What is meant by ministerial responsibility?

The government comprises the King and the ministers (article 42, paragraph 1 of the Constitution). Article 42, paragraph 2 of the Constitution provides that the ministers, and not the King, are responsible for acts of government. The ministers are answerable to Parliament for all legislation and for what the King says and does.

This principle has been in force since the Constitution was revised by the Thorbecke government in 1848.