How policy is made

Question 1

how does the PM influence policy?
+ what is the significance of this?

Answer 1

most PMs enter downing street with a clear policy agenda, often based on personal convictions.
this ensures that they leave a tangible legacy

Question 2

how does the cabinet influence policy?
+ what is the significance of this?

Answer 2

-they discuss and debate policy initiatives by ‘rubber stamping’ them
-disagreements over policies are often resolved at cabinet meetings
-sig: if policy is controversial, it’s unlikely to lead to divisions within the party (for example with the Brexit withdrawal agreement, the aim was to create strength through unity)

Question 3

how do senior civil servants influence policy?
+ what is the significance of this?

Answer 3

-they offer guidance to gov. ministers , and can influence them by ‘speaking truth unto power’
-sig: they’re permanent and non-party political, so should be unbiased and objective. they also provide expertise of handling different political issues

Question 4

how do special advisors influence policy?
+ what is the significance of this?

Answer 4

-example = Dominic Cummings
-they are party political figures who are hand picked by the PM and don’t have to offer political impartiality
-sig: they have become more prominent in recent years. they are seen to have ‘the ear of the PM’

Question 5

influences that the executive face when making policies: 1st P

Answer 5

-Personal
-a leader may feel strongly about policy due to their personal agenda
-e.g. thatcher’s privatisation and sale of council houses

Question 6

influences that the executive face when making policies: 2nd P

Answer 6

-Political
-manifesto pledges = have to pass a policy if they’ve promised it because otherwise their legitimacy will be undermined
-results of coalitions = have to compromise with other party - e.g. 2011 AV referendum was mainly Lib Dems idea

Question 7

influences that the executive face when making policies: 3rd P

Answer 7

-Popular
-popular movements force the gov. to pass certain policies
-e.g. 2019 climate change policy

Question 8

influences that the executive face when making policies: E

Answer 8

-external
-response to emergencies/ mounting pressure from public and media mean new policies have to be introduced
-e.g. Covid lockdown