PM and the executive (pt 2)

Question 1

Who determines the agenda of cabinet meetings and prioritises the policies they favour?

Answer 1

The Prime Minister

Question 2

How does the PM control the legislature?

Answer 2

Appointing a chief party whip who makes sure MPs vote with their party

Question 3

Who is the current chief whip?

Answer 3

Simon Hart (2022)

Question 4

Who is the current chief whip in the HOL?

Answer 4

Baroness Vere of Norbiton (Nov 2023)

Question 5

How can the PM use the media to their advantage?

Answer 5

Can influence the media so that the media’s agenda is favourable towards them e.g. Tony Blair hiring Alistair Campbell as his press secretary so the media was favourable towards him.

Question 6

What are the limits to the government’s power?

Answer 6

• Cabinet has to approve their policies and can overrule the PM
• (Legislature) PMQs and a vote of no confidence (parliament), scrutinising legislating e.g. May’s Brexit deals
• Lack of party/cabinet support e.g. Boris Johnson and Margaret Thatcher
• The media can pressurise the PM over their actions e.g. Rwanda bill
• SC rulings e.g. Gina Miller vs PM 2019

Question 7

What are the functions of cabinet?

Answer 7

1. Policy makers
2. Decide when to propose legislation to parliament and organises its weekly agenda e.g. backbenchers problems
3. Deals with national emergencies in COBR (Cabinet Office Briefing Rooms)

Question 8

What are cabinet committees?

Answer 8

A group of ministers appointed by the PM to take responsibility for a particular policy area e.g. ‘The Brexit War Cabinet’ - Boris Johnson, Sajid Javid, Dominic Raab etc

Question 9

What is an example of a COBR meeting?

Answer 9

12 January 2024 - called by Rishi Sunak to discuss the Houthi’s attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea.