Anand Classes provides comprehensive Prime Minister of India (Articles 74-75) Polity Notes for NDA, including complete theory, exam-focused MCQs, and frequently asked questions (FAQs). These notes explain the constitutional provisions, powers, functions, responsibilities, and role of the Prime Minister of India in a simple and exam-oriented manner, helping aspirants strengthen their NDA GAT preparation. Click the print button to download study material and notes.
✅ Prime Minister of India – Detailed Explanation for NDA GAT Written Exam
The Prime Minister (PM) is the head of the Central Government and plays a pivotal role in the governance and administration of the country. Although all executive powers are formally vested in the President of India, these powers are actually exercised by the Council of Ministers under the leadership of the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister’s role is therefore central to policymaking, administration, and coordination.
The primary constitutional provisions related to the Prime Minister of India are found in Article 74 and Article 75 of the Indian Constitution. Article 74(1) establishes the Council of Ministers, headed by the Prime Minister, to aid and advise the President. Article 75 outlines the appointment of the Prime Minister by the President, the appointment of other ministers on the Prime Minister’s advice, and provisions regarding the size of the Council of Ministers and ministerial tenure.
Key Points:
- The Prime Minister is appointed by the President of India.
- He or she allocates portfolios among ministers and has the authority to drop any minister if needed.
- The Prime Minister presides over meetings of the Council of Ministers, deciding policies and coordinating the work of ministers.
- He is the ex-officio chairperson of NITI Aayog, which replaced the Planning Commission earlier.
- A Prime Minister must be a member of Parliament, and if not, he or she must acquire membership within six months of appointment.
- The PM remains in power as long as he enjoys the majority in the Lok Sabha; losing confidence results in the termination of the entire Council of Ministers (known as collective responsibility).
- The Prime Minister advises the President on matters such as presidential rule or emergency situations.
- Resignation of the PM leads to the resignation of the entire Council of Ministers.
- Even a member of the Rajya Sabha can become the Prime Minister.
List of Prime Ministers of India:
| Name | Tenure |
|---|---|
| Jawaharlal Nehru | 1947 – 1964 |
| Gulzari Lal Nanda | 1964 – 1964 |
| Lal Bahadur Shastri | 1964 – 1966 |
| Gulzari Lal Nanda | 1966 – 1966 |
| Indira Gandhi | 1966 – 1977 |
| Morarji Desai | 1977 – 1979 |
| Charan Singh | 1979 – 1980 |
| Indira Gandhi | 1980 – 1984 |
| Rajiv Gandhi | 1984 – 1989 |
| Vishwanath Pratap Singh | 1989 – 1990 |
| Chandra Shekhar | 1990 – 1991 |
| PV Narasimha Rao | 1991 – 1996 |
| Atal Bihari Vajpayee | 1996 – 1996 |
| HD Deve Gowda | 1996 – 1997 |
| IK Gujral | 1997 – 1998 |
| Atal Bihari Vajpayee | 1998 – 1999 |
| Atal Bihari Vajpayee | 1999 – 2004 |
| Dr. Manmohan Singh | 2004 – 2014 |
| Narendra Modi | 2014 – Till date |
✅ Powers and Functions of the Prime Minister
In Relation to the Council of Ministers
- If a disagreement arises between the PM and a subordinate minister, the PM can ask the minister to resign or recommend dismissal by the President.
In Relation to the President
- The PM advises the President regarding appointments of key officials, such as the Attorney General of India, Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), Chairman of UPSC, Election Commission (EC), and Chairman of the Finance Commission.
- He advises the President about summoning and proroguing sessions of Parliament.
- The PM can recommend the dissolution of the Lok Sabha at any time.
These powers reflect the central role of the Prime Minister in shaping the governance of the country. For aspirants preparing for exams like UPSC NDA, NDA polity notes preparation, and downloading UPSC NDA study material pdf, understanding these powers is crucial.
✅ UPSC NDA FAQs – Prime Minister of India for SSB Preparation
❓ Who appoints the Prime Minister of India?
Answer:
The Prime Minister is appointed by the President of India, usually the leader of the majority party or coalition in the Lok Sabha. The appointment is based on the ability to command the confidence of the lower house. Even if a person is not a member of Parliament at the time of appointment, he or she must become a member within six months. This is an important topic covered in UPSC NDA polity notes preparation and Anand Classes notes for UPSC NDA aspirants.
❓ Can a member of the Rajya Sabha become the Prime Minister?
Answer:
Yes, a member of the Rajya Sabha can become the Prime Minister, provided that he or she secures majority support in the Lok Sabha. However, membership in either house is mandatory within six months of appointment. Understanding this helps in answering questions related to constitutional provisions in UPSC NDA study material pdf and downloading UPSC NDA notes.
❓ What happens if the Prime Minister loses majority support?
Answer:
If the Prime Minister loses the majority in the Lok Sabha, it means he or she no longer enjoys the support of the house, and therefore, the entire Council of Ministers must resign. This is known as collective responsibility, a critical concept frequently asked in UPSC NDA polity notes preparation and UPSC NDA exams.
