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閣議決定とは

～憲法又は法律が内閣の意思決定を

当然必要としている事項～

 


参考：内閣府HP

 

 

What is a cabinet decision?

Cabinet decisions are decisions made at cabinet meetings presided over by the Prime Minister. Article 4 of the Cabinet Law stipulates that ``the Cabinet shall exercise its official authority through Cabinet meetings'' and is the highest decision-making procedure in the executive branch.

Cabinet decisions are made on a wide range of matters, including the enactment of laws and government ordinances, budget decisions, conclusion of treaties, and basic foreign policy decisions. Specifically, these include:

Decisions on draft laws and government ordinances
Determination of the national budget bill and fiscal speech
Conclusion and ratification of treaties
Deciding on the basic policy of foreign policy
Determination of basic policies regarding important policies
Matters related to the organization and operation of administrative agencies
Acceptance of National Personnel Authority recommendations
Establishment and abolition of national universities
award of honors
Disaster countermeasures
Other important matters

Cabinet decisions are made with the approval of a majority of the ministers of state in attendance. The Prime Minister is responsible for respecting and implementing Cabinet decisions.

Cabinet decisions, unlike laws and government ordinances, do not have direct effect on the people. However, as an indicator of government policy, it has a significant impact on administrative agencies and the public.

In recent years, the abuse of cabinet decisions has been viewed as a problem. Cabinet decisions must be made within the scope of the Constitution and laws, and must be checked by the Diet and the people.

Importance of cabinet decisions

Cabinet decisions are important in the following points.

It is the highest decision-making procedure in the executive branch.
It indicates the government's policy direction.
have a major impact on administrative agencies and the public
Points to note regarding cabinet decisions

The following points should be kept in mind when making cabinet decisions.

Must be done within the scope of the constitution and laws
It needs to be checked by the Diet and the people.
Abuse must be prevented
summary

Cabinet decisions are important decision-making procedures in the executive branch. It is important that cabinet decisions be made within the scope of the constitution and laws and checked by the Diet and the people.

Advantages and disadvantages of cabinet decisions

Cabinet decisions are decisions made at cabinet meetings presided over by the Prime Minister. A wide range of matters are carried out, including the enactment of laws and government ordinances, budget decisions, and the conclusion of treaties.

merit
Rapid decision-making: Cabinet decisions are made without passing through the Diet, allowing for rapid decision-making. This is effective in the event of an emergency or a change in the international situation.
Clarifying the responsibility of the whole government: Cabinet decisions are decisions made by the entire cabinet. As a result, the responsibilities of individual ministers are less likely to be ambiguous, and the responsibilities of the government as a whole can be clarified.
Demonstrate political leadership: Cabinet decisions are a means for the Prime Minister to exercise leadership and advance policy. The Prime Minister is able to persuade ministers, unite them, and implement policies.
Demerit
Weakening of the Diet's checking function: Cabinet decisions are made without being passed by the Diet, which may weaken the Diet's checking function.
Decisions made behind closed doors: Cabinet meetings are held behind closed doors, so information is not disclosed to the public and there is criticism that decisions are made behind closed doors.
Decisions by majority vote: Cabinet decisions are made by a majority of the Ministers of State present. Therefore, decisions do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the people.
summary

While cabinet decisions have the advantage of speedy decision-making and clarify the responsibility of the government as a whole, they also have disadvantages, such as weakening the Diet's checking function and making decisions behind closed doors.

As citizens, it is important to understand the merits and demerits of cabinet decisions before checking government policies.

 

 

2024.03.03