PM & Cabinet Definitions

Question 1

Executive

Answer 1

The collective group of Prime Minister, Cabinet and junior ministers, known as the Government

Question 2

Cabinet

Answer 2

The Prime Minister and some senior ministers, most of whom lead a particular government department

Question 3

Minister

Answer 3

An MP or member of the House of Lords appointed to a position in the government, usually exercising specific responsibilities in a department

Question 4

Government department

Answer 4

A part of the executive, usually with specific responsibility, over an area such as education, health or defence

Question 5

Royal prerogative

Answer 5

A set of powers and privileges belonging to the monarch but normally exercised by the Prime Minister or Cabinet, such as the grating of honours or legal pardons

Question 6

Secondary legislation

Answer 6

Powers given to the Executive by Parliament to make changed to the law within certain specific rules

Question 7

Individual responsibility

Answer 7

The principle by which ministers are responsible for their personal conduct and for their departments

Question 8

Collective responsibility

Answer 8

Principle by which ministers must support Cabinet decision or leave the Executive

Question 9

Presidential government

Answer 9

An executive dominated by one individual, this may be a President, but is also used to describe a strong, dominant Prime Minister