Examkin

Question

Difficulty: MediumPresidential System of Government

In a presidential system of government, the constitutional status of executive ministers is structured to enforce the separation of powers. Which of the following statements correctly describes the position of a cabinet minister in this system?

  1. They are appointed by the President from outside the legislature and cannot hold a legislative seat while serving.Answer
  2. B
    They must be active elected members of parliament who represent their respective constituencies in the legislature.
  3. C
    They can be dismissed individually at any time by a simple majority vote of no confidence passed in the legislature.
  4. D
    They form a collective cabinet headed by a Prime Minister who exercises separate executive authority from the Head of State.

Answer

Cabinet ministers in a presidential system are appointed by the President from outside the legislature and cannot simultaneously hold legislative seats.
In a presidential system of government, the doctrine of separation of powers forbids individuals from occupying office in both the executive and legislative branches simultaneously. Therefore, cabinet ministers are appointed by the President from outside the legislature, and any legislator appointed to the cabinet must resign their legislative seat.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the structural principle governing cabinet membership in a presidential system.
Identify that strict separation of powers requires personnel in the executive branch to be distinct from the legislative branch.
Preventing dual membership guarantees the functional independence of both organs of government.
2
Contrast presidential minister selection with parliamentary cabinet formation.
Recognize that unlike parliamentary systems where ministers must be members of parliament, presidential ministers are appointed externally and must resign any legislative post.
This establishes clear institutional boundaries and prevents executive dominance over legislative law-making.

Key Concept

Separation of Personnel and Executive Independence in a Presidential System
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Rate this question

Topics

Presidential System of Government

More questions from this topic