Comparative approaches: US vs UK Executive

Question 1

Role + Power of the UK PM

Answer 1

Leader of the largest party and head of Gov

no term limits

primus inter pares

no direct veto power, but as leader of largest party this gives them a veto

Question 2

Role+ Power of a US pres

Answer 2

Head of state and head of gov

can only serve two four-year terms

only exec but can have an EXOP to exist

Has direct veto over congressional decisions

Question 3

UK PM accountability to legislature

Answer 3

Removal through VoNC

FoP means PM serves within the HoC and with a majority can avoid checks+balances

PM and cabinet can set the parlaimentary agenda to approve their legislation

Power depends on the size of the majority

Question 4

US Pres Accountability to legislature

Answer 4

Removal through impeachment
SoP gives congress the power to approve the pres’s cabinet and ovverule a veto with 2/3 of congress approval

SoU- pres can set out what they want to legislate but cannot frce congress to act

Power depends on the makeup of the house + senate