ABSTRACT
This conclusion presents some closing thoughts on the concepts covered in the preceding chapters of this book. The book argues that the increase in cabinet size in Ecuador reflects the expansion of the state under President Correa. It looks at turnover is higher under presidents that use cooperative strategies and for partisan ministers, compared to other minister types. The book also argues that ministerial turnover results from internal party politics, as presidents try to reconcile the different factions of their party. It shows a strict dichotomy based on partisanship misses a great deal of variation in the attributes that ministers bring to their job in the cabinet, as well as the variation in the sources of political support and leverage that they offer the president. The book explains the collapse of the party system left a vacuum that was filled by business elites and other organized economic interests. It explains some possible correlates of presidents' choice of portfolio allocation strategy.
