03 PM and Executive Exam Q Planning

Question 1

Arguments to suggest that the Prime Minister dominates the U.K. political system?

Answer 1

• majority in government
• party unity
• conduction of foreign policy

Question 2

Evidence to suggest that the PM dominates the political system when they have a large majority?

Answer 2

Tony Blair 2001 = 167 seat

Margaret Thatcher 1984 = 144 seats

Question 3

Evidence to suggest that the PM doesn’t dominates the political system when they have a slim majority?

Answer 3

David Cameron coalition in 2010, Lib Dem’s were in some ways a strong objection to some polices
Theresa May in 2017 formed a minority government with the DUP

Question 4

Evidence to suggest that the PM dominates the political system when the party is unified

Answer 4

Margaret Thatcher in early 80s, dominated around neo-liberalism
Tony Blair in early 2000s

Question 5

Evidence to suggest that the PM doesn’t dominates the political system when the party isn’t unified

Answer 5

Theresa May in 2016-19 over Brexit

Question 6

Arguments to suggest that the Government dominates Parliament?

Answer 6

• majority in government
• weak opposition parties
• ideology of the party leader

Question 7

Evidence to suggest that the majority of the government in Parliament affects the relationship between Govt and Parl

Answer 7

Tory majority in 2019 = 80
Tory majority in 1983 = 144
Labour majority in 1997 = 179

Question 8

Evidence to suggest that the lack of a majority of the government in Parliament affects the relationship between Govt and Parl

Answer 8

2010 = coalition government formed 
2017 = minority government formed (confidence and supply agreement)

Question 9

Evidence to suggest that strength of the leader in Parliament affects the relationship between Govt and Parl

Answer 9

Boris Johnson strong leader.
In 2021, Johnson held a vote in Parliament about a social care levy tax. Despite many political analysts worrying of a Tory Rebellion, they won by 71 votes.
– power of patronage??

Question 10

Evidence to suggest that the lack of strength of the leader in Parliament affects the relationship between Govt and Parl

Answer 10

Teresa May in 2016-19. Within her cabinet, had to unite between leave and remain. She had to appoint ‘Big Beasts’ to her party such as Boris Johnson. Though could not unite her government or her party as her Brexit bill was blocked by 149 votes in March 2019

Question 11

Evidence to suggest that the strength of the opposition in Parliament affects the relationship between Govt and Parl

Answer 11

Strong opposition = Tony Blairs labour party 1994 to 1997.

Their removal of Clause 4

Question 12

Evidence to suggest that the lack of strength of the opposition party in Parliament affects the relationship between Govt and Parl

Answer 12

Early 1980s Margerat Thatcher and the Labour party.
1983 Labour Manifesto dubbed the longest suicide note in history, they were heavily divided over European Integration. Gave Thatcher the political space to carry out her neo-liberal commitments

Question 13

Arguments to suggest devolution in England needs to be furthered?

Answer 13

• successful in other countries
• policy
• strengthen the Union

Question 14

Evidence to suggest that further devolution to England is necessary because it has been successful in other countries?

Answer 14

The Scottish Devolution act saw a turnout of 60% where 74% voted in favour
–gave Scottish government powers of health and education
In Northern Ireland, use the STV electoral system. Good Friday agreement has limited conflict within the country

Question 15

Evidence to suggest that further devolution to England is unnecessary as it has been unsuccessful?

Answer 15

Northern Irish assembly was dissolved between 2002 and 2007.
Average turnout in Sctotland since the enactment of Holyrood stood as 55% since 1997.

Question 16

Arguments to suggest that the U.K. has returned to a cabinet government since 2010

Answer 16

• size of the majority

- cohesion of party

Question 17

Evidence to suggest that since 2010 a cabinet government has returned due to the size of the majority?

Answer 17

No party reached a majority in 2010 meaning a Coalition Government had to be formed
—cabinet places had to be appointed 22:5 to the Conservatives
—disputes were inevitable meaning cabinet could resolve them
—collective responsibility still applied

2015 GE, Tories 4 seat majority.

Question 18

Evidence to suggest that since 2010 a cabinet government has not returned due to a big majority?

Answer 18

Boris Johnson 2019 GE. Won a 80 seat majority. Cabinet has therefore become increasingly marginalised. He filled his cabinet with compliant people (he dismissed Sajid David) after Johnson wanted to replace his advisors with his own. He filled cabinet with compliant Brexiteers.

Question 19

Evidence to suggest that since 2010 a cabinet government has not returned due to a United party?

Answer 19

Boris Johnson was able to unite this party around Brexit following his appointment in 2019. Furthermore, he was extremely popular with Red Wall voters as 109 new Tory MPs entered parliament following the election. A popular leader with new MPs United around an ideology means the PM can increasingly marginalise cabinet as he appears to be very powerful.

Question 20

Evidence to suggest that since 2010 a cabinet government has returned due a party that isn’t United.

Answer 20

David Cameron 2015. Only achieved a 4 seat majority. The Conservative party wasn’t United around Brexit with the ERG lead by Jacob Rees Mogg, along with UKIP, forced the govt into a Brexit Ref where ministerial responsibility was suspended. Although it was a perilous time for U.K. politics, it showed what cabinet ministers could do

Theresa May. She failed to unite her party around her many Brexit Trade Deals.