Prime Minister And Cabinet Flashcards
What are the sources of the prime minister’s authority and powers
Ruling party Royal prerogative Popular mandate Parliament
Executive definition
The branch of government responsible for putting laws or decisions into effect
What is a grand coalition
A coalition between two major parties in order to create an overwhelming majority - this would normally only occur at times of national crisis
What powers does the PM gain through public standing
High public profile Communicator in chief for the government Political leader in times of crisis Represents the country in international affairs
How has the cabinet been marginalised
The personal authority and power of the PM alone have grown in contrast to collective power of the cabinet Growing tendencies for great departments of state such as the treasury - growing influence in cabinet affairs
What constraints does the PM have from being party leaders
Support of a party is not unconditional Possibility of backbench rebellions
Backbench MP definition
An MP who is not in a leadership role in their party but merely sits directly on the back bench
What constraints does the PM have from having authority in the cabinet system
Requires cabinet support on major or controversial issues Senior ministers have authority and may challenge the PM’s preferred policy Problems may arise if senior ministers feel they are being ignored Not involved in detailed policy making in cabinet committees
How many cabinet members are there
23
Executive dominance definition
The executive, when elected, is able to act like a dictator due to the weakness of parliament
What powers does tube PM gain from his/her policy making role
Directs government policy and sets the agenda Authority to become involved in policy areas of choosing Takes the key role in times of crisis
Accountability definition
The prime minister and cabinet take responsibility for and justify their actions
What are the weaknesses of the cabinet
PM’s patronage means that he is now dominant as most posts are determined by him - MPs need to stay loyal Most decisions are made in committees Meetings are shorter and state managed - doesn’t allow a great amount of work to be done in a meeting Large departments have become more independent, which can lead to a lack of cohesion in government More decisions are made in bilateral meetings Much decision making has moved to the 10 Downing Street organisation
What constraints does the PM have from their policy making role
Limited time and lack of detailed knowledge Lacks the resources provided by a government department May be difficult to achieve policy success
Vote of no confidence definition
A vote showing that a majority of ministers do not support the policies of a leader or a governing body, often causing them to combine
What powers does the PM get through their office
Provides advice and support Better enables PM to direct policy and act as a communicator Appoints special advisers Can reorganise the structure of the government
What powers does the PM gain from party leadership
Authority as the leader of a political party Elected by MPs and party members Enjoys a majority in the House of Commons
Political debate definition
A formal discussion on a political issue or a piece of legislature
What kind of ministers might a PM choose when forming cabinet
Political allies who have been guaranteed a post - eg George Osborne An individual who can represent an important section of the party A potential rebel who has great ability and is widely respected who would be silenced by collective responsibly Individuals with potential and the ability to manage a department A personal friend who they wish to be close to Individuals that are popular figures with the public and media People that are considered good at their job
Individual ministerial responsibility definition
A minister Is responsible for any errors their department makes and should resign if their department makes a serious political or personal error
What must the PM consider when appointing ministers
Weigh up personal qualities vs political consequences - i.e. if the best person for the job is considered a rebel Need to be politically reliable - agree with PM in public Dissidents are sometimes appointed Junior ministers need to be appointed for their potential as eventually they will need to fill senior posts People who think similar to them managerial skills to run departments, manage civil servants etc
Royal peroration definition
Powers that were formerly possessed by the monarch but are now used by the prime minister
Shadow cabinet definition
A cabinet made up of MPs from the second largest part that shadows each if the members of the cabinet. This allows the opposition to look at each part of government and question them thoroughly if necessary
What powers does the PM gain from having authority in the cabinet system
Chair cabinet meetings Manage the cabinet agenda Steers, simp puns up and determines outcome of cabinet discussions Holds bilateral and informal meetings with key ministers Appoints chairs and members of cabinet committees Restructure central government
