The term 'Primus inter pare' in relation to the Prime Minister...
The Constitution of India does not describe the office of the Prime Minister in detail. It is, therefore, difficult to State what is the exact position of the Prime Minister. The general accepted theory is that the Prime Minister is just like “primus inter pares” or “first among equals”. This is the phrase, which is used to describe the office of the Prime Minister ship in a parliamentary system.
The Prime Minister is to take the support of his Cabinet colleagues and thus among the Cabinet colleagues the Prime Minister is first among equals.
However, this phrase is too modest to describe a great office of a parliamentary system.
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The term 'Primus inter pare' in relation to the Prime Minister...
Explanation:
The term "Primus inter pare" is a Latin phrase that translates to "first among equals". It is often used to describe the position of the Prime Minister in relation to the other ministers in a government.
1. The Prime Minister is least powerful in relation to the ministers:
This option is incorrect. The term "Primus inter pare" implies that the Prime Minister holds a position of authority and leadership among the ministers. It indicates that while all ministers are considered equals, the Prime Minister possesses a higher degree of power and influence.
2. The Prime Minister is the most powerful in relation to the ministers:
This option is correct. The term "Primus inter pare" suggests that the Prime Minister is the most powerful among the ministers. Although all ministers hold equal rank and are part of the same government, the Prime Minister has the authority to make important decisions, set the agenda, and direct the functioning of the government.
3. The Prime Minister is as powerful as the President:
This option is incorrect. The term "Primus inter pare" specifically refers to the relationship between the Prime Minister and the ministers within a government. It does not compare the power of the Prime Minister to that of the President, who may hold a separate and higher position in a different system of government.
4. The Prime Minister is as powerful as the Speaker:
This option is incorrect. The term "Primus inter pare" does not relate to the power dynamics between the Prime Minister and the Speaker of the House. The Speaker of the House is a role that presides over the legislative body and ensures its orderly functioning, while the Prime Minister is the head of the government.
Therefore, the correct answer is option 'B': The Prime Minister is the most powerful in relation to the ministers. The term "Primus inter pare" signifies that the Prime Minister holds a position of authority and leadership among the ministers, being the first among equals.
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