Prime minister and cabinet

Question 1

What powers do the cabinet have over the PM?

Answer 1

Vote of no confidence

Question 2

What did Walter Bagehot famously write in ‘The English Constitution’?

Answer 2

‘first among equals’ primus inter pares (Removed Gove ans education secretary for opposing cameron 2014)

Question 3

Who sets agenda for cabinet meetings?

Answer 3

PM

Question 4

Give two examples of presidential PMs

Answer 4

Blair (1997-2007) and Thatcher (1979-1990)

Question 5

Example of vote of no confidence

Answer 5

Thatcher 1990, didn’t run for re-election

Question 6

What is collective responsibility?

Answer 6

Agree or resign (Claire Short over Iraq war 2003)

Iain Duncan Smith (2016 over welfare reform)

Question 7

PM powers over cabinet?

Answer 7

CAN appoint or remove members, Agenda, Main decision making voice, Mandate (obligated to pursure manifesto)

Question 8

Example of majority PM

Answer 8

Blair 1997-2007 43%

Question 9

Example of weak PM

Answer 9

Cameron 2010 coalition with Clegg

Question 10

Cabinet committee

Answer 10

PM + ministers focus on area of policy, 2016 European Union Exit and Trade committee

Question 11

Individual responsibility

Answer 11

Crichel Down 1954 - Thomas Dugdale resigned over department failure