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Difficulty: MediumThe Executive: Types, Functions, and Powers

In a parliamentary executive system, cabinet members are bound by the doctrine of collective responsibility. If a minister strongly disagrees with a policy officially adopted by the cabinet, which course of action must that minister constitutionally take?

  1. Resign from the cabinet position if choosing to publicly oppose the policyAnswer
  2. B
    Retain the cabinet portfolio while exercising an independent veto as Head of State
  3. C
    Invoke executive immunity to prevent cabinet dismissal while publicly criticizing the decision
  4. D
    Instruct civil service officials within the ministry to override the policy under bureaucratic neutrality

Answer

The minister must resign from the cabinet position if choosing to publicly oppose the policy.
In a parliamentary executive, collective responsibility demands absolute cabinet solidarity. All ministers are jointly responsible for executive policies, so a minister who refuses to support a cabinet decision publicly must resign.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the principles governing executive decision-making in a parliamentary system.
The executive functions through cabinet government operating under the principle of collective responsibility.
Cabinet solidarity requires all ministers to share joint public responsibility for cabinet decisions regardless of personal opinion.
2
Determine the required constitutional behavior for a dissenting minister.
A minister who cannot defend a cabinet policy publicly must surrender their ministerial office.
Public criticism of cabinet decisions by a sitting minister breaks executive cohesion and constitutional convention.

Key Concept

Collective Responsibility of the Parliamentary Executive
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

The Executive: Types, Functions, and Powers

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