Chapter 7 - 4/4 - Relationship between prime minister and the executive (NOT FINAL) Flashcards
Why was minority government a daunting prospect after the 2010 election?
It would require the government to build support for each individual legislative proposal, which would be extremely difficult and the government would constantly face defeat.
What is a hung parliament?
When no single party can command an overall majority - either a minority or coalition government must be formed.
What was the Coalition Agreement?
The set of policies agreed upon by the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats for the coalition government.
How were Cabinet positions apportioned under the coalition government?
22:5 to the Conservatives.
Who controlled the appointments to the Cabinet?
David Cameron controlled his 22 positions, Nick Clegg controlled his 5.
Which policies under the coalition government did ministerial responsibility apply?
Just those included in the Coalition Agreement.
What did the years of coalition government represent?
A ‘golden age’ for the role of cabinet. After being side-lined by previous prime ministers, suddenly the cabinet was important again.
Why was the cabinet now of more importance under the coalition?
- Disputes were inevitable and it was where they could be resolved.
- If there was disagreement over whether something was in the Coalition Agreement (and therefore subject to CR) cabinet would resolve it.
- Cabinet would decide on how policies would be presented if there was disagreement.
- The Quad
What is the inner cabinet?
A small group of very senior ministers who dominate the development of policy.
Who were the members of the Quad?
- David Cameron
- George Osbourne, Chancellor of the Exchequer
- Nick Clegg
- Danny Alexander, Osbourne’s Lib Dem deputy as Chancellor
What helped to maintain stability within the coalition government other than the FTPA?
The restoration of cabinet government.
What are the 3 ways a prime minister can construct a cabinet?
- Pack it with those loyal to them.
- Pick members from the various party factions.
- Cabinet of the best possible people.
What is the problem with packing a cabinet with the prime minister’s allies?
They lack critical voices to improve policy.
What is the benefit of packing the cabinet with the prime minister’s allies?
It ensures unity and bolsters the prime minister’s power.
What can the prime minister do to re-assert their authority?
Reshuffle the cabinet through their complete power of patronage.
When was the period of cabinet government?
Up to the 1960s.
What was the role of the prime minister during the period of cabinet government up to the 1960s?
‘First among equals’ - the most senior but not able to command government completely.
What was the period of 1960s-2010 called?
Prime ministerial government - the prime minster dominates cabinet.
What is sofa politics?
The practice of conducting informal meetings with colleagues outside of cabinet to control policy making, and then present them to the full cabinet as a fait accompli.
In what ways can the prime minister control cabinet?
- Patronage to promote supporters and demand loyalty.
- Policy-making machinery within Downing Street that individual ministers lack.
- They control the cabinet agenda.
What is the limitation to the prime minister’s power of patronage?
They are forced to promote senior party members who may be rivals.
What is the limitation on the prime minister’s powers as foreign policy leader?
They must consult Parliament on some issues.
What is the limitation on the prime minister’s powers as party leader?
They can be removed by the party of they lose their confidence.
What is the limitation on the prime minister’s power as parliamentary leader?
They cannot always rely on the parliamentary majority.
What is the limitation on the prime minister’s power as chair of the cabinet?
The cabinet can remove a prime minister if they are determined enough.
What external factor limits the power of the prime minister?
- Devolution
- Adverse events, such as COVID
Why are large parliamentary majorities crucial for prime ministerial powers?
- Gives them strong democratic legitimacy.
- Easy to pass their legislation.
The UK system of government is a cabinet system, but what is the political system?
A constitutional monarchy
What arguments suggest the prime minister is not presidential?
- Not head of state.
- Not directly elected.
- Foreign policy is restricted by Parliament.
- Their party and Parliament can remove a prime minister.
- Powers are not codified.
What arguments suggest the prime minister is presidential?
- They take on the roles of head of state.
- Still chief foreign policy maker.
- Once armed forces are committed they are entirely in the hands of the prime minister.
- They negotiate and agree foreign treaties.
