Big deck Flashcards
PM and the cabinet-
what do they need to become PM(3)
The PM is the head of the government and first lord of the treasury.
They must be a MP- they must have a seat in the house of Commons- no Lord has been elected since Lord Salisbury in 1895.
They must be a party leader-
They must have majority control of the house of commons- or can start a coalition if they have the most seats but not enough.
Role of the Prime minister-
4 main jobs
A modern PM has to-
make gov- has the power to hire and fire anyone they wish to have in government and their cabinet.
Direct gov policy- sets overall direction of the government ad focus on specific tasks such as the economy and foreign policy, they have control over how things are done.
Manage cabinet- chairs meetings and choose t consult them for any amount of time
Controlling parliament- use majority to influence the house of commons and decisions made there, this can be lost through a “hung” parliament .
Cabinet
what is it?
a committee of leading members that control certain aspects of government, that regular convene and consult the PM whenever the PM wants to discuss certain policy.
Role of the cabinet
their influence has declined over the years however they still have some powers. these are;
Policy approval- must be approved by cabinet to become official gov policy.( but not always- Blairs choice to grant the bank of England semi independence in interest rates was done after just consulting gordon brown).
Policy coordination- ensure that Mp’s of the party are clear in their roles and what the government is trying to do, helps join up government to one collective party.
Party management- chief party whip is usually a member and will watch party views and morale to ensure the government is working together as a collective face of UK politics.
Collective ministerial responsibility
convention that dates relationship between the executive and parliament and minsters and cabinet. This means that-
They re working on confidence of Parliament and are therefore accountable to parliament, and if a vote of confidence breaches this they MUST call a general election
Minsters must support acts for them to become official, if they do not they must not lie and should resign from cabinet officially -also implies cabinet secrecy and that discussions must not be made public
difs between Ministers and Civil servants-
elected- appointed
run departments-work in departments
accountable to parliament- accountable to ministers.
How have the civil service changed-
changes have been introduced since Thatcher reign-
2 of these include-
A “can do” culture- where promotion is linked to positive support for government priorities and goals.
A wider role for politically appointed advisers to work along side ministers and civil servants.
Who has power in the executive-
THEORIES (4)
cabinet government
prime ministerial government
presidentialism
core executive model
cabinet government
argues that the prime minister is only first in name, and that all cabinet members are equally important and in theory can all influence party direction, therefore taking power away from the PM and placing it in the hands of the cabinet
also supported by the fact that they are all accountable and further by the fact they control policy making and agenda setting.
cabinet collegiality- awareness that they stand and fall together.
Prime ministerial government-
Highlights a growing PM power since the 1940’s
cabinet is no longer key decision making body as PM view develops as PM is head of the civil service and largest party In commons.
Dominates policy making in and out of parliament
Presidentialism-
arguments arose after people such as Blair, thatcher and Wilson were very presidential figures
growth of spatial leadership- distancing themselves from parties, and developing a personal figure in the public eye.
personalised election campaigns- party leaders become brand image and often the electorate back who they like the most, who is more bubbly ect.
core executive-
both cabinet and PM work within a joined context
neither is independent figure
both exert influence through network of politicians rather than deciding in cabinet meetings or personal choices(presidentialism)
Prime ministerial power-
all power derived from royal prerogative
these are the following-
appoint bishops and senior judges.
dissolve and recall of parliament.
sign treaties
grant honours
constraints on the prime minster-
The cabinet- have to accept certain decisions that may be damaging to their term.
The party- failure to win support from the party can lead in downfall, example such as Thatcher-she fell 4 votes short.
The electorate-when popularity lowers, they lose power over the public and the thought of a next successful election is stressful. again , thatchers vulnerability in late 80’s was due to declining poll ratings and early signs of approved support for the Labour government at the time .
For fixed term parliaments
Fairness- before the act was started by members of Lords, PM’s could dissolve parliament and call a general election at a time that suits them in order to win. This was damaging to other parties and this ensures electoral fairness.
Avoids negative speculation- Before this politicians could call snap elections can create speculation over election dates and strategies instead of debating their strengths and weaknesses, fixed terms reduce this.
Greater stability- Uncertain terms lead to economic and political environment.
Govs that know they are serving full term can plan their actions in advance without the chance of surprise elections. fixed termed elections ensure change comes at predicted intervals.
