Parliament - definitions

Question 1

Parliamentary sovereignty

Answer 1

The principle that the executive must be accountable to the parliament and seek its approval for actions, emphasising the supremacy of parliamentary decisions

Question 2

Patronage

Answer 2

Power an individual holds to make important appointments to public offices, often leading to loyalty from appointees and influencing their decision-making

Question 3

Cabinet committees

Answer 3

Small groups of ministers, often chaired by the prime minister, responsible for detailed policy work and making proposals to the full cabinet for approval

Question 4

The people

Answer 4

Citizens whose input in the form of general elections provides legitimacy to the prime minister, although the PM is not directly elected by them

Question 5

Ruling party

Answer 5

The political group or organisation that secures the majority in the House of Commons, with the leader of the winning party becoming the prime minister

Question 6

Parliament

Answer 6

The legislative body consisting of elected representatives, where the prime minister’s authority is influenced by the majority support in the House of Commons

Question 7

Traditional authority

Answer 7

Authority inherited by the prime minister from the monarch, symbolised by the ritual of “kissing hands” after each general election

Question 8

Formal powers

Answer 8

Official powers of the prime minister, including appointing and dismissing ministers, granting honours, leading the cabinet and engaging in foreign policy

Question 9

Informal powers

Answer 9

Unofficial sources of influence for the prime minister, such as controlling government policy, setting the legislative agenda, providing economic leadership, and leading during national crises

Question 10

Cabinet

Answer 10

A team of senior ministers chosen by the prime minister to lead specific policy areas, responsible for making collective decisions and shaping the government’s agenda

Question 11

Junior minister

Answer 11

A minister who is not a member of the cabinet, assisting in specific policy areas under the guidance of senior cabinet ministers

Question 12

Royal prerogative

Answer 12

Traditional powers and privileges historically belonging to the monarch but often exercised by the prime minister or cabinet, such as granting honours or legal pardons

Question 13

Prime minister

Answer 13

The head of the executive, appointed by the monarch, and leader of the government, responsible for policy-making, decision implementation, and overall governance

Question 14

Civil servants

Answer 14

Employees working for the government, employed by the ‘the crown’, responsible for the day-to-day operations of government departments, providing advice to ministers, and executing policy decisions

Question 15

Core executive

Answer 15

The central decision-making body of the government, consisting of the prime minister, cabinet, and junior ministers, responsible for formulating and implementing policies