Page 18 – Prime Minister
Based on M. Laxmikanth – Indian Polity (6th Edition)
Key Idea Summary
Core concepts and exam relevance
The Prime Minister is the head of government and the leader of the majority in Lok Sabha.
He/she drives policy, administration, and coordination. While the President is the constitutional head, the PM holds real executive power.
- Powers & functions of PM
- Relation with President
- Role in Council of Ministers
- Position in parliamentary system
- Comparison with Chief Minister
Powers of Prime Minister
Four spheres of influence
A) Executive Role
- Appoints Ministers (President acts on PM's advice)
- Allocates & reshuffles portfolios
- Supervises all ministries
- Coordinates between departments
- Heads Cabinet meetings
- Can ask any Minister to resign
B) Legislative Role
- Leader of Lok Sabha (if member)
- Chief spokesperson of government
- Guides law-making process
- Advises President on summoning/proroguing Parliament
- Can recommend dissolution of Lok Sabha
C) Financial Role
- Head of Economic Affairs (de facto)
- Key role in Budget framing
- Oversees NITI Aayog (Chairman)
- Final authority on major economic policies
- Coordinates Finance Ministry decisions
D) International Leadership
- Represents India at global forums
- Summit diplomacy & bilateral meetings
- Coordinates foreign & defense policy
- Chairs Cabinet Committee on Security
- National crisis management leader
Formation of Government
From election to Cabinet formation
Lok Sabha elections conducted by Election Commission
Single party or coalition gets majority (272+ seats)
President invites leader of majority party/coalition
Leader takes oath as Prime Minister (Art. 75)
PM advises President on Ministers; portfolios allocated
PM proves majority on floor of Lok Sabha (if required)
PM's Control Over Ministers
The "Sun" around which Ministers revolve
🏛️ Portfolio Allocation
PM decides which Minister gets which ministry. Can reshuffle anytime.
✋ Demand Resignation
PM can ask any Minister to resign. If refused, can advise President to dismiss.
🤝 Collective Responsibility
PM ensures Cabinet speaks with one voice. Dissent not tolerated publicly.
⚡ Performance Review
PM can remove non-performing Ministers or those facing scandals.
"PM is nucleus of COM (Council of Ministers). Ministers rise and fall with PM. If PM resigns, entire Council resigns."
Simulation Lab
PM Power Dynamics Explorer
🧪 Government Formation Simulator
Explore different scenarios of government formation and PM's role.
Select a scenario to understand PM's role.
Exam Booster – Practice Questions
Test your understanding
1 Who selects Ministers in the Union Government?
PM selects Ministers. President appoints them on PM's advice (Article 75). President has no choice but to follow PM's recommendations.
2 Who presides over Cabinet meetings?
PM presides over all Cabinet meetings. PM sets the agenda and guides discussions. President never attends Cabinet meetings.
3 What happens if PM resigns?
PM is the head of Council. When PM resigns, the entire Council falls. President then invites new majority or calls fresh elections.
Memory Hooks & Quick Revision
Key takeaways for exam day
Revision Summary
3 Exam Points to Remember
- 1 Art. 75: PM appointed by President; Ministers appointed on PM's advice
- 2 PM resigns → entire Council falls (collective responsibility)
- 3 PM chairs: Cabinet meetings, Cabinet Committees (CCS, ACC), NITI Aayog