3. The Union Executive

(1) The President, the Prime Minister, the Council of Minister are called the

Union Executive

(2) During the parliamentary session the period around 12 noon is known as -

Zero Hour

(1) Impeachment procedure

• The responsibility of protecting the Constitution is shouldered by the President.
• If any act of the President violates the Constitution, the Parliament has the authority to remove the President. This process is known as the process of Impeachment.
• Any one House of the Parliament can lay the charge of violation of the Constitution, and the investigation of the charge is carried out by the other House.
• The resolution for impeachment must be passed by a special (2/3rd) majority of both the Houses of Parliament.

(2) No-confidence motion

• This is one of the most effective ways for the legislature to keep a check on the Council of Ministers.
• The government stays in power only as long as it enjoys the support of the majority in the Lok Sabha.
• The members of the House can move a no-confidence motion by simply expressing 'we do not have confidence in the government'.
• If this motion is passed with majority support, the Council of Ministers has to resign, and the government cannot stay in power.

(3) Jumbo ministry

• A 'Jumbo Ministry' refers to a huge Council of Ministers.
• Earlier, there was a trend in our country to keep large Councils of Ministers.
• To prevent this, a constitutional amendment was later made to limit the size of the Council of Ministers.
• As per this amendment, the total number of ministers in the council should not be more than 15% of the total number of members in the Lok Sabha.

(1) Enumerate the functions of the Council of Ministers.

• In a parliamentary form of government, the Council of Ministers takes the initiative in the process of Law-making. They draft and discuss schemes and policy plans before introducing them in the House.
• They are responsible for deciding specific policies or directions of work for important subjects like education, agriculture, industry, health, and foreign relations.
• The Ministers lay their policy plans in the Parliament to bring about a discussion on it and try to get it approved by the Parliament.
• The implementation of policies is the foremost responsibility of the Council of Ministers. Once the Parliament approves the policies, they ensure their implementation.

(2) How does the Parliament keep a check on the Council of Ministers?

• Discussions and Debates: Members actively participate in debates during the law-making process, helping them to scrutinize policy proposals and point out shortcomings.
• Question Hour: The proceedings of the House begin with questions asked by members. The concerned ministers must give satisfactory answers, and members can criticize or argue if unsatisfied.
• Zero Hour: During the period around 12 noon, any question of public importance can be immediately raised and discussed.
• No-Confidence motion: The Parliament can move a no-confidence motion against the government. If passed with majority support, the entire Council of Ministers must resign.