PM & the Executive (Paper 2)

Question 1

Executive

Answer 1

The collective groups of PM, Cabinet and junior ministers, sometimes known as “The Government”

Question 2

Cabinet

Answer 2

The PM and senior ministers, most of whom lead a particular government department

Question 3

Minister

Answer 3

A MP or member of the HoL 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 PM or Cabinet, such as the granting of honours or of legal pardons

Question 6

Secondary legislation

Answer 6

Powers given to the Executive by Parliament to make changes 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 decisions 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 PM