Powers Of The Prime Minister Essay Flashcards
Power - Greater Power Than Other Cabinet Members
PM can appoint, sack and reshuffle the Cabinet. This is arguably where most power lies.
Power - Greater Power Than Other Cabinet Members Example
During Brown’s Cabinet reshuffle in June 2007, every post except Des Browne at defence had changed hands.
Limit - Powerful Colleagues
The PM has the power to pick the cabinet but they may have to compromise over selections. It may be in the interests of the party unity to pick rivals.
Limit - Powerful Colleagues Example
Cameron’s “coalition” cabinet.
Power - PM Responsible For Cabinet Agenda And Minutes
The Cabinet meets every Thursday morning and the PM is responsible for the cabinet minutes and decides what is discussed.
Power - PM Responsible For Cabinet Agenda And Minutes Example
Tony Blair was alleged to have replace the cabinet government with a more presidential system. Tony Blair’s style was criticised as a “sofa government”.
Limit - Part Support
PM needs to retain the support of their parliamentary and cabinet colleagues.
Limit - Part Support Example
Margaret Thatcher had to resign after she lost the support of her cabinet in 1990.
Power - PM Is The Main Focus Of The Media
This emphasises the role of the individual being the main representative of the government. The PM represents the country internationally.
Power - PM Is The Main Focus Of The Media Example
Theresa May can appear at the White House, the UN and make key international decisions.
Limit - Power Of The Media
If attention is positive then the power of the PM will be enhanced. However, if the media is negative, this wil weaken their authority.
Limit - Power Of The Media Example
Gordon Brown is a prime example of bad media attention - “Bigotgate” springs to mind.
Power - PM Benefits From The Whip System
The whip system is used to ensure that enough MPs vote with their party. If they do not vote with their party the all their parliamentary privileges will be withdrawn.
Power - PM Benefits From The Whip System Example
For example, their pay may be decreased or they may get demoted in regards to their position in parliament.
Limits - Whip System
If MPs are unhappy with the way the government is handling a particular issue, they can pass concerns to the whips or even vote against the government.
