In the context of the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers, explain the following: (a) Appointment of the Prime Minister

(a) According to the constitution, The Prime Minister is appointed by the President of India. In actual practice, however, the choice of the President in the appointment of Prime Minister is limited. He appoints only that person as Prime Minister who is the leader of the party or coalition of parties having an absolute majority in House of the people. In case no party has an absolute majority in the house of the people, the president can appoint any person as Prime Minister who is his opinion, is able to form a stable government. The person to be appointed as Prime Minister must be a member of either house of parliament.

(b) The Prime Minister selects a number of ministers according to his/her preference and submits a list to the President. When the President approves and appoints the Ministers on the list, the Council of Ministers is formed. 

The Council of Ministers has three ranks within if 

1. Cabinet Ministers, 

2. Ministers of State and 

3. Deputy Ministers. 

(c) All ministers of the Council have to be members of either House of Parliament. In case a non-member is selected, he/ she has to be elected to either House within 6 months from the date of appointment. The Cabinet is the inner core of the Council of Ministers. The Cabinet Ministers hold the most important portfolios and make the most important decision and policies. The Cabinet Ministers hold the highest ranks and have the greatest responsibility. They hold the real executive power of the Indian government and is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha. The Cabinet can remain in office as long as it enjoys the confidence of a majority in the Lok Sabha. If a vote of no-confidence is passed against anyone Cabinet Minister, the whole Council of Ministers has to resign immediately. The entire Council has to answer for the shortcomings or failure on the part of any one minister.