Describe the functions of the Prime Minister in a cabinet system of government.
Explanation
The functions of the Prime Minister in a Cabinet System of Government are:
(i) The Prime Minister is the Head of government in a parliamentary system, exercising executive powers in the process.
(ii)The Prime Minister is also the leader of the ruling party as well as the parliamentary leader.
(iii) He has the power to dismiss any member of his cabinet.
(iv) The Prime Minister can reshuffle or bring about changes in his cabinet.
(v) Members of his cabinet are drawn or nominated from his party members in parliament, who are also lawmakers.
(vi) The Prime Minister is the chairman at both executive and cabinet meetings.
(vii) He represents his country in most international conferences, e.g. meetings of Assembly of Heads of States of the U.N.O., Commonwealth of Nations (Prime Ministers’ conference).
(viii) The Prime Minister is the link between the Head of state and the cabinet.
(ix) He can recommend individuals to be awarded national honours.
(x) The activities of different departments are coordinated by the Prime Minister and his cabinet.