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8 list of demerits of a cabinet system of government



Demerits Of Cabinet System Of Government


1. Removal if the executive
2. Disaffection
3. Restriction to ministerial appointment
4. Collective responsibility
5. Not popularly elected
6. Fusion of power
7. Weak government
8. Ill-motivated

1. Removal of the executive: One of the demerits of cabinet system of government is that the executive can be removed from office anytime the legislature passes a vote of no confidence in the executive.

2. Disaffection: The system is capable of causing disaffection between the head of state and head of government. For example, the head of state may refuse to appoint a prime minister after a general election.

3. Restriction to ministerial appointment: The best people may not be in government since the prime minister is restricted to appoint ministers into his cabinet from his party only.

4. Collective responsibility: The poor performance of a minister can cause the fall of the government since ministers are collectively responsible for government policies.

5. Not popularly elected: One of the major demerits of cabinet system of government is that; In presidential system of government, the executive President is popularly elected but in Parliamentary, the prime minister is appointed by the head of state.

6. Fusion of power: It is a negation to the principle of separation of powers which states that each organ should function separately. For example, in Britain, the Lord Chancellor, is a member of the three organs of government. Not only that, members of the executive are also members of the legislature.

7. Weak government: A coalition government is an indication of no clear majority winner from any party in the general election, a weak government could result from such formation.

8. Ill-motivated: Another demerits of cabinet system of government is that a vote of no confidence initiated against the executive could be ill-motivated and uncalled for in this system