Prime Minister Examples

Question 1

Example of PM as head of govt. (patronage)

Answer 1

Department for exiting the EU, run by David Davis

Question 2

Example of PM as chief govt. spokesperson

Answer 2

January 2017 - Theresa May laid out the UK’s strategy for exiting the EU

Question 3

Example of PM chief policy maker

Answer 3

Theresa May’s plans to open new grammar schools

Question 4

Example of PM as parliamentary leader

Answer 4

Every Wednesday, PMQs

Jan 2017, May promised a white paper on EU exit plan during PMQs

Question 5

Example of PM as commander-in-chief of the armed forces

Answer 5

December 2015, David Cameron has final say on air strikes on Syria

Question 6

Example of PM as chief foreign policy maker

Answer 6

June 2016 - Cameron tried to reform UK relationships with EU

Jan 2017 - Theresa May met Donald Trump

Question 7

Example of PM with small majority

Answer 7

John Major from 92-97, started with a majority of 21 ended up with a minority govt.

Question 8

Example of PM without unity of ruling party

Answer 8

John Major’s party was divided over Europe

Question 9

Example of PM with unity of ruling party

Answer 9

By 1983, Thatcher had removed those who didn’t share her view from the cabinet

Question 10

Example of PM with huge majority

Answer 10

Tony Blair had a majority of 179

Question 11

Example of opposition from within own party

Answer 11

Thatcher forced to resign in 1990 due to poll tax. Hesseltine won 40% of leadership vote so she resigned

Question 12

Example of PM lacking power due to a coalition

Answer 12

Cameron 2010-15

Question 13

Example of PM being head of state

Answer 13

Blair taking UK to war in Iraq in 2003

Question 14

Example of a PM with an extensive network of political advisors

Answer 14

May, 2017 - Chief of staff held by Fiona Hill and Nick Timothy

Question 15

Example that the media focuses more on the PM

Answer 15

Theresa May pressured to appear in election debates

Question 16

Example of the growth in importance of foreign affairs

Answer 16

Blair was considered particularly presidential - highly involved in foreign policies

Question 17

Example that leadership style has changed - but constraints remain

Answer 17

Thatcher was reigned in by her own party leadership when she attempted to introduce poll tax

Question 18

Example of ‘elastic’ theory

Answer 18

Thatcher tried to stretch powers of office further and further until she had enough enemies that there were enough to remove her

Question 19

Example of a PM lacking popularity

Answer 19

Brown did not win an election, nor did Theresa May

Question 20

Example of a PM struggling to be presidential due to being part of govt.

Answer 20

Cameron lacked full power for 5 of 6 years due to coalition

Question 21

Example of PM formal power: Patronage govt.

Answer 21

Theresa May appointed Michael Fallon as secretary of state for defence when she became PM in July 2016

Question 22

Example of PM formal power: Patronage honours

Answer 22

In 2015. Cameron made William Hague, former foreign secretary, Lord Hague of Richmond

Question 23

Example of PM formal power: Head of civil service

Answer 23

Theresa May created the new department for exiting the EU, led by David Davis

Question 24

Example of PM formal power: Appointing a senior judge

Answer 24

Lord Hodge

Question 25

Example of PM formal power:: Conducting foreign relations

Answer 25

Through January 2016, Cameron held talks with European leaders on reforming the UK’s relationship with the EU

Question 26

Example of PM formal power: Maintaining national security

Answer 26

Cameron announced in 2015 that the UK would hire 1900 more spies to tackle ISIS

Question 27

Example of PM formal power: : Leading cabinet

Answer 27

Theresa May chairs cabinet meetings every Thursday

Question 28

Example of unity leading to PM having ability to make govt. policy

Answer 28

Thatcher - Especially after cabinet reshuffle in 1983

Question 29

Example of lack of unity leading to PM not being able to make govt. policy

Answer 29

Cameron’s coalition - Lib dem ministers

Question 30

Example of PM controlling cabinet

Answer 30

Blair - choice of ‘new labour’ ministers

Question 31

Example of popular PM

Answer 31

Blair - Charismatic

- Was respected before Iraq War 2003

Question 32

Example of unpopular PM

Answer 32

Brown - May - Both unelected

Question 33

What was David Cameron’s majority in 2015

Answer 33

12