Cabinet

:This article discusses the governmental body, for other meanings see cabinet (disambiguation)

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A Cabinet is a body of high-ranking members of government, typically representing the executive branch. It can also sometimes be referred to as the Council of Ministers or the Executive Council.

Related Topics:
Government - Executive branch - Executive Council

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In some countries, particularly those with parliamentary systems, the cabinet collectively decides the government's policy and tactical direction, especially in regards to legislation passed by the parliament. In other countries, such as the United States, the cabinet has little collective power or influence over lawmaking, and instead functions largely as an advisory council to the Head of Government. In some countries, cabinets are required to be appointed from sitting members of the legislature.

Related Topics:
Countries - Parliamentary system - Parliament - United States - Council - Head of Government - Legislature

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In most governments, members of the cabinet are given the title of minister, and each hold a different portfolio of government duties ("Minister for the Environment", etc). In a few governments, the title of secretary is used for cabinet members. The day-to-day role of a cabinet members is to serve as the head of one segment of the national bureaucracy, as the head civil servant to which all other employees in that department report.

Related Topics:
Minister - Portfolio - Secretary - Bureaucracy - Civil servant

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