❓ What are the functions of the Prime Minister in relation to the President?
Answer:
The Prime Minister advises the President on important matters, such as the appointment of key officials like the Attorney General of India, CAG, Chairman of UPSC, Election Commission, and Finance Commission. Additionally, he or she advises the President about summoning or proroguing Parliament and may recommend dissolution of the Lok Sabha when necessary. These functions are vital for understanding constitutional governance, often discussed in UPSC NDA notes, UPSC NDA study material pdf, and preparation resources like Anand Classes.
❓ What is the role of the Prime Minister in policymaking?
Answer:
The Prime Minister presides over the Council of Ministers, coordinates between various ministries, and decides on government policies. As the chief policymaker, the PM ensures that government functions run smoothly. The PM’s leadership in NITI Aayog also plays a strategic role in economic and developmental planning, which is frequently covered in UPSC NDA polity notes preparation and UPSC NDA study material pdf.
❓ Does resignation of the Prime Minister mean the resignation of all ministers?
Answer:
Yes, if the Prime Minister resigns, the entire Council of Ministers is considered to have resigned, as the ministers function collectively under the leadership of the PM. This is a foundational principle of collective responsibility, an important topic in UPSC NDA preparation, downloading UPSC NDA notes, and studying UPSC NDA polity notes.
✅ Prime Minister of India – NDA Exam Practice MCQs
Q1. Who formally holds the executive power of the Central Government in India?
A) Prime Minister
B) President
C) Speaker of the Lok Sabha
D) Chief Justice of India
✔ Answer: B) President
Explanation:
The executive powers are formally vested in the President of India, but these powers are actually exercised by the Council of Ministers under the leadership of the Prime Minister. This distinction is important for understanding the constitutional framework, often covered in UPSC NDA polity notes preparation and Anand Classes materials.
Q2. Within how many months must a Prime Minister, who is not a member of Parliament at the time of appointment, acquire membership?
A) 3 months
B) 6 months
C) 9 months
D) 12 months
✔ Answer: B) 6 months
Explanation:
A person appointed as the Prime Minister must become a member of either house of Parliament within six months of appointment. Failure to do so results in disqualification from holding office. This is a frequently asked constitutional question in UPSC NDA notes and while downloading UPSC NDA study material pdf.
Q3. Which of the following is NOT a power of the Prime Minister?
A) Allocating portfolios among ministers
B) Advising the President on appointment of key constitutional posts
C) Summoning and proroguing the Parliament without advising the President
D) Recommending the dissolution of the Lok Sabha
✔ Answer: C) Summoning and proroguing the Parliament without advising the President
Explanation:
The Prime Minister advises the President regarding summoning and proroguing Parliament but does not do it independently. All actions are taken through constitutional advice. This subtle distinction is highlighted in UPSC NDA polity notes preparation and other study resources like Anand Classes or downloading UPSC NDA notes.
Q4. What is the meaning of ‘collective responsibility’ in relation to the Prime Minister?
A) The Prime Minister alone is responsible for all government decisions
B) All ministers are individually responsible to the Parliament
C) All ministers are jointly responsible to the Lok Sabha
D) The judiciary supervises the ministers’ decisions
✔ Answer: C) All ministers are jointly responsible to the Lok Sabha
Explanation:
The principle of collective responsibility means that the Council of Ministers, headed by the Prime Minister, is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha. If the house passes a no-confidence motion, the entire Council must resign. This is a key topic for UPSC NDA polity notes preparation and while using UPSC NDA study material pdf from trusted sources like Anand Classes.
Q5. Can a member of the Rajya Sabha become the Prime Minister?
A) No, only a member of the Lok Sabha can
B) Yes, if he or she secures majority support in the Lok Sabha
C) Yes, but only for a temporary term
D) No, unless special permission is granted by the President
✔ Answer: B) Yes, if he or she secures majority support in the Lok Sabha
Explanation:
A member of the Rajya Sabha can become the Prime Minister, provided that he or she enjoys majority support in the Lok Sabha. This ensures political stability while respecting parliamentary norms. This concept is covered in UPSC NDA notes, UPSC NDA polity notes preparation, and study material available through Anand Classes or downloading UPSC NDA study material pdf.
Q6. The Prime Minister is the ex-officio chairperson of which of the following bodies?
A) Finance Commission
B) Planning Commission (earlier) and NITI Aayog (currently)
C) Supreme Court
D) Election Commission
✔ Answer: B) Planning Commission (earlier) and NITI Aayog (currently)
Explanation:
The Prime Minister is the ex-officio chairperson of the NITI Aayog, which replaced the Planning Commission. This role is significant for economic and developmental planning, often tested in UPSC NDA polity notes and preparation guides, including downloading UPSC NDA study material pdf.
Q7. What happens if the Prime Minister resigns from office?
A) Only the PM’s post becomes vacant
B) A new election is held immediately
C) The entire Council of Ministers resigns
D) The President appoints a new PM without consultation
✔ Answer: C) The entire Council of Ministers resigns
Explanation:
When the Prime Minister resigns, the entire Council of Ministers must resign as well, since they function collectively under the PM’s leadership. This is a key constitutional feature, frequently discussed in UPSC NDA notes preparation and during practice sessions using UPSC NDA polity notes or downloading UPSC NDA study material pdf.
