What is meant by the term 'Cabinet'? Who comprises the Cabinet?

The Cabinet is composed of a small but important body of senior leaders of the party, who are included in the Council of Ministers.

1. They hold important portfolios and decide major policies of the Government.
2. They, being trusted colleagues of the Prime Minister, form the nucleus of the administration.
3. In fact, the Cabinet is the pivot round which the whole administration revolves.
4. They hold important portfolios like Home, Defence, Finance, External Affairs, Railways, etc.
5. A Cabinet Minister is in charge of a Ministry and some times of more than one Ministry.
6. Only Cabinet Ministers have a right to attend meetings of the Cabinet.
7. They together determine the policy and programme of the Government.