UPSC Prelims 2015— Question 91

Correct answer: Option D. India follows a parliamentary system because the Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha. This principle makes the executive politically accountable to the elected lower House and distinguishes the parliamentary model from a presidential system in which the executive has a separate electoral mandate. Option-wise analysis: Option A: “Lok Sabha is elected directly by the people” is incorrect. It does not match the specific fact, definition, institutional role, geographical association, or constitutional/economic principle required here. The key distinction is the one identified in the core explanation, so this option can be eliminated. Option B: “Parliament can amend the Constitution” is incorrect. It does not match the specific fact, definition, institutional role, geographical association, or constitutional/economic principle required here. The key distinction is the one identified in the core explanation, so this option can be eliminated. Option C: “Rajya Sabha cannot be dissolved” is incorrect. It does not match the specific fact, definition, institutional role, geographical association, or constitutional/economic principle required here. The key distinction is the one identified in the core explanation, so this option can be eliminated. Option D: “Council of Ministers is responsible to the Lok Sabha” is correct. It directly matches the factual or conceptual requirement tested by the question and is supported by the principle explained above. Prelims takeaway: Focus on the precise institutional role, constitutional provision, geographical association, or technical definition being tested. UPSC questions often place a broadly familiar fact beside a narrowly incorrect qualifier; identifying that qualifier is essential for elimination.