Final answer:
The cabinet's role in the executive branch is influenced by the regime type, the executive's preferences, political loyalty, ideological views, expertise, and the cabinet's representativeness. In a presidential system, these factors vary per individual president, whereas, in parliamentary systems, there is more consistency in cabinet operations. Cabinet importance may also fluctuate with political events and the personalization of chief executives.
Step-by-step explanation:
The main factors that influence the cabinet's role within the executive branch include the type of regime (presidential or parliamentary), the president's or prime minister's preferences and character, political loyalty, ideological similarity, expertise of the cabinet members, and representativeness of the cabinet. In presidential systems, the impact of the cabinet can vary significantly depending on the individual president and tends to shift according to their desire for political loyalty, ideological alignment, or expertise. A president's approach to selecting cabinet members can also be a response to political pressures or a vision for representation, as seen in efforts to create cabinets that reflect the nation's diversity.
In parliamentary regimes, there is more consistency in cabinet functions and a stronger expectation that cabinet members will have substantive input into decision-making. However, some modern prime ministers have adopted a more presidential style, potentially diminishing the cabinet's relative importance. Cabinet members, regardless of the regime, can also gain visibility and impact during times of political events, like the enactment of the Marshall Plan by Secretary of State George Marshall.