PM's power Flashcards
government
what is primus inter pares?
first among equals
-an honorary device for those who are formally equal but have unofficial respect
how did the PM’s office evolve into the current one of primus inter pares?
-many C18th monarchs relied on 1 minister
-first ‘prime’ minister was Robert Walpole- trusted by George I (member of Whig govt. + had access to Downing St)
-from late C18th, PM’s office became more permanent
-laws exist stating role of PM
-PM powers are often royal prerogatives, e.g. making treaties/granting pardons
what happened to PM in C19th/20th?
-Pitt the Younger took role of PM in late 18th/early 19th- on behalf of George III
-role of party leader added as modern parties emerged
-Monarch’s ability to control affairs was gradually lost after William VI’s death in 1837
-with WWI PM took on more powers- e.g. to control workforce/economy
-Wilson developed PM’s role, made it more presidential
-PM’s ability to call elections came mid C19th
what happens in no. 10?
-PM’s office- staff of civil servants + special advisers (SPADs) chosen by PM
-press office- run by powerful aides (spin docs) who control media access/comms
-policy unit- provides info on policy areas
how does PM get power from the cabinet system?
-decides cabinet meeting agenda
-can appoint cabinet members for support
-directs cabinet discussion
-creates cabinet committees + appoints their members
-organises govt structure
-bilateral meetings w. members
-appoints senior civil servants
how does PM get power from the PM’s office?
-~200 civil servants working for them
-SPADs
-press office
-policy office- advice
how does PM get power from their policy making role?
-5 policy pledge- limiting power, has to forward specific policies
-PM can place specific issues in central places in govts. program
BUT
-need backup of senior ministers on major issues
(decreases power)
how does PM get power from their public standing?
-high public profile (can be negative)
-political leadership at home + represents UK internationally/in international affairs
-high/low opinion polls
(decreases power)
how does PM get power from party leadership?
-parliamentary members- voted by party
-can enact party policy if voted in
BUT
-cannot always rely on backbench support
-coalitions prevent full power
how does PM get power from patronage (powers)?
-the honours system- policy inquiry into allegations of ‘cash for honours’
-noms. considered by honours committees
-curtailed- no role in judicial appointments
-power to appoint ppl (can appoint ppl who agree with PM)
(largely decreases power)
what are the main limitations on PMs power?
-size of parliamentary majority (e.g. May had 330 seats from Cameron, she lot 13 seats in 2017)
-unity of ruling party (splits over Brexit/immigration)
-public/media profile of PM (Sunak 23pp behind Starmer)
-confidence of cabinet (in PM)
-coalition government
-role of HofL to delay bills
-unexpected events
-parliamentary committees
what are the criteria for a good PM?
-behaved like a PM/respectful
-party leadership
-improves economy
-election success
-good manifesto promises
-relationship w/public
what is the difference between a PM and a president?
-president gets power by being elected
-PM gets power from being appointed (by Parliament in UK)
what is the Crossman Thesis?
Richard Crossman 1963- the British PM had evolved from primus inter pares to a presidential one
-the power of the PM was so great it had become presidential
the PM is to powerful
-can direct policy agenda from own ideas+ change law at will (w/ majority)- elected dictatorship
-can call election whenever
-ability to permanently affect legislature- can elect who they want to the HofL
-spokesperson for the nation
