Factors that affect the relationship and how they have changed 3.3

Question 1

list the factors that affect the relationship between the cabinet and prime minister

Answer 1

• management skills
• ability to set agenda
• use of cabinet and other groups to take decisions
• development of prime ministers and cabinet’s office
• impact of political/economical situation

Question 2

why is ‘management skills’ important

Answer 2

• remove poor performers, marginalise opponents and bring loyalty
• MAGGIE THATCH promoted supported such as Norman Tibbett, however alienated majority of senior members leading to resignation and consequently the end of her rule

Question 3

why is ‘ability to set their agenda’ important

Answer 3

• lead meeting and summarise it
• HAROLD WILSON refused to discuss devaluation of the pound even though ministers wanted to talk about it

Question 4

why is ‘use of cabinet and other groups to take decisions’ important

Answer 4

• choosing the leader of these committees invites greater control over government
• sometimes, prime minister must deal with issue personally ( management of interest rates Blair and Brown in 1997)
• informal bodies ‘the quad’ ( david, clegg, osbourne, alexander) resolved issues

Question 5

why is ‘development of prime ministers and cabinet’s office’ important

Answer 5

• more resources than other ministers (staff at 10 Downing Street)
• specialised units for specialised progress
• The level of autonomy given to individual ministers (depending on the Prime Minister’s approach)

Question 6

why is ‘impact of political/economical situation’ important

Answer 6

• external pressures , large majority and unity means that the cabinet will more likely listen