prime minister and the cabinet Flashcards
5 similarities between prime ministers
-all privately educated
-similar degrees : politics, economics and philosophy at oxbridge
- well of financially, born into wealth
-held high roles in government
-has
d scandals
what does the similarities between prime ministers result in
questions how representative of the population the pm is
draw out the core executive
what are the 4 functions of the executive?
making policy
passing legislation
financing
national first responders
how does the executive generally make policy
they set political priorities and then decide upon policy at cabinet meetings. The civil service then has the job of implementing these policies and running the state on a day to day basis.
How does the executive generally pass legislation
major acts are first discussed at cabinet level and then sent to parliament. This is usually straightforward if they have a majority but if the have a minority it can be more difficult eg, Brexit
How do the government oversee financing?
The government, specifically the chancellor, makes decisions on spending and taxing. An annual budget is set and brought infront of parliament and voted on.
How are the government first responders?
Whether a pandemic, terrorist attack or death of a monarch the executive is expected to efficiently and effectively produce a plan of emergency measures to deal with the threat, or in case of the death of a monarch follow protocol.
what are the 5 prerogative powers of the executive
-Appointment and dismissal of ministers by the prime minister
-International diplomacy
-Making ratifying international treaties
-Organisation and structure of the civil service
-Issuing directive and responding to national emergencies
Example of the prerogative power of appointing and dismissing ministers
Cabinet reshuffles: Sunak pressured to to sack braver,an as she attempted to order/ influence policy
an example of the pm’s international diplomacy
visits who they want, makes promises to whoever
- meeting Netanyahu the PM of israel
How has the PM’s preorogative power of making and ratifying international treaties changed?
until 2007 PM’s could do as they pleased through royal prerogative however Jack Straw amended this and treaties must now before the house for 21 days. this was cemented by G miller vs secretary of state 2017
Example of the PM’s role in national emergency response
COBR(A) is chaired by the PM
4 examples of the executives prerogative powers
- the opportunity to deploy armed forces overseas is clearly important, UK governments are not required to seek parliament’s permission to seek approval for any additional funding
-pms can appoint and dismiss ministers
-pms can hire and fire civil servants and re structure how whitehall - the executive mainly the PM can address the country in times of emergency
how are the prerogative powers of the executive not the significant
-by convention all military action must be approved by parliament
-pms are restricted by their choice of cabinet as they need to ensure there is diversity and a broad section of party faction
-civil servants must remain free from political bias
-the executive still needs parliamentary approval if legislation is needed in emergency situations
