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How does the prime minister's cabinet (executive branch) work? |
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The cabinet is responsible for administering the nation in accordance
with legal, budgetary, and other considerations. The cabinet consists
of the prime minister and not more than 20 ministers of state. The prime
minister is elected from among Diet members in the legislature. The ministers
of state are appointed by the prime minister; a majority of them must
be members of the Diet.
Under the cabinet's jurisdiction is the Prime Minister's Office and 12 ministries. Other executive organs are the various agencies and commissions. Usually, ministers head these government ministries, agencies, and other entities, and share the burden of administrative work. If the House of Representatives passes a nonconfidence resolution, the cabinet must either resign or dissolve the House of Representatives within 10 days. The cabinet can also dissolve the House of Representatives if necessary and seek a popular mandate in a general election. Photo courtesy of Ministry of Foreign Affairs. |
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