Distinguish between the Council of Ministers and the Cabinet. (any three)
Answers
Differences between Cabinet and Council of Ministers
Cabinet
Council of Ministers
The cabinet consists of many senior ministers who hold important portfolios such as defence, home affairs, education etc. They consist of Cabinet Ministers, Deputy Ministers and Ministers of State
It was conferred the status of a constitutional body after the passing of the Constitutional Amendment Act of 1978 (Also Known as 44th Amendment) It is a constitutional body
The Cabinet consists of some of the most experienced ministers. Thus the Prime Minister seeks their advice on important matters. The decisions of the cabinet are binding to all ministers It is up to the Prime Minister to consult with the council of ministers or not when it comes to making important decisions
It enforces the collective responsibility of the council to its members It enforces collective responsibility to the lower houses of the parliament
The Cabinet meets as frequently as possible to formulate policies and to decide on certain matters of national importance The meetings between the council of ministers are rare.
The size of the cabinet is about 15-20 ministers The council of ministers usually consists of about 60 to 70 ministers of the government.
The Cabinet and Council of Ministers are both important concepts in the Polity segment of the UPSC Exams. The following links will help in studying this segment along with giving more detailed information about the above concepts