How does the concept of 'collective responsibility' apply to the state...
Understanding Collective Responsibility in the State Cabinet
Collective responsibility is a crucial principle in parliamentary systems that outlines how a cabinet operates. It emphasizes the unity and accountability of the cabinet as a whole, rather than individual ministers.
Key Aspects of Collective Responsibility:
- Joint Accountability: All ministers in the cabinet are collectively accountable for the decisions made. This means that if a cabinet decision is criticized or challenged, every minister must defend it, regardless of their personal views.
- Unity in Decision-Making: The principle ensures that once a decision is made, all ministers support it publicly. This unity strengthens the cabinet's authority and promotes a cohesive government image.
- Resignation Consequences: If a cabinet decision leads to significant failure or unpopularity, the entire cabinet may be required to resign. This reinforces the idea that they operate as a single entity rather than as individual members.
- Implications for Governance: Collective responsibility fosters collaboration and discourages discord among ministers. It encourages them to work together to reach consensus before making decisions.
Why Option B is Correct:
The correct answer, "Ministers are collectively accountable for cabinet decisions," reflects the essence of collective responsibility. It highlights that all ministers share the burden of their collective choices and must present a unified front, which is vital for political stability and effective governance.
In contrast, the other options do not accurately convey the spirit of collective responsibility:
- Option A (All ministers share the same salary) is irrelevant to decision-making accountability.
- Option C (Ministers rotate their portfolios regularly) relates to cabinet structure, not accountability.
- Option D (All ministers must belong to the same party) is about party affiliation, not the principle of collective responsibility.
In summary, collective responsibility ensures that the state cabinet functions effectively as a unified body, with all ministers accountable for their collective decisions.
How does the concept of 'collective responsibility' apply to the state...
Collective responsibility means that all ministers are collectively accountable for the decisions of the cabinet. This principle ensures unity in the government, as ministers must publicly support cabinet decisions even if they privately disagree, maintaining a cohesive front in governance.
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