Q8. Which of the following statements about the Prime Minister is TRUE?
A) The PM cannot advise the President on emergencies
B) The PM presides over the meetings of the Cabinet and coordinates policies
C) The PM is elected directly by the people
D) The PM has no role in the appointment of constitutional authorities
✔ Answer: B) The PM presides over the meetings of the Cabinet and coordinates policies
Explanation:
The Prime Minister presides over Cabinet meetings and coordinates government policies while also advising the President on various matters. Understanding this role is critical for UPSC NDA exam preparation and while using study resources such as UPSC NDA polity notes, downloading UPSC NDA study material pdf, or Anand Classes notes.
Q9. Which of the following powers enables the Prime Minister to ask a minister to resign?
A) Judicial review
B) Advisory power
C) Power over Council of Ministers
D) Emergency power
✔ Answer: C) Power over Council of Ministers
Explanation:
The Prime Minister can ask a subordinate minister to resign or advise the President to dismiss him if a difference of opinion arises. This power reflects the Prime Minister’s authority over the Council of Ministers and is often discussed in UPSC NDA polity notes preparation and while downloading UPSC NDA study material pdf from trusted sources like Anand Classes.
Q10. Which constitutional principle explains why the Prime Minister must enjoy the confidence of the Lok Sabha?
A) Separation of powers
B) Parliamentary sovereignty
C) Collective responsibility
D) Fundamental rights
✔ Answer: C) Collective responsibility
Explanation:
The Prime Minister must retain the confidence of the Lok Sabha, as the entire Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to it. Losing this confidence requires resignation, which is a fundamental principle in parliamentary governance, frequently tested in UPSC NDA notes and during practice using UPSC NDA polity notes preparation or downloading UPSC NDA study material pdf.
Q11. The Prime Minister’s advice is crucial in the appointment of which of the following?
A) State Governors
B) Attorney General of India and UPSC Chairman
C) Chief Justice of India
D) Comptroller of the Supreme Court
✔ Answer: B) Attorney General of India and UPSC Chairman
Explanation:
The Prime Minister advises the President on appointments such as the Attorney General of India, CAG, Chairman of the UPSC, Election Commission, and Finance Commission. These appointments are essential for constitutional governance and often appear in UPSC NDA polity notes preparation and while accessing UPSC NDA study material pdf from sources like Anand Classes.
Q12. Which of the following is true about the tenure of the Prime Minister?
A) The PM serves a fixed term of five years
B) The PM remains in office as long as he or she enjoys the majority in the Lok Sabha
C) The PM’s tenure is decided by the judiciary
D) The PM automatically remains in office for life
✔ Answer: B) The PM remains in office as long as he or she enjoys the majority in the Lok Sabha
Explanation:
The tenure of the Prime Minister is not fixed; it depends on maintaining majority support in the Lok Sabha. Losing confidence requires the resignation of the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers. This is a significant topic covered in UPSC NDA notes preparation and while downloading UPSC NDA study material pdf.
Q13. Which of the following roles does the Prime Minister NOT perform?
A) Presiding over the NITI Aayog
B) Allocating portfolios among ministers
C) Issuing ordinances without consulting the President
D) Advising the President on summoning Parliament
✔ Answer: C) Issuing ordinances without consulting the President
Explanation:
The Prime Minister cannot issue ordinances independently. The President is the one who formally issues ordinances, although the advice comes from the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers. This nuanced constitutional function is discussed in UPSC NDA polity notes preparation and while using UPSC NDA study material pdf or resources like Anand Classes.
Q14. If the Prime Minister advises the President to dissolve the Lok Sabha, what can happen next?
A) Parliament remains in session indefinitely
B) The Lok Sabha is dissolved and general elections are held
C) The Rajya Sabha takes control of the government
D) The judiciary decides the next course of action
✔ Answer: B) The Lok Sabha is dissolved and general elections are held
Explanation:
The Prime Minister can recommend the dissolution of the Lok Sabha, which triggers general elections. This recommendation reflects the PM’s advisory role in maintaining parliamentary governance and is regularly covered in UPSC NDA notes and while downloading UPSC NDA study material pdf for better preparation.
Q15. What happens when the Prime Minister resigns during a political crisis?
A) Only the PM’s position is vacant while the Council of Ministers continues
B) The President appoints a new PM immediately without consultation
C) The entire Council of Ministers resigns along with the PM
D) The military takes over governance temporarily
✔ Answer: C) The entire Council of Ministers resigns along with the PM
Explanation:
A resignation by the Prime Minister automatically leads to the resignation of the entire Council of Ministers, as they operate under collective responsibility. This constitutional rule is a key area covered in UPSC NDA polity notes preparation and while using resources like downloading UPSC NDA study material pdf or Anand Classes notes.
This study material is designed specifically for NDA aspirants. Regular revision and practice of these concepts will help in both written examination and SSB interview preparation.
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