Head of State Flashcards
(16 cards)
What is the role of the Head of State (President)?
Largely a ceremonial figurehead with symbolic functions such as conferring honours, receiving ambassadors, and representing the state on ceremonial occasions.
Other functions include summoning, proroguing, and dissolving Parliament, as well as signing bills passed by both Houses of Parliament.
Who typically advises the Governor General on appointments?
The political executive, mainly the Prime Minister, and other key figures such as the Leader of the Opposition, various Constitutional Commissions, and the Public Service Commission.
The Governor General can make certain appointments at their own discretion.
Who is the Prime Minister?
The effective Head of Government in all Commonwealth Caribbean states, except Guyana, and leader of the political party that commands the majority in the House of Assembly.
This occurs after winning the most seats in a general election.
What branches of government do Prime Ministers influence?
Executive and legislative branches.
They head the executive as Chair of the Cabinet and influence the legislative branch as the leader of the majority party.
What are the three branches of government?
- Executive: Formulates policy
- Legislative: Elected MPs sit in Parliament
- Judiciary: Upholds the constitution and checks other branches
What can cause a vacancy in the Office of Prime Minister?
- Death
- Resignation due to illness, old age, or party pressure
- Losing a no-confidence vote
- Party losing a general election
- Losing their own seat
What significant powers do Prime Ministers in the Caribbean hold?
- Appoint, remove, and reshuffle Cabinet Ministers
- Appoint or remove Senators and Senate President
- Support crucial for appointing ambassadors and commission members
- Select Governor General or President in some territories
- Appoint judges and members to the Electoral and Boundaries Commission
- Call elections at any time
- Dissolve Parliament
- Prorogue or suspend Parliament
True or False: Prime Ministers can serve indefinitely.
True
They can serve indefinitely as long as they maintain party and public support.
What is the role of the Prime Minister as a party leader?
Public face of the party, influencing candidate selection and controlling the party, Parliament, and government.
Reflects a personal mandate earned during elections.
What are some implications of the Prime Minister’s powers?
The legislature becomes subordinate due to executive control over MP candidacy and political careers.
In small states, ruling party MPs can be appointed to roles, limiting dissent.
What mechanisms keep the Prime Minister in check?
- Regular elections
- No-confidence motions
- Need for Cabinet and party support
- No power to dismiss civil servants
- Governor General’s power to refuse Parliament dissolution after a no-confidence vote
Who appoints the Leader of the Opposition?
The Governor General appoints the person best able to command support from the majority of MPs who do not support the government.
What can cause a vacancy in the office of the Leader of the Opposition?
- Death
- Resignation from Parliament or the role
- Losing their seat
- Losing support from non-government MPs
- Removal by the Governor General
What are the functions of the Leader of the Opposition in Barbados?
- Chairs the Public Accounts Committee
- Acts as Chief Spokesperson for the opposition
- Appoints a ‘shadow cabinet’
- Consulted on some appointments by the Governor General
What is the primary role of the Opposition Leader?
To present themselves as a ready alternative government and ensure government follows the law and democratic principles.
What criticism is often directed at the Opposition?
They may oppose policies while in opposition, only to adopt them in government, and criticisms are often party-based rather than values-driven.
