57 Questions
Which branch of government is responsible for exercising day-to-day governmental authority in the RSA?
Executive (Cabinet)
Who exercises executive authority at the national level in the RSA?
Other public servants or officials
In which organ of state does the national executive authority finally vest in the RSA?
The President
According to the Constitution, which common law powers may still exist?
Powers related to foreign relations
What does Section 90 of the Constitution deal with?
Provisions relating to acting President
Who appoints and dismisses members of the Cabinet?
The President
What is the main function of the Deputy President?
To assist the President in executing government functions
Which section of the Constitution deals with the removal of the President?
Section 89
What is the aim of the removal procedure for the President?
To punish the President for certain conduct
How is the remuneration of the SA President determined?
Through an Act of Parliament
Can Parliament reduce or increase the salary of the President through a resolution or an ordinary Act of Parliament?
No
Which body of people is responsible for the proper execution of executive authority at the national level?
The Cabinet
What are the specific functions of the national Cabinet?
Implementing national legislation
How are ministers appointed and dismissed?
By the executive president
What are the qualifications required for ministers?
Being a member of Parliament
What is the meaning of the phrase 'together with' when used in the Constitution?
To exercise power in conjunction with
What is the meaning of the phrase 'in consultation with' when used in the Constitution?
To consult with
What is the meaning of the phrase 'on the advice of' when used in the Constitution?
To act as advised
Based on the text, does the South African President still have certain common law powers?
Yes
Which powers of the President are subject to judicial control?
Powers exercised as head of state
What is the main focus of the President's powers and functions as head of the national executive?
Making appointments
What is the difference between the President's powers as head of the National Executive and as Head of State?
There is no difference in the President's powers
What is the President constitutionally and legally obliged to do when appointing judges?
Act on the advice of the Judicial Service Commission
What powers do ministers possess?
Powers assigned by the President
How must ministers exercise their powers and functions?
In accordance with the law and the Constitution
How are the powers and functions of ministers in South Africa exercised?
In accordance with the Constitution and the law
What must ministers also act in accordance with, in addition to the Constitution and the law?
The code of ethics
What is a coalition government?
A government formed by multiple political parties working together
What are the qualifications for a person to be eligible to be elected as President?
The qualifications are indirectly stated in the Constitution
What oath/affirmation must the President take before assuming office?
The President must swear or affirm faithfulness to the Republic and obedience to the Constitution
What is the term of office for the SA President?
The term of office is 5 years
Who are members of the Cabinet accountable to?
Parliament
Who is responsible for the powers and functions of the executive assigned to them by the President?
Members of the Cabinet
Who can bring a motion of no confidence in the President according to the Constitution?
Both the majority and minority party
Who decides the manner in which a motion of no confidence in the President is vindicated?
Parliament
According to the South African Constitution, who exercises executive authority at the national level?
The President
What are the duties of the President as set out in section 83 of the Constitution?
All of the above
How is the President elected in South Africa according to the Constitution?
Elected by the members of the NA
What happens if no party obtains an outright majority in the election?
The parties enter into negotiations to form a coalition government
According to the Constitution of South Africa, which level of government is responsible for overseeing the performance of municipalities in exercising their powers?
Provincial government
What is the purpose of provincial supervision of local government according to the Constitution?
To support and strengthen the capacity of municipalities
Can a premier of a province be removed from office on non-political (legislative) grounds according to the Constitution?
Yes, but only on non-political grounds
According to the Constitution, do provincial legislatures have residual legislative powers?
No, provincial legislatures do not have residual legislative powers.
What are the three parts into which a provincial legislature's legislative power can generally be divided?
The adoption of a provincial constitution, the adoption of provincial laws, and the assignment of powers to local governments.
Where can the constitutional requirements regarding the composition and functioning of provincial legislatures be found?
Sections 105-124 of the Constitution.
According to the Constitution, how long is the term of a provincial legislature?
5 years
What is required to alter the boundaries of the provincial governments in South Africa?
A two-thirds majority in the National Assembly and at least six provinces in the National Council of Provinces
Can a provincial government change its name?
Yes, if at least two-thirds of the members of the provincial legislature support such a resolution
Can the national government unilaterally change the legislative powers of the provinces?
No, an amendment of the Constitution is required
According to the Constitution of South Africa, how can the legislative powers of the provinces be changed?
An amendment to the Constitution is required, involving both Houses of Parliament and a two-thirds majority vote.
What are functional areas of concurrent legislative powers in South Africa?
Areas in which both the national and provincial governments have the power to make laws.
What are exclusive provincial legislative powers in South Africa?
Areas in which only the provincial governments can make laws.
What majority is required for a provincial legislature to pass or amend its Constitution?
Two-thirds majority of its members
Which type of taxes may a province NOT impose?
Income tax, value-added tax, general sales tax, property rates, customs duties
From what revenue sources are provincial governments financed?
Allocation of national revenue to the provinces, additional revenue generated by the provinces
Where is the executive authority of a province vested?
The Premier of the province
How is provincial executive authority exercised?
By appointing members of the Executive Council
Test your knowledge on the powers and functions of ministers in South Africa. Learn about the limitations and sources of authority for ministers while exercising their roles.
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