The principle of collective responsibility which compels ministers to be tactful is associated with system of Government.

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks which system of government is associated with collective responsibility, the principle that makes ministers act tactfully (and publicly support Cabinet decisions).

Step 2: Explain the concept Collective responsibility means that all members of the Cabinet share responsibility for the decisions and policies of the government. Once the Cabinet reaches a decision, every minister must publicly support it, even if they disagreed privately. A minister who cannot support a decision must resign. This forces ministers to be careful, discreet, and tactful in what they say. If the government loses a vote of no confidence in the legislature, the whole Cabinet falls together.

Step 3: Test the options

• A. Confederal: This is a loose union of sovereign states. It has no Cabinet system built on collective responsibility.
• B. Diarchical: This is a dual system of rule, such as the colonial arrangement in India. It is not linked to this principle.
• C. Monarchical: The ruler is a monarch. This describes who the head of state is, not how ministers are held accountable. A monarchy can also be absolute, with no collective responsibility.
• D. Parliamentary: The executive (Prime Minister and Cabinet) comes from the legislature and is answerable to it. Ministers are collectively responsible. ✔
• E. Presidential: Ministers or secretaries are appointed by the president and answer to him individually. There is no collective responsibility to the legislature.

Step 4: Answer The principle of collective responsibility is a hallmark of the parliamentary system.

Exam tip: Remember "Parliamentary = Prime Minister + Pooled (collective) responsibility." In a presidential system, think "the president is the boss and ministers are his advisers," so there is individual responsibility.