Executive Power Flashcards
What is the purpose of separation of powers?
To prevent tyranny by dividing state power into three branches—legislative, executive, and judiciary
How does the UK’s separation of powers differ from Montesquieu’s model?
The UK has a “fusion of powers,” where the Executive and Parliament are closely linked, rather than strictly separated
What is the key balance in a liberal democracy like the UK?
Balancing efficiency (strong Executive to govern effectively) with accountability (checks on power through Parliament and judiciary)
How does the majority party system impact parliamentary scrutiny?
The Executive dominates Parliament, making scrutiny less effective
How are MPs elected in the House of Commons (HoC)?
Through the First Past the Post (FPTP) system, which favours large parties
What is the role of the House of Lords (HoL) in legislation?
It cannot veto laws but can delay them (under the Parliament Acts 1911 & 1949) and scrutinise government policies
What is the “Crown-in-Parliament” principle?
The concept that sovereignty is held by Parliament and the monarchy together
Who makes up the Core Executive?
The Prime Minister (PM), Cabinet, and senior civil servants
What is the constitutional basis of the Executive?
It is based on conventions, not written law. Neither the PM nor Cabinet has a statutory basis
What are three ways a PM can leave office (with examples)?
1) Vote of No Confidence (e.g., Callaghan 1979)
2) Loss of majority support (e.g., Thatcher 1990, Johnson 2022)
3) Defeat on a major issue (e.g., Cameron 2016 - Brexit)
How does the PM control the Cabinet?
Through appointment and dismissal of ministers, shaping policy indirectly
What is a “sofa government” (with example)?
When major decisions are made by the PM in small circles rather than full Cabinet meetings (Blair’s government)
What is Collective Cabinet Responsibility (with example)?
Ministers must publicly support Cabinet decisions or resign. (Robin Cook resigned over the Iraq War)
In what 2 instances is Collective Responsibility suspended (with examples)?
- Free votes (Same-Sex Marriage)
- Referenda (2016 EU Referendum)
What do Cabinet Committees do?
Handle specific policy areas (Economic policy, national security)
What are the two main types of Executive accountability?
- Political Accountability (via Parliament, debates, PMQs, Select Committees)
- Legal Accountability (via judicial review)
What is Individual Ministerial Responsibility (with example)?
Ministers are personally accountable for their department’s actions (Amber Rudd resigned over the Windrush scandal)
What are Select Committees, and how do they hold the government accountable?
They scrutinise policies and expenditures, but their recommendations are non-binding
What are the 3 reasons that the scrutiny of the Executive in the UK is weak?
- Fusion of Powers – The Executive dominates Parliament
- Party Politics – Whips and majoritarian governments reduce scrutiny
- Lord Hailsham’s critique – UK risks becoming an “elective dictatorship”
