ABSTRACT
Rules governing the government are to be found in the constitutions of all countries. In countries with a constitutionalist tradition, these basic rules provide a framework within which the organs of government do in practice function. The nomination of the members of the government is made by the Taoiseach. Although there is a legal distinction between being a member of the government and head of a department, the positions are in fact virtually identical. Members of the government depend for their continuance in office on maintaining an adequate level of satisfaction in their party or parties and also, if they are to win another election, in the community. The government's responsibility to the Dail is collective, for the government is required 'to meet and act as a collective authority'. Collective responsibility requires the government to present a united front to the public and to be accountable to the Dail which has the power to remove it en bloc.
