Model Question and Answers for APSC | Discuss the formation of the Union council of ministers. Discuss power and functions of the union council of ministers.

Ans : The formation of the Union council of ministers
1. The process of formation of the Council of Ministers begins with the appointment of the Prime Minister by the President.
2. After his appointment, the Prime Minister prepares the list of the persons whom he recommends for appointment as ministers.
3. The Constitution gives a free hand to the Prime Minister to constitute the Council Ministers. Normally only a member of either House of the Parliament is appointed as a minister.
4. However, the Prime Minister can also appoint a non-member as a minister, but such a minister has to get the membership of either house, (through an election or a nomination) within six months of his appointment. In case of failure to do so within 6 months, the concerned minister has to quit his minister-ship after the expiry of six months.

5. The number of ministers cannot be more than 15% of the total membership of the Lok Sabha.
Powers of the Union Council of Ministers:
(i) Executive Powers:
1. The Council of Ministers is the real executive. All executive powers of the President of India are really used by the Council of Ministers.
2. Policy-Making: The Council of Ministers formulates the policies which are to be submitted to the Parliament for approval.
3. Running of Administration: The Council of Ministers runs the administration in accordance with the laws and policies.
4. Treaty Making and Defence Functions: other international agreements are negotiated and signed by the ministers on behalf of the President.
(ii) Legislative Powers:
Though the legislative powers of the Union are in the hands of the Parliament, the Council of Ministers plays an important role in the sphere of legislation. The ministers are both the heads of government departments as well as members of the Parliament. They take a full and active part in the working of the Parliament. Most of the bills are introduced and piloted by them. 95 % of the time of the Parliament is utilized for handling governmental business, which is managed by the ministers.
(iii) The Financial Powers:
Parliament is the custodian of national finances. However, the Cabinet plays a leading role in this sphere  also. The budget is prepared by the Cabinet. It lays down the fiscal policies of the government. The Cabinet gets the budget passed from the Parliament.