3 Prime minister and the executive

Question 1

Executive

Answer 1

The collective group of Prime Minister, Cabinet and junior ministers,
sometimes known as ‘The Government’.

Question 2

Cabinet

Answer 2

The Prime Minister and senior ministers, most of whom lead a
particular government department.

Question 3

Minister

Answer 3

An MP or member of the House of Lords appointed to a position in the
government, usually exercising specific responsibilities in a
department.

Question 4

Government
department

Answer 4

A part of the executive, usually with specific responsibility over an area such as education, health or defence

Question 5

Royal prerogative

Answer 5

A set of powers and privileges belonging to the monarch but normally
exercised by the Prime Minister or Cabinet, such as the granting of honours or of legal pardons.

Question 6

Secondary legislation

Answer 6

Powers given to the Executive by Parliament to make changes to the law within certain specific rules.

Question 7

Individual
responsibility

Answer 7

The principle by which ministers are responsible for their personal
conduct and for their departments.

Question 8

Collective
responsibility

Answer 8

Principle by which ministers must support Cabinet decisions or leave
the Executive.

Question 9

Presidential
government

Answer 9

An executive dominated by one individual, this may be a President
but is also used to describe a strong, dominant Prime Minister.