C2: Prime Minister & the Executive Flashcards
What is meant by the executive?
The branch of government that is responsible for implementing legislation
What is the role of the Prime Minister?
Head of the executive, appoints ministers, organises gov
What is the cabinet?
All the ministers in office
What are Executive agencies?
Semi-independent bodies that carry out government functions e.g. the DVLA
What are the main roles of the executive?
To propose legislation
To propose the budget
To make policy decisions
How does the executive propose legislation?
Government’s legislative programme is set out in the Queen/King’s speech
Govt proposes most bills
Emergency legislation can be used - COVID measures
What was set out in the 2020 Queen’s speech?
To ratify EU withdrawal
Increase NHS funding
Tougher sentencing for violent crime
Establish Australian-style points system for immigration
How does the executive propose the budget?
The Chancellor creates the budget alongside the PM
Chancellor delivers this to Parliament, usually in March#
Involves tax & gov spending changed
What was a keynote policy in the 2020 budget?
Set out an extra £30bn spending to stimulate economy in light of COVID
What was a keynote policy in the 2021 budget?
Extension of job retention scheme (furlough)
How does the executive make policy decisions?
It decides the future direction of the country through general policy direction
What were some main policies in 2021?
EU withdrawal
Iran arms deal
50,000 more nurses for the NHS
Extra £1bn for social care
End benefits freeze
What is a recent way in which the executive has provided policy direction?
The five Priorities from Rishi Sunak
What powers does the executive have?
Royal prerogative
Initiate legislation
Secondary legislation
What is royal prerogative?
Historic powers of the crown now given to the executive.
Includes:
Award honours
Declare War
Sign Treaties
Appoint Ministers
Award/Remove Passports
Maintain order in emergencies
In what ways is royal prerogative limited?
Parliament has to take the decision to go to war after Iraq & call-off of Libya 2013
What is an example of royal prerogative being used?
Home Sec Sajid Javid removing Shamima Begum passport in 2019
How does the Executive initiate legislation?
It controls all Parliamentary timetable other than 20 days for the opposition & 13 days for Private Member’s Bills.
It can propose bills to the commons, where they are either passed or thrown out.
What is a limitation of the executive’s ability to initiate legislation?
Strength of majority - May suffered 69 defeats due to no majority, whereas Boris suffered none due to 80 seat majority
What is Secondary legislation?
The power to pass through laws without a vote, using powers granted by another act.
What is an example of secondary legislation being used?
Health Protection Regulations 2020 - Lockdown
What is Individual Ministerial Responsibility (IMR)?
The minister must resign if they breach the rules.