The Cabinet

Question 1

Give 4 reasons why CCR is good

Answer 1

Creates an image of a strong government
Allows free and frank discussion
Scrutiny of policy
Ministers can’t distance themselves from unpopular policy

Question 2

Give 5 reasons why CCR is bad

Answer 2

If the minutes are released it would be the end 
Leaks
Resignations
Loyalty
Set aside for Brexit and AV
Parties are too diverse

Question 3

Give examples of resignations over the gagging clause

Answer 3

Sayeeda Warsi - Gaza - first Muslim minister- Foreign office
Robin Cook - Iraq war
Ian Duncan Smith- Disability cuts (Leave?)

Question 4

Give examples of resignations over scandals

Answer 4

Brooks Newman- explicit photos
Liam Fox - expenses Adam Werrity
Chris Huhne- his ex wife took speeding points for him- went to prison

Question 5

Give examples of resignations over blunders

Answer 5

Estelle Morris
Stewart Stevenson- Scottish transport, extreme winter in Scotland
Theresa May didn’t resign- backlog in processing passport applications

Question 6

What are the 4 powers of the cabinet?

Answer 6

Confirmation
Co ordination
Arbitration
Information giving

Question 7

What are Confirmation and Co-ordination?

Answer 7

Confirmation - endorses all major policy decisions, formal policy approval

Co-ordination- sets the agenda for parliament, coordinates government policy, symbol of collective government

Question 8

What are arbitration and information giving?

Answer 8

Arbitration- referee between disputing ministers, role in crisis management, clips the wings of ministers and PM, final court of appeal for disagreements between ministers

Information giving- glues all the different aspects of government together

Question 9

What is IMR?

Answer 9

Individual ministers bear the consequence for any failure in administration, injustice to an individual or aspects of policy whether personally responsible or not

Question 10

Give 4 reasons against IMR

Answer 10

Ministers cannot be seriously responsible for everything e.g. Theresa May’s scandals

Much of the work is now delegated to semi autonomous agencies e.g. Charles Clarke foreign prisoners scandal

The government is likely to rally round the minister e.g. Ruth Kelly paedophiles in school

A resignation reflects badly on the PM