Topic Details (Notes format)

Collective Responsibility and Individual Responsibility

Subject: Polity

Book: Indian Polity by M. Laxmikanth

Under the parliamentary system, Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha—if a no-confidence motion passes, all resign. Ministers also have individual responsibility for their departmental actions. This ensures cohesive policy and accountability. Collective responsibility fosters unity, preventing contradictory statements or fragmentation within the cabinet. Meanwhile, a minister must step down if found guilty of malfeasance or unable to defend ministry’s failures. The concept anchors discipline and trust in executive-legislative relations, though coalition governments sometimes dilute unified stands. Mastery of these twin doctrines is key to grasping how ministers share governance burdens while retaining personal accountability.

Practice Questions

What is the maximum strength of the Legislative Assembly of a state?

संविधान के किस अनुच्छेद में मौलिक अधिकारों का विवरण है?

Who among the following appoints the Chief Election Commissioner of India?

Which of the following is the longest serving Chief Minister in India?

Who among the following is known as the "Father of the Nation" in India?

संसद सदस्यों की योग्यता किस अनुच्छेद में निर्धारित है?

न्यायपालिका की स्वतंत्रता सुनिश्चित करने के लिए किस प्रावधान को शामिल किया गया है?

Who among the following was the first woman Governor of an Indian state?

किस संविधान संशोधन ने निर्वाचन प्रणाली में सुधार किया?

Which article of the Indian Constitution provides for the amendment process?