • A.Elects a new leader
    • B.Dissolves automatically✓ Correct Answer
    • C.Continues to function
    • D.Waits for President's order

    Explanation: The death or resignation of the Prime Minister automatically dissolves the Council of Ministers.

11. Q11.Who allocates and reshuffles portfolios among the ministers?

    • A.President
    • B.Speaker
    • C.Prime Minister✓ Correct Answer
    • D.Vice-President

    Explanation: The President allocates portfolios on the advice of the Prime Minister, so essentially the PM does it.

12. Q12.The ministers hold office during the pleasure of the:

    • A.Prime Minister
    • B.Lok Sabha
    • C.President✓ Correct Answer
    • D.Rajya Sabha

    Explanation: Article 75(2) states that the ministers shall hold office during the pleasure of the President.

13. Q13.Which amendment made the advice of the Council of Ministers binding on the President?

    • A.42nd Amendment✓ Correct Answer
    • B.44th Amendment
    • C.86th Amendment
    • D.91st Amendment

    Explanation: The 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act of 1976 made the President bound by the advice of the Council of Ministers.

14. Q14.The word 'Cabinet' was inserted in the Constitution by which amendment?

    • A.42nd
    • B.44th✓ Correct Answer
    • C.73rd
    • D.It was in the original Constitution

    Explanation: The 44th Amendment Act of 1978 inserted the word 'Cabinet' in Article 352 of the Constitution.

15. Q15.Who is the chairman of the NITI Aayog?

    • A.President
    • B.Finance Minister
    • C.Prime Minister✓ Correct Answer
    • D.Home Minister

    Explanation: The Prime Minister is the ex-officio chairman of the NITI Aayog (formerly Planning Commission).

16. Q16.Which of the following is NOT a category of ministers in the Central Council of Ministers?

    • A.Cabinet Ministers
    • B.Ministers of State
    • C.Deputy Ministers
    • D.Parliamentary Secretaries (Strictly constitutional category)✓ Correct Answer

    Explanation: The three main categories are Cabinet Ministers, Ministers of State, and Deputy Ministers. Parliamentary Secretaries are not a regular category.

17. Q17.Who is called 'Primus Inter Pares' (first among equals)?

    • A.President
    • B.Speaker
    • C.Prime Minister✓ Correct Answer
    • D.Home Minister

    Explanation: Lord Morley described the Prime Minister as 'primus inter pares' (first among equals) in the context of the cabinet.

18. Q18.The Prime Minister is the leader of the:

    • A.Lok Sabha only
    • B.Rajya Sabha only
    • C.Lower House mostly✓ Correct Answer
    • D.Parliament

    Explanation: The Prime Minister is generally the leader of the Lower House (Lok Sabha).

19. Q19.Can a person become Prime Minister if he is a member of the Rajya Sabha?

    • A.No
    • B.Yes✓ Correct Answer
    • C.Only in emergency
    • D.With President's special permission

    Explanation: Yes, Indira Gandhi, I.K. Gujral, and Manmohan Singh were Rajya Sabha members when they became PM.

20. Q20.The concept of 'Kitchen Cabinet' refers to:

    • A.Ministers who cook
    • B.Highest decision making informal body✓ Correct Answer
    • C.Cabinet Committee on Food
    • D.All Ministers meeting at PM house

    Explanation: The Kitchen Cabinet (or Inner Cabinet) represents a small, informal circle of influential advisors to the PM.