Prime Minister and the Executive

Question 1

What are the main roles of the executive (4)

Answer 1

• Proposing legislation
• Proposing budget
• Making policy
• Representing the UK abroad

Question 2

What is the ‘doctor’s mandate’

Answer 2

Power of the executive to contend with emergencies

and to amend UK statutes to bring them into line with international law

Question 3

Example of the executive consulting outside bodies before introducing legislation

Answer 3

2015, Cameron government consulted with employers on its proposal to introduce an apprenticeship levy

Question 4

Examples of Royal Prerogative powers that have been transferred to the prime minister (4)

Answer 4

• Declare war
• appoint ministers and other senior office holders
• sign treaties
• Take action in case of emergency

Question 5

Prerogative powers under parliamentary authority (2)

Answer 5

• 2011 Fixed Term Parliaments Act (removes the right of the PM to determine date of general election)
• Military action requires prior parliamentary approval (since Iraq War 2003, Syria Air Strikes 2013)

Question 6

What days do the executive not control the parliamentary time for legislation (3)

Answer 6

• 20 opposition days
• 13 days set aside for private member’s bills
• Backbench Business Committee

Question 7

What are statutory instruments and why are they controversial

Answer 7

-Enable a government to modify/repeal existing legislation without introducing a new bill.
Can be used to evade scrutiny

Question 8

EXAMPLE of controversial statutory instruments being used

Answer 8

2016- statutory instruments used to abolish maintenance grants for university students

Question 9

What is individual responsibility

Answer 9

Principle of ministers being responsible for their personal conduct and their departments

Question 10

What are ministers obliged to do under the idea of individual responsibility

Answer 10

-Obliged to give accurate information to parliament, and if they knowingly mislead parliament, are expected to resign.

Question 11

Example of individual responsibility

Answer 11

2010-David Laws (Chief Secretary to the Treasury) claimed parliamentary expenses to pay rent to his partner

Question 12

How has individual responsibility been eroded (2)

Answer 12

• Many government functions delegated to executive agencies

- civil servants responsible for departmental errors

Question 13

What is the concept of collective ministerial responsibility?

Answer 13

Principle of ministers supporting Cabinet decisions or leaving the executive

Question 14

What is collective responsibility designed to do?

Answer 14

Maintain the unity of the government in face of attacks by the opposition

Question 15

Example of a collective responsibility resignation

Answer 15

2003- Robin Cook (leader of the HoC) resigned, in opposition to the Blair government’s decision to go to war with Iraq

Question 16

Exceptions to collective responsibility (2)

Answer 16

Coalition government (2010) and Brexit referendum (2016)

Question 17

What were the areas where Liberal Democrats ministers were able to disagree with government (3)

Answer 17

• Construction of nuclear power stations,
• Tax allowances for married couples
• Higher education funding

Question 18

Factors which may enhance or restrict the prime minister’s powers (4)

Answer 18

• Popularity of the PM, size of the party majority
• If cabinet is united
• Personality/ leadership style of the PM
• External pressures of the sate (such as the economy and unforeseen crises in foreign affairs)

Question 19

Powers of the PM (4/6)

Answer 19

• Appointing/dismissal of government ministers
• Management of Cabinet
• Leadership of their Party
• Responsibility for the overall shape and structure of government
• Direction of government policy
• National leadership/representing the UK abroad