Executive powers/ policy functions Flashcards
Uk representative abroad
The PM can attend summit meetings abroad and negotiate with foreign leaders to come to foreign policy agreements.
Eg- In 2022 rishi Sunak met with the world leaders at the g20 summit in India where he discussed the global challenges of inflation, climate change and new tech.
Us representative abroad
The president also represents abroad, they can meet with other world leaders to make foreign policy treaties.
Eg- trump was the 1st president to meet with North Korean leader Kim jong un on establishing a more peaceful relationship.
Power of appointment uk
The pm has the power to appoint members to the cabinet which means they can promote/demote members which allows the pm authority.
Eg- Boris Johnson appointed mat Hancock as Secretary of State for health and social care who mad Eleny updates during lockdown.
Power of appointment us
Both executive as legislative have the power to appoint as all Supreme Court justices and presidential appointees must be approved by a senate.
Eg- in 2015 the republican controlled senate refused to support Obamas choice of merrick garland as a Supreme Court judge as this would’ve tipped the Supreme Court in favour of more liberal judges.
Power to set legislative agenda uk
Pm has the power to set the agenda of the government which allows them to implement their domestic and foreign policies easier.
Eg- Boris Johnson’s focus on negotiating Britain’s exit from the EU as the prime minister he’s dictating the direction of negotiation at the uk level.
Power to set legislative agenda us
whilst president can set the agenda at their state of the union address where the president can outline their plans, they rely on legislative support. This is due to the separation of powers as presidents can’t introduce legislation only members of congress who also controls the budget.
Eg- at trumps state of the union address Nancy pelos ripped up his speech afterwards suggesting that his plans weren’t taken seriously by congress.
