3.3 The Prime Minister and the Cabinet

Question 1

What are the 4 sources of PMs authority?

Answer 1

• traditional power or prerogative powers
• party
• parliament
• the people

Question 2

Explain how the PM gets their authority from the royal prerogative?

Answer 2

The monarch is longer a political figure. The monarch delegates these powers to the PM

Question 3

Explain how the PM gets their authority from their party?

Answer 3

The PM is the leader of the largest party. Therefore the authority comes from the people through leading the party

Question 4

Explain how the PM gets their authority from Parliament?

Answer 4

Each new Parliament recognises the authority of the PM to lead the government. All Parliament can do it dismiss a government through a vote of no confidence

Question 5

Explain how the PM gets their authority from the people?

Answer 5

The PM is elected by the people is has a mandate, only if this is done through a general election. If the PM becomes leader of the party without a GE it becomes problematic

Question 6

What are the 5 sources of power for the Prime Minister?

Answer 6

• prerogative powers
• party
• patronage
• Parliament
• collective cabinet responsibility

Question 7

What are the 4 powers of the cabinet?

Answer 7

• legitimise government policy, cabinet organises the presentation of policy
• cabinet determines the government legislative agenda
• can not support the PM in legislative decisions
• if it can summon enough support it can suspend collective responsibility and campaign individually

Question 8

What is a hung Parliament?

Answer 8

Where no overall party has a majority

Question 9

How did the Coalition Government bring life back to the Cabinet?

Answer 9

As both the Lib Dem’s and the Conservatives disagreed on public policy, cabinet became an important place to resolve such conflicts and agree on the presentation of policy

Question 10

Arguments for the PM effectively being a president?

Answer 10

• takes on many roles and speaks for the nation
• chief of foreign policy maker
• makes military decisions

Question 11

Arguments against the PM effectively being a president?

Answer 11

• not directly elected
• a PM can be removed from office
• conduct of foreign policy is subject to agreement from Parliament

Question 12

What are the 3 limits of power of patronage?

Answer 12

• ‘Big Beasts’ of the party have to be included
• factions of the party must be represented
• rivals have to be included

Question 13

What are the 3 limits of the PM having power the party?

Answer 13

• backbench rebellions
• loyalty is dependent on the size of success in elections
• risk of a leadership challenge

Question 14

Name 7 factors that effect a PMs popularity?

Answer 14

• personality
• cabinet and party
• majority
• popular
• opposition
• media
• events