Prime Minister & The Executive Definition

Question 1

Executive

Answer 1

The branch of government responsible for implementing laws and running the country, including the Prime Minister, Cabinet, and government departments.

Question 2

Cabinet

Answer 2

A group of senior government ministers, chosen by the Prime Minister, who make key policy decisions.

Question 3

Minister

Answer 3

A member of the government responsible for a specific area, such as education or health, and usually in charge of a government department.

Question 4

Government department

Answer 4

A part of the government that focuses on a specific area of policy, such as the Home Office (which deals with policing and immigration).

Question 5

Royal prerogative

Answer 5

Powers historically held by the monarch but now used by the Prime Minister, such as appointing ministers, conducting foreign affairs, and deploying the military.

Question 6

Secondary legislation

Answer 6

Laws made by ministers under powers given by Parliament, allowing them to update or amend existing laws without passing a new act.

Question 7

Individual responsibility

Answer 7

The principle that ministers are responsible for their own actions and decisions, and must resign if they fail in their duties.

Question 8

Collective responsibility

Answer 8

The principle that all Cabinet members must publicly support government decisions, even if they personally disagree, or else resign.

Question 9

Presidential government

Answer 9

A system where the leader (e.g., a president) is directly elected by the public and has separate powers from the legislature, unlike the UK’s parliamentary system.