Collective and individual ministerial responsibility

Abstract

The Doctrine of Ministerial Responsibility is the mainstay upon which any democratic system of government is based, and refers to the constitutional responsibility of the Executive to the Legislature. Such responsibility emerges from the fact establish the extent to which the cohesion of Government is guaranteed by the application of the Doctrines. In order to attain this objective, this study first introduces the Executive giving an account of the development of the Cabinet. After establishing the position of the 20th century Cabinet, the Doctrines of Collective and Individual Ministerial Responsibility are discussed; their application within the local context is also assessed. Finally, a conclusion wherein it is established that the extent to which the doctrines are allowed to function depends on the political system within which they operate.