Microtheme: Union and State Executive —
11 questions asked in Prelims in the past.

1. [2022] Consider the following statements :
   1. The Constitution of India classifies the ministers into four ranks viz. Cabinet Minister, Minister of State with Independent Charge, Minister of State and Deputy Minister.
   2. The total number of ministers in the Union Government, including the Prime Minister, shall not exceed 15 percent of the total number of members in the Lok Sabha.
   Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?
   • (a) 1 only
   • (b) 2 only
   • (c) Both 1 and 2
   • (d) Neither 1 nor 2
   Correct Answer: (B) 2 only
2. [2021] With reference to the Union Government, consider the following statements:
   1.N. Gopalaswamy Iyenger Committee suggested that a minister and a secretary be designated solely for pursuing the subject of administrative reform and promoting it.
   2. In 1970, the Department of Personnel was constituted on the recommendation of the Administrative Reforms Commission, 1966, and this was placed under the Prime Minister’s charge.
   Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
   • (a) 1 only
   • (b) 2 only
   • (c) Both 1 and 2
   • (d) Neither 1 nor 2
   Correct Answer: (B) 2 only
3. [2016] Consider the following statements:
   1. The Chief Secretary in a State is appointed by the Governor of that State.
   2. The Chief Secretary in a State has a fixed tenure.
   Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
   • (a) 1 only
   • (b) 2 only
   • (c) Both 1 and 2
   • (d) Neither 1 nor 2
   Correct Answer: (D) Neither 1 nor 2
4. [2015] Consider the following statements :
   1. The Executive Power of the Union of India is vested in the Prime Minister.
   2. The Prime Minister is the ex officio Chairman of the Civil Services Board.
   Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
   • (a) 1 only
   • (b) 2 only
   • (c) Both 1 and 2
   • (d) Neither 1 nor 2
   Correct Answer: (D) Neither 1 nor 2
5. [2014] Which of the following is/are the function/functions of the Cabinet Secretariat?
   1. Preparation of agenda for Cabinet Meetings.
   2. Secretariat assistance to Cabinet Committees.
   3. Allocation of financial resources to the Ministries.
   Select the correct answer using the code given below.
   • (a) 1 only
   • (b) 2 and 3 only
   • (c) 1 and 2 only
   • (d) 1, 2 and 3
   Correct Answer: (C) 1 and 2 only
6. [2013] Consider the following statements :
   1. The Council of Ministers in the centre shall be collectively responsible to the Parliament.
   2. The Union Ministers shall hold the office during the pleasure of the President of India.
   3. The Prime Minister shall communicate to the President about the proposals for legislation
   Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
   • (a) 1 only
   • (b) 2 and 3 only
   • (c) 1 and 3 only
   • (d) 1, 2 and 3
   Correct Answer: (B) 2 and 3 only
7. [2013] In the context of India, which of the following principles is/are implied institutionally in the
   parliamentary government?
   (1). Members of the Cabinet are Members of the Parliament.
   (2). Ministers hold the office till they enjoy confidence in the Parliament.
   (3). Cabinet is headed by the head of the State.
   Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
   • (a) 1 and 2 only
   • (b) 3 only
   • (c) 2 and 3 only
   • (d) 1, 2 and 3
   Correct Answer: (A) 1 and 2 only
8. [2012] The Prime Minister of India, at the time of his/her appointment:
   • (a) Need not necessarily be a member of one of the Houses of the Parliament but must become a member of one of the Houses within six months
   • (b) Need not necessarily be a member of one of the Houses of the Parliament but must become a member of the Lok Sabha within six months
   • (c) Must be a member of one of the Houses of the Parliament
   • (d) Must be a member of the Lok Sabha
   Correct Answer: (A) Need not necessarily be a member of one of the Houses of the Parliament but must become a member of one of the Houses within six months
9. [2009] With reference to Union Government, consider the following statements :
   1. The number of Ministries at the Centre on 15th August 1947 was 18.
   2. The number of Ministries at the Centre at present is 36.
   Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?
   • (a) 1 only
   • (b) 2 only
   • (c) Both 1 and 2
   • (d) Neither 1 nor 2
   Correct Answer: (A) 1 only
10. [2009] With reference to Union Government, consider the following statements:
    1. The Constitution of India provides that all Cabinet Ministers shall be compulsorily the sitting members of Lok Sabha only.
    2. The Union Cabinet Secretariat operates under the direction of the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
    • (a) 1 only
    • (b) 2 only
    • (c) Both 1 and 2
    • (d) Neither 1 nor 2
    Correct Answer: (D) Neither 1 nor 2
11. [2009] With reference to Union Government, consider the following statements :
    1. The Ministries/Departments of the Government of India are created by the Prime Minister on the advice of the Cabinet Secretary.
    2. Each of the Ministries is assigned to a Minister by the President of India on the advice of the Prime Minister.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?
    • (a) 1 only
    • (b) 2 only
    • (c) Both 1 and 2
    • (d) Neither 1 nor 2
    Correct Answer: (B) 2 only