IN A PARLIAMENTARY SYSTEM,THE TERM SHADOW CABINET IS OFTEN USED TO REFER TO

• A. back-benchers in the house
• B. deputy prime ministers and assistant ministers
• C. rebellious members of the ruling party
• D. portfolio designates of the party in opposition ✓

The answer to the question is: D. portfolio designates of the party in opposition

In a parliamentary system, the term “shadow cabinet” refers to portfolio designates of the party in opposition. The shadow cabinet is a feature of the Westminster system of government, which is the parliamentary system used in the United Kingdom and in many other countries that were formerly part of the British Empire. In this system, the political party that is not in power forms a shadow cabinet, which is composed of senior members of the opposition party who hold portfolios mirroring those of the actual cabinet. The purpose of the shadow cabinet is to scrutinize and challenge the policies and actions of the government, as well as to present alternative policies to the public.

The shadow cabinet operates as a parallel structure to the actual cabinet, with each member responsible for monitoring and critiquing a specific government department or ministry. The shadow cabinet members are often chosen based on their expertise and experience in particular policy areas, and they are expected to be ready to assume ministerial roles if their party comes into power. This system allows for a more effective opposition by ensuring that there are knowledgeable and prepared individuals ready to take on governmental responsibilities if there is a change in leadership.

The concept of a shadow cabinet serves to maintain accountability within the parliamentary system by providing an organized and credible alternative government that can offer constructive criticism and propose alternative policies. It also helps to ensure that there is continuity in governance, as potential future ministers are already familiar with their respective portfolios and can hit the ground running if their party wins an election.

Overall, the shadow cabinet plays a crucial role in upholding democratic principles within a parliamentary system by providing a robust opposition that can effectively challenge and contribute to the governing process.