Write any four functions of the 'Cabinet'.

(1) It FORMULATES the internal and external policies of the government — economic, social, defence and foreign policy — and every major administrative decision is taken by it. (2) It CO-ORDINATES AND CONTROLS the work of all the government departments, resolving differences between ministries so that the administration acts as one. (3) It decides the LEGISLATIVE PROGRAMME: important Bills are drafted under its direction and introduced by its ministers, and it advises the President to issue Ordinances when Parliament is not in session. (4) It controls the NATIONAL FINANCE — the Budget is prepared under its supervision and presented to Parliament — and it makes all the higher appointments of the state, which the President formally makes on its advice.

Four marks, four functions, one mark each. Naming each with a verb — formulates, co-ordinates, legislates, controls finance — keeps them distinct. The examiners’ report for this year specifically notes that candidates confused the FEATURES of the Cabinet with its FUNCTIONS. A function is something the Cabinet DOES; a feature is what it IS. Read the question word carefully and answer with actions.