Page:Constitution of the Bolivarian republic of Venezuela.djvu/85

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Article 242: Ministers are direct dependencies of the President of the Republic, and when assembled together with the latter and with the Executive Vice-President, they comprise the Cabinet of Ministers.

The President of the Republic shall preside over meetings of the Cabinet of Ministers, but he shall have the power to authorize the Executive Vice-President to preside over the same when he is unable to attend. Decisions made must be ratified by the President of the Republic.

The Executive Vice-President and the Ministers who took part are jointly and severally accountable for decisions of the Cabinet of Ministers, with the exception of those who placed on record an adverse or negative vote.

Article 243: The President of the Republic shall have the power to appoint Ministers of State, who, in addition to participating in the Cabinet of Ministers, shall advise the President of the Republic and the Executive Vice-President concerning the matters assigned to them.

Article 244: A Minister is required to be of Venezuelan nationality and more than 25 years of age, with the exceptions established in this Constitution.

Ministers are responsible for their actions in accordance with this Constitution and in accordance with law, and shall submit to the National Assembly, within the first 60 days of each year, a sufficient and reasoned annual report on their stewardship during the past year, in accordance with Law.

Article 245: Ministers have the right to speak before the National Assembly and the Committees thereof. They have the right to take part in debates in the National Assembly, without the right to vote.