Lijphart C6Cabinet Formation

Cabinets What do we mean by “cabinet”? Presidential v. Parliamentary cabinets

“In parliamentary systems of government, cabinets

have to be formed so that they will enjoy the

confidence of-or at least be tolerated by-a

parliamentary majority” (91).

Theories of Cabinet Formation1. Minimum Winning

2. Minimum Size

3. Bargaining Position/Smallest Number of Parties

4. Minimal Range

5. Minimal Connected Winnin

6. Policy-Viable

Issues Constructive Votes of “no confidence” Making a particular piece of legislation a

confidence issue (France).

Example From the UK Parliament’s Web site:

Motions of No ConfidenceParliamentary control of the Government is ultimately exercised by the ability of the House of Commons to force the Government to resign. This may happen if a resolution of 'no confidence' is passed or if a proposal which the Government considers so vital to its policy that it has made it a matter of confidence is rejected. The Opposition's ability to defeat the Government in a vote of 'no confidence' depends on the relative voting strengths in the Commons. Where the Government has a comfortable majority such a motion is very unlikely to succeed. There are also dangers for the Opposition in that no confidence motions tend to unite the ruling party. Consequently, such motions are relatively infrequent. Successful motions are even rarer.The last successful no confidence motion was in March 1979 when the Opposition motion was passed by just one vote - 311 to 310. Parliament was then dissolved in April and the general election took place in May.