Powers of the PM, Cabinet government

Question 1

Powers of the PM

Answer 1

• Leader of the majority party in House of Commons
• Appoints & dismisses members of gov
• Chairs of the cabinet gives PM wide powers

Question 2

Roles of PM

Answer 2

• Has his own PMs office & advisers
• Represents the gov
• Has wide powers of patronage
• Power surrendered
• Power to call a general election

Question 3

Powers the PM hold as chair of the cabinet

Answer 3

• Determines agenda
• Sums up discussions & so makes decisions
• Chooses cabinet committees & members
• Chairs committees or nominates those who chair

Question 4

Ministers

Answer 4

• The politicians who get together to form the gov.
• There are over 100 ministers, majority sit in the House of Commons but some are in the House of Lords.
• Those in the commons receive a ministerial salary in addition to the MPs salary.
• Responsible for gov policy.
• Appointed by the monarch on the advice of the PM.
• There are various ranks/level.

Question 5

Ministerial Conventions

Answer 5

Bound by two conventions.

1. Convention of collective responsibility
   - All members of gov agree with the policy of the gov, even if they did not participate in drawing it up.
   - If they disagree with the policy, they must resign from the gov or remain silent in public.
2. Convention of individual ministerial responsibility
   - Ministers are responsible for all actions of their department & if a serious error occurs the minister must resign from he gov.