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UK Government + Ideologies - Evidence > 3. PM and the Executive > Flashcards

3. PM and the Executive Flashcards

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1
Q

What examples are there of the PM appoint/dismiss ministers, granting legal pardons, signing treaties and dealing with crises? - PM and the Executive

A

PM can reshuffle cabinet (Boris Johnson 2020 reshuffle), David Cameron pardoned Alan Turing posthumously following his conviction for being gay, 2020 EU Trading agreement, Coronavirus Act and Government actions in 2020.

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2
Q

What examples are there of the PM declaring war, authorising military action, awarding honours and granting/withdrawing passports? - PM and the Executive

A

Chamberlain in 1939 declaring war on Germany, Tony Blair authorised military action in Iraq in 2003 with the US, Boris Johnson awarded peerages to his brother, Kate Hoey and others, Shamima Begum had her passport withdrawn following her ISIS links.

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3
Q

How has the prerogative power to declare war/authorise military action changed in recent years? - PM and the Executive

A

The prerogative power to authorise military action has changed since 2003 due to the Iraq War, with the convention being that Parliament must be consulted to approve military action.

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4
Q

How did the 2011 Fixed Term Parliaments Act alter the prerogative powers of the PM? How did this disadvantage the PM? - PM and the Executive

A

The FTPA removed the power from the PM to decide when to call an election, with the Act automatically deciding the date of the next election. This removed the PM having a political advantage by calling an election at a suitable time.

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5
Q

In what circumstances can an early General Election be called under the FTPA 2011? - PM and the Executive

A

An early general election can be called if 2/3 of Parliament agrees to call it or if a vote of no confidence is passed and a government is not formed in 2 weeks.

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6
Q

When has the FTPA 2011 been used to call an early general election? - PM and the Executive

A

In April 2017, an election was planned to be called for June 2017. Again, an early election was called in December 2019.

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7
Q

Why do the Conservatives and Labour wish to abolish the 2011 FTPA? - PM and the Executive

A

Conservatives wish to repeal the act as it delayed the formation of a new Parliament whilst Labour claim they do not wish to stifle democracy or prop up weak governments.

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8
Q

When was Harold Wilson in office from-until? (Each term) - PM and the Executive

A

Harold Wilson was in office from 1964-1970 (2 governments) and then from 1974-1976.

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9
Q

How large were Harold Wilson’s Parliamentary majorities? (4) - PM and the Executive

A

1964 - 4 Seats
1966 - 96 Seats
1974 - Minority Government
1974 - 3 seats

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10
Q

What were Harold Wilson’s key policies as PM? - PM and the Executive

A

Wilson renegotiated the UK’s membership of the EEC and held a referendum on the issue in 1975. He oversaw a progressive approach to industry involving technological advancements. Wilson decriminalised gay sex, established the Open University and increased numbers of comprehensive schools.

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11
Q

How can you describe the leadership style of Harold Wilson? - PM and the Executive

A

Wilson was seen as a ‘man of the people’, seen as honest and down to Earth. Aimed to contrast with the upper-class stereotype of other politicians and had an affinity with the working classes. He was quite an insecure leader and feared challenges.

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12
Q

What important events occurred during Wilson’s time as PM? - PM and the Executive

A

Wilson was forced to devalue the £ in 1967, whilst in 1968 he withdrew the UK from its strategic position in the Suez Canal.

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13
Q

How did Harold Wilson leave office? When? - PM and the Executive

A

Wilson resigned as PM, claiming to have lost his passion for the role. He highlighted physical and mental exhaustion, and allegedly suffered the early effects of Alzheimer’s. Wilson left office in 1976.

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14
Q

When was Margaret Thatcher in office? - PM and the Executive

A

Margaret Thatcher served as PM from 1979-1990.

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15
Q

How large were Margaret Thatcher’s Parliamentary majorities? (3) - PM and the Executive

A

1979 - 44 seats
1983 - 144 seats
1987 - 102 seats

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16
Q

What were key policies of Margaret Thatcher? - PM and the Executive

A

Thatcher’s key policies included privatisation of the economy, reducing the top rate of income tax to 40%, weakening the power of unions, ‘right to buy’ scheme for council houses, passed Section 28. Wanted to encourage competition in the economy and wealth creation.

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17
Q

How can you describe the leadership style of Margaret Thatcher? - PM and the Executive

A

Thatcher oversaw an uncompromising style of leadership, which sought to impose authoritarianism on the public and maximise profits. Tended to get her own way and utilised cabinet to rubber stamp her policies rather than discuss them.

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18
Q

What important events occurred during Thatcher’s time as PM? - PM and the Executive

A

Thatcher oversaw the 1984-85 miner’s strike, 1982 Falklands War, 1990 resignation of Sir Geoffrey Howe, Brighton Conservative Party Conference Bomb.

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19
Q

How did Margaret Thatcher leave office? - PM and the Executive

A

Thatcher left office following disagreements with her Cabinet over European policy, specifically the Exchange Rate Mechanism. Having lost their support, she was subject to leadership challenges and subsequently resigned.

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20
Q

When was Tony Blair in office from-until? - PM and the Executive

A

Tony Blair was PM from 1997-2007.

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21
Q

How large were Tony Blair’s Parliamentary majorities? - PM and the Executive

A

1997 - 179 seats
2001 -167 seats
2005 - 66 seats

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22
Q

What were Tony Blair’s key policies? - PM and the Executive

A

Blair oversaw major constitutional reform, establishing devolved powers in Scotland, Wales, NIR and London. Advanced human rights by codifying the ECHR in 1998, oversaw the 2003 Iraq war in conjunction with the US, oversaw mild privatisation, maintained low tax, recognised and supported capitalism.

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23
Q

How can you describe the leadership style of Tony Blair? - PM and the Executive

A

Blair governed in a very commanding style, taking major responsibility for policy decisions. He manipulated his popularity and media relationships to extend control. Cabinet would approve policy which had already been created away from Cabinet in his style of ‘sofa politics.’

24
Q

What important events occurred during Blair’s time as PM? - PM and the Executive

A

Blair oversaw the 2003 Iraq War, the passing of the 1998 HRA, the Good Friday Agreement of 1998 and devolution of 1997-2000.

25
Q

How did Tony Blair leave office? - PM and the Executive

A

Blair had been accused of misleading Parliament over the Iraq War, which hugely reduced his popularity. This increased pressure on him and he agreed to resign by 2007, which he did. He was replaced by Gordon Brown.

26
Q

When was David Cameron in office from-until? - PM and the Executive

A

David Cameron was PM from 2010-2016.

27
Q

How large were David Cameron’s Parliamentary majorities? - PM and the Executive

A

2010 - None, although a Lib Dem coalition was used to aid legislation.
2015 - 12 seats

28
Q

What were David Cameron’s key policies? - PM and the Executive

A

David Cameron oversaw austerity measures designed to cut public spending following the financial crash in order to restore a balance of payments. Maintained low taxes, introduced a tax-free minimum wage, led welfare reforms, red tape bonfire, renegotiated membership of EU and held EU referendum.

29
Q

How can you describe David Cameron’s leadership style? - PM and the Executive

A

Cameron never commanded a stable Parliamentary majority and therefore had to water down his much more conservative policies. Required consensus and support from within his Cabinet and across parties to legislate. Tried to appear statesman-like.

30
Q

What important events occurred during Cameron’s time as PM? - PM and the Executive

A

Cameron oversaw the Syrian conflict, numerous ISIS attacks, the Ebola crisis, the recovery from the financial crisis, 2012 Olympics, EU Referendum in 2016, 2014 IndyRef, 2015 Paris Climate Agreement.

31
Q

How did David Cameron leave office? - PM and the Executive

A

David Cameron resigned following the outcome of the EU referendum, in which the Leave vote won against the Remain side which he had supported and campaigned for.

32
Q

What state was Harold Wilson’s Labour Party in? - PM and the Executive

A

Harold Wilson commanded a united party which had previously been split over the policies of Hugh Gaitskill. He and his party aimed to modernise with socially liberal ideas.

33
Q

What state was Margaret Thatcher’s Conservative Party in? - PM and the Executive

A

Thatcher’s Conservatives were divided between ‘drys’ and ‘wets’, with drys being more supportive of Thatcher’s controversial Neoliberal/conservative approach. Wets were One-Nation conservatives.

34
Q

What state was Tony Blair’s Labour Party in? - PM and the Executive

A

Tony Blair oversaw a Labour Party split between the more tradition left wing of the party and a rising centrist group which he supported.

35
Q

What state was David Cameron’s Conservative Party in? - PM and the Executive

A

Cameron oversaw a demoralised and weak Conservative Party, having spent 13 years out of power. He was elected during a deep and difficult recession, which damaged the ambitions of his party.

36
Q

Who are 2 notable resignations from Boris Johnson’s Cabinets? What circumstances were these in? - PM and the Executive

A 
Sajid Javid (2020) after he was told to sack his whole team to remain in his position as Chancellor.
Amber Rudd (2019) after she had the whip removed for failing to support his Brexit deal.
37
Q

What 3 examples of forced resignations are there from Theresa May’s Cabinet? What circumstances were these in? - PM and the Executive

A

Damian Green was forced to resign due to sexual harassment allegations and lying about having pornography on his work PC. Amber Rudd resigned as Home Secretary due to her mishandling of the Windrush Scandal. Priti Patel resigned due to conducting unsanctioned meetings with the Israeli Government.

38
Q

Between 2017 and 2019, how many ministers resigned from Theresa May’s second ministry? How many were Cabinet ministers? - PM and the Executive

A

Between 2017 and 2019, 21 ministers resigned from Theresa May’s government, including 8 CABINET MINISTERS.

