Providing Ministers (Commons and Lords) Flashcards
What is the key concept of providing ministers in a parliamentary system?
In a parliamentary system, the appointment of ministers is closely tied to Parliament, with ministers appointed from among the elected Members of Parliament (MPs) in the House of Commons or appointed to the House of Lords if they are not already members of either house.
What is the role of Parliament in ministerial appointments?
Parliament serves as the primary source of ministers. The House of Commons is the main pool from which the Prime Minister (PM) selects ministers, while the House of Lords can also provide individuals with special expertise or experience who are not in the Commons.
How do the PM and party whips play a role in ministerial appointments?
The PM and party whips play a key role in identifying potential ministers. Whips assess MPs’ abilities, loyalty, and influence to recommend candidates for ministerial positions.
What is patronage in the context of ministerial appointments?
Patronage refers to the PM’s wide-ranging powers to appoint ministers, which includes selecting individuals for Cabinet and other ministerial roles. It is a significant tool of power that allows the PM to reward loyalty or appoint individuals with specific expertise to key roles.
From which houses can ministers be appointed?
Ministers can be appointed from either the House of Commons or the House of Lords. The House of Commons is usually the primary source, but the House of Lords can also provide individuals who are not MPs or who have expertise in areas outside of Parliament.
How can individuals who are not MPs become ministers?
Individuals who are not sitting MPs can become ministers by being appointed to the House of Lords. This allows the PM to bring in experienced figures from outside the Commons who may not want to stand for election or who are not politically active in the Commons.
Can you provide an example of a non-MP being appointed as a minister?
An example is the appointment of Peter Mandelson to the House of Lords after Gordon Brown’s appointment as PM. Mandelson, who was a former European Commissioner and not an MP, was appointed to the House of Lords and served as Business Secretary after the 2008 financial crisis.
What are the practical applications of ministers being appointed from the Commons?
Most ministers are drawn from the Commons to ensure the government maintains a direct link to the electorate through elected representatives. The PM relies on MPs to occupy Cabinet positions and other senior roles.
What is the controversy surrounding the appointment of ministers from the House of Lords?
The appointment of ministers from the House of Lords can be controversial because it challenges the democratic principle that those who make laws should be elected by the public.
How can the PM use the House of Lords strategically in ministerial appointments?
The PM may use the House of Lords as a strategic move to secure support for a particular policy by appointing a peer to a ministerial role if their expertise is seen as crucial to the government’s agenda.
What is the patronage model in ministerial appointments?
The patronage model focuses on the PM’s use of patronage to appoint ministers. This allows the PM to reward political loyalty, increase government effectiveness by bringing in experts, and create a loyal political base to support policies in Parliament.
What is the political network model in ministerial appointments?
The political network model emphasizes the role of party officials, MPs, and strategists in identifying candidates for ministerial roles, where loyalty and political connections are key factors.
What is the role of party whips in ministerial appointments?
Party whips are responsible for ensuring MPs vote according to the party line and managing party discipline. They also play a role in recommending MPs for ministerial posts.
What is a Cabinet?
The Cabinet is a group of senior ministers chosen by the PM, typically composed of heads of government departments. These ministers are usually MPs or peers and play a key role in formulating government policy.
What is peerage in the context of ministerial appointments?
Peerage refers to the title given to a member of the House of Lords, which can be granted by the monarch on the advice of the PM. It allows non-elected individuals to serve in ministerial roles.
