October 28, Slides 5-6 Flashcards
What does “Cabinet solidarity” mean for ministers?
Cabinet solidarity requires all ministers to loyally support and defend Cabinet decisions, refrain from publicly criticizing colleagues, and maintain a united front in support of government policies.
What happens if a Cabinet minister disagrees with a collective decision?
If a Cabinet minister cannot agree with a collective decision, they are expected to resign to maintain the principle of Cabinet solidarity.
Why is “Cabinet confidence” important?
Cabinet confidence ensures the confidentiality of Cabinet discussions, protecting ministers and allowing them to speak openly during meetings without fear of public disclosure.
What is the principle of “responsible government” in relation to the Cabinet?
Responsible government means the Cabinet, led by the Prime Minister, must maintain the confidence of the legislature to govern. If this confidence is lost, the government must resign or call an election.
What are the expectations for ministers regarding policy announcements?
Ministers cannot announce policy changes without Cabinet consent and must refrain from expressing private views on policy matters.
How is Cabinet size determined?
The size of the Cabinet is flexible, typically ranging from 20 to 40 members, depending on the Prime Minister’s preferences and government needs.
What factors influence the selection of Cabinet members?
Cabinet members are chosen to represent geographic, gender, and ethnic/racial diversity and to reward loyal supporters, ensuring both descriptive and formal representation.
How does “descriptive representation” influence Cabinet composition?
Descriptive representation ensures that the Cabinet reflects Canada’s diversity, including geographic regions, gender balance, and ethnic/racial backgrounds.
Why must ministers defend government policies publicly?
Ministers must defend government policies publicly to uphold Cabinet solidarity and maintain public trust in the government’s unity and decision-making.
What happens if a minister publicly criticizes a Cabinet decision?
Public criticism of a Cabinet decision violates Cabinet solidarity norms and could lead to the minister’s resignation or dismissal from their role.