39
Q

What contemporary examples are there of Cabinet proposing legislation? - PM and the Executive

A

The Cabinet has proposed legislation relating to Brexit such as the points-based immigration system and also Coronavirus legislation such as the Coronavirus Act.

40
Q

What contemporary example is there of Cabinet proposing a budget? - PM and the Executive

A

The 2021 budget announced real terms spending increases for all government departments, a cut from 0.7% of GDP for overseas aid, funds for levelling up in Stoke, Leeds, Leicester.

41
Q

What recent examples of Cabinet policy decisions have there been? - PM and the Executive

A

The Johnson Government has seen commitments to ‘Get Brexit Done’ and unleash ‘Global Britain’, as well as 20,000 more police officers and 50,000 more nurses.
David Cameron’s defining policies were austerity and the EU Referendum.

42
Q

What recent example from Theresa May’s government has there been of proposing secondary legislation? - PM and the Executive

A

Theresa May utilised SIs to allow fracking in National Parks and to remove university maintenance grants.

43
Q

What example is there of Margaret Thatcher going against the wishes of her Cabinet to great success? - PM and the Executive

A

Thatcher went against the wishes of her Cabinet in participating in the 1982 Falklands War, which the UK won and brought considerable positivity about her own leadership.

44
Q

What example is there of Boris Johnson forcing troublesome ministers from his Cabinet? - PM and the Executive

A

Johnson forced Sajid Javid (Chancellor) to sack his whole team and have them replaced by one of Johnson’s choosing or be sacked, following the perceived threat that Javid posed to Johnson’s power.

45
Q

Which PMs worked closely with Cabinet? Why? Which PMs marginalised Cabinet? Why? - PM and the Executive

A

Cabinet was worked closely with by Major, Cameron and Wilson, with this partially down to their weak Commons majorities. Cabinet was marginalised by Thatcher and Blair, with this largely down to their leadership styles and their huge majorities in the Commons.

46
Q

How can a PM ensure loyalty when selecting their Cabinet? Who has adopted this approach? - PM and the Executive

A

A PM can ensure loyalty within Cabinet by appointing their supporters into senior positions to support their policies. This has been seen through Thatcher (Neo-Liberal) Blair (Third Way) and Johnson (Pro-Brexit).

47
Q

How can a PM ensure balanced decision making among their Cabinet when selecting it? Who has adopted this approach? - PM and the Executive

A

A PM can appoint individuals such as supporters and enemies to satisfy all party factions. This shows a broad range of opinion. This can be seen through Harold Wilson in the 1970s, the Coalition and Theresa May’s government containing Remain and Leave supporters.

48
Q

Why was Priti Patel forced to resign in 2018? What trend is this showing? - PM and the Executive

A

Priti Patel was forced to resign in 2018 for holding unsanctioned meetings with the Israeli Government as work for her former employer. This is demonstrating that ministers nowadays tend to resign over personal conduct than over departmental failings.

49
Q

What recent example is there of the head of an Executive Agency being forced to resign rather than a minister? - PM and the Executive

A

In 2020, the head of OFQUAL, Sally Collier, was forced to resign over the exams fiasco rather than Secretary of State for Education, Gavin Williamson.

50
Q

Describe the circumstances in which Andrew Mitchell was forced to resign from Cabinet. What position did he hold? - PM and the Executive

A

Andrew Mitchell was forced to resign as Chief Whip after referring to a police officer as a ‘pleb’, along with other expletives, after he was refused entry to Downing Street through a certain gate.

51
Q

Describe the circumstances in which Liam Fox was forced to resign from Cabinet. What position did he hold? - PM and the Executive

A

Liam Fox was forced to resign as Secretary of State for Defence following him allowing close friend Adam Werrity into meetings despite the fact he had no security clearance. This threatened national security.

52
Q

How did Robin Cook resign due to the principle of collective ministerial responsibility? What role did he have? - PM and the Executive

A

Robin Cook resigned as Leader of the House of Commons in opposition to Tony Blair’s war in Iraq, as he did not believe the war to be lawful having not had a resolution from the UN.

53
Q

How did Baroness Warsi resign due to the principle of collective ministerial responsibility? - PM and the Executive

A

Baroness Warsi resigned from her role as a Foreign Minister due to David Cameron’s policy of supporting Israeli settlements being built on the Gaza Strip.

54
Q

When has Collective Ministerial Responsibility been suspended in the past? - PM and the Executive

A

The principle of Collective Ministerial Responsibility has previously been suspended during the 1975 and 2016 EU Referendums and the 2010-15 Coalition Agreement between CON + LIB.

55
Q

What change has Boris Johnson recently introduced to the ministerial code? - PM and the Executive

A

Boris Johnson has altered the ministerial code to make it so that those found to have breached its standards will not be expected to resign. He has also altered the foreword to the ministerial code to remove references to honesty and integrity.

UK Government + Ideologies - Evidence (5 decks)

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