Executive power in a cabinet system of government is vested in the ________

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks who holds executive power (the power to carry out laws and run the government) in a cabinet system of government.

Step 2: Explain the concept In a cabinet (parliamentary) system, such as the United Kingdom's, executive authority is not held by one person. It is exercised collectively by the Prime Minister and the cabinet, which is made up of ministers. The cabinet is also called the council of ministers. The ministers are usually members of the legislature, and they are collectively responsible to it. The Head of State (a monarch or ceremonial president) is only a nominal executive.

Step 3: Check each option

• A. Legislature: This makes laws. It does not hold executive power, although cabinet members sit in it.
• B. Judiciary: This interprets laws and settles disputes.
• C. Civil service: This is the permanent administrative staff that implements government policy. It advises ministers but does not hold executive power.
• D. Council of ministers: This is the cabinet, which holds real executive power under the Prime Minister.

Step 4: Answer The correct answer is D. council of ministers.

Exam tip: Remember the pairing "cabinet system = collective executive (Prime Minister + ministers)" and "presidential system = single executive (the President)". Watch for the words nominal (ceremonial head of state) and real (cabinet) executive, because WASSCE often tests this distinction.