Ráðherrastjórn

Ráðherrastjórn refers to a form of government in which executive power is exercised by a cabinet of ministers, led by a prime minister. In this arrangement the cabinet is the primary political authority, directing policy and administering government functions through the various ministries.

Ministers are typically members of the legislature and are appointed to head government departments. Decisions are made by the cabinet as a collective body, and ministers share responsibility for government policy. This principle of collective responsibility means that if parliament loses confidence in the government, the entire cabinet is expected to resign, and the prime minister may be replaced without a new election in some cases.

The government relies on parliamentary support and remains in office only while it retains the confidence of the majority in the legislature. In most such systems, the head of state, whether a monarch or president, has a largely ceremonial role, while day-to-day governance is conducted by the cabinet and the prime minister.

Ráðherrastjórn is characteristic of many parliamentary democracies, notably those following the Westminster model and numerous Nordic and continental European systems. It is typically contrasted with presidential or mixed systems, where a separately elected president may hold a substantial portion of executive power.

Advantages of cabinet government include coherent policy direction, accountability to the legislature, and a clear line of political responsibility. Criticisms concern potential for gridlock, overreliance on party discipline, and reduced direct accountability to voters for specific policy choices.