Role and Powers of the Cabinet

Question 1

What is the role of Cabinet?

Answer 1

The Cabinet is the highest decision making body in the government and is appointed by the PM who can also dismiss members without reason. The Cabinet is mostly composed of members of the House of Commons and any change in the composition of the Cabinet is called a reshuffle, which occurs every summer.

Question 2

What are the functions of Cabinet?

Answer 2

Confirmation/Formal policy approval
Coordination
Conflict Resolution
Debate
Management
Collective Government

Question 3

How is the function of confirmation/formal policy approval carried out?

Answer 3

Takes decisions that have already been made (basically) to Cabinet to be approved and therefore made government official

Question 4

How is function of coordination carried out?

Answer 4

Informing departments of decisions, ensuring departments stay in contact and know what’s going on in other departments

Question 5

How is the function of conflict resolution carried out?

Answer 5

Cabinet can serve as a final court of appeal for debates between ministers and departments

Question 6

How is the function of debate carried out?

Answer 6

Cabinet can be used by PM and other ministers to raise issues and stimulate discussion - discussing laws, policy proposals etc

Question 7

How is the function of management carried out?

Answer 7

Managing whole government policy, government image - firm,decisive etc

Question 8

How is the function of collective government carried out?

Answer 8

Collective Cabinet Responsibility ensures all members are publicly united