The Constitutional Power Of The President Exceeds That Of The Prime Minister Flashcards
What is a signif comparison between the two?
-the PM is primus inter pares (first among equals)
-the pres constitutional position of exec is defined in article 2 (second 2 outlines pres powers + section 3 outlines responsibilities)
What does the prime minister being first among equals mean?
-most important member of the cab
-but they govern in a collective manner
What does this constitutional position allow the PM to do?
-control policy direction as chief executive
-signif influence over policy development + gov priorities - set gov legislative agenda + influence national policy through cab meeting decisions
What is an example of the PM setting the legislative agenda?
-May + Brexit process 2016-19
-invokes article 50 of treaty of EU March 2017 beginning formal process leaving EU -signif decision reflecting leadership initiating a historic process
What else does primus inter pares allow the PM to do?
-appointment power to appoint cab ministers
-drawn from MPs + PM has discretion on what gov deps they will lead
What is an example of this appointment power?
-Kier Starmer’s appointment of Rachel Reaces as first female Chancellor exchequer 2024
What does article 2 section 2 state about the President’s constitutional position?
-lays out presidential powers enumerated in constitution
-e.g. pres commander in chief on armed forces + has power to grant pardons + reprieves
What is an example of the president wielding the power to pardon?
-Ford’s pardon Sept 1974 of Nixon after taking office following Nixon resignation
-pardoned Nixon for crimes committed in office relating to watergate scandal
What was the impact of this?
-met with widespread criticism believed it an attempt shield Nixon from legal consequences
-signif decline in Ford popularity
-viewed as politically motivated move + abuse of power
What is the overall role of article 2?
-est framework for exec role in federal gov incl pres authority, method of election, impeachment, pres powers etc.
What is another signif comparison between the two regarding the limits placed upon each?
-PM = doctrine of parl sovereignty to PM power
-pres = signif of check + balances on pres power
What is the doctrine of parl sovereignty?
-asserts parl as supreme legal authority with power make, change of repeal any law
-no other body can overrule or set aside laws passed by parl as central to uncodified constitution (make SL)
What are 2 key elements to this doctrine?
-parl can make or unmake any law
-supremacy to the HoC
What is the element of parl being able to make or unmake any law?
-authority pass any law on any matter
-means can legislate on wide variety of of subjects + no law immune from repeal etc.
What is an example of this?
-abolition death penalty 1965 under Murder act suspending death pen for trial of 5yrs + then made permanent 1969
How does this demonstrate parl sovereignty?
-parl absolute power make + unmake the law regarding death pen
-political + legislative decisions made by elected representatives in parl + no court has power to challenge or invalidate law
-although debate + public disagreement parl authority to overrule this
How do checks and balances limit the pres power?
-back to FF + fears of tyrannical rule
-prevented pres becoming too powerful as wanted get away from authority of br monarch with separation of powers
How does the Congress check + balance power of pres?
-through power to override a pres veto
How can Congress override a pres veto?
-need 2/3 supermajority in both chambers effectively voting against own pres
What is an example of how difficult it is?
-Congress only override one of Obamas 12 vetoes
-e.g. justice against sponsors of terrorism act making it easier for citizens sue foreign states for acts of terrorism
What veto of trumps was overridden?
-veto of annual defence spending bill sharply criticised by Repub McConnell - senate majority leader
-pointed out legislation had been passed ‘59 yrs in row’ + was essential to ‘our brave men + women’ in armed forces
How does this limit the pres power?
How does the media influence the power of the president and prime minister?
-PM = act as check or amplifier of power
-pres = shape public opinion + check power
What roles does the media play regarding the PM?
-shaping public opinion
-scrutiny and accountability
How does the UK media shape public opinion?
-how public perceives PM + their policies
-public opinion can affect PM legitimacy + political capital
What is the impact of favourable coverage?
-strengthen position allowing them pursue their agenda with greater ease
-but negative or critical coverage damage reputation, reduce public support + weaken position
What is an example of this?
-during Brexit referendum media central role shaping public opinion in favor + against
-way PM leadership prostrated in media influence successes or failure of positions
How does the media scrutinise and hold to account the PM?
-scrutinising gov actions, policies + decisions
-journalists investigate, report + expose potential missteps or scandals undermining credibility
What is an example of this?
-partygate scandal during COVID
-regarding PM + MP party
How did the media respond to the partygate scandal
-the mirror first reported it sparking public outcry
-drew attention to initial denial fuelling controversy when revelations appeared contradicting statements
-e.g. daily mail published article claiming Johnson attended party may 2020 at Downing Street when people were banned from meeting others
How does the media impact the power of the US president?
-shaping public opinion
-electoral campaigns + media strategy
How does the media shape the US public opinion?
-signif influences how public perceives pres affecting approval ratings + political capital
What is an example of this?
-Obama approval ratