PRIME MINISTER
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN NOMINAL HEAD V/S REAL HEAD
- Earlier, we have learnt that in a parliamentary system, President is only the nominal head but Prime Minister is the real head of government
- What is the difference between Nominal and Real head?
WHY IS THE PRESIDENT ONLY A NOMINAL HEAD?
- The Constitution of India vests the power of the Union formally in the President.
- In reality, the President exercises these powers only on the advice of Council of Ministers. Hence a Nominal head.
WHY IS THE PRIME MINISTER REAL HEAD OF THE GOVERNMENT?
- The Council of Ministers is headed by the Prime Minister
- Therefore, as head of the Council of Ministers, the Prime Minister becomes the most important functionary of the government in our country
WHO CAN BECOME A PRIME MINISTER?
- Any Member of Lok Sabha or one with a qualification to be a member of Lok Sabha can become the Prime Minister
- Formally, a leader who has the support of the majority is appointed by the President as Prime Minister
WHAT IS THE ROLE OF A PRIME MINISTER?
- The Prime Minister acts as a link between the Council of Ministers on the one hand and the President as well as the Parliament on the other
- The Prime Minister is involved in all crucial decisions of the government and decides on the policies of the government
WHAT ARE THE POWERS OF A PRIME MINISTER?
- The Prime Minister decides who will be the ministers in the Council of Ministers
- The President can appoint only those persons as ministers who are recommended by the Prime Minister
- The Council comes into existence only after the Prime Minister has taken the oath of office.
WHAT ARE THE POWERS OF A PRIME MINISTER?
- The Prime Minister allocates ranks and portfolios to the ministers
- He can ask a minister to resign or advise the President to dismiss him in case of difference of opinion.
- The death or resignation of the Prime Minister automatically brings about the dissolution of the Council of Ministers
WHAT ARE THE POWERS OF A PRIME MINISTER?
- The Prime Minister is the leader of the Lok Sabha
- He plays a significant role in shaping the foreign policy of the country
- He advises the President with regard to summoning of the sessions of the Parliament
IS IT POSSIBLE TO REMOVE A PRIME MINISTER?
- In the parliamentary form of executive, it is essential that the Prime Minister has the support of the majority in the Lok Sabha
- The moment this support of the majority is lost, the Prime Minister loses the office and has to resign