How government works Flashcards
What are the 6 main components of the core executive ?
The prime minister
Their cabinet
Cabinet committees
ministers
cabinet office
senior civil servants
Define the PMs power of royal prerogatives
Powers assigned to the monarch now exercised by the PM.
such powers include:
- declaring war
-make treaties
- control the armed forces
What are powers that have emerged through convention?
It is through convention that parliament, cabinet, civil service submit to Prime ministerial authority.
How does the PM rely on his government for power?
The Prime Ministers authority rests upon the confidence of the commons, which is dependent on confidence from his/her benches.
What are the roles of the PM?
Head of government
Chief Executive
Chief Legislator
Chief Diplomat
Public relations chief
Commander and chief
What are the 5 main powers of the Prime Minister?
Powers of patronage
Powers over cabinet
Powers over parliament
Powers over agenda
Powers on the world stage
Explain the composition of the cabinet
The cabinet is composed of the Prime Minister, who serves as his chair, and senior minister from key government departments.
What are the roles and functions of Cabinet?
The cabinets primary role is to formulate and coordinate government policy, make key decisions on domestic and foreign affairs, and oversee the implementation of government initiatives
What is collective responsibility?
Collective responsibility is a fundamental principle of the cabinet system, requiring all Cabinet ministers to publicly support and defend government decisions, even if they personally disagree with them. This ensures the unity and cohesion within the government
What is ministerial responsibility
In addition to collective responsibility, individual Cabinet ministers are also subject to ministerial responsibility, meaning they are accountable to Parliament for the actions of their departments. Ministers are expected to answer questions from parliament and take responsibility for any failures or mistakes within their area of responsibility.
e.g Priti Patel resigned after becoming involved in arms talks with Israel without government knowledge
What is Prime Ministerial government ?
In the UK refers to a system of government where the Prime Minister holds significant authority or influence. over the decision-making process
What does a Prime Ministerial government cause?
Strong leadership
Centralisation of power
Dominance in Cabinet
Media and public relations- often associated with a high level of media
Party leadership- hold a significant position within their political party.
What are the roles of the civil service?
Policy
Implementation
Administration
Regulation and Enforcement
Public Service Delivery
Advisory Committees
Impartiality and Intergrity
Give examples of when the civil service has attempted to help the government?
During COVID the civil service played a critical role in supporting the governments response efforts.
Civil servants in the Department of Health and Social care provided expert advice and support to ministers in formulating strategies for testing and vaccine distribtution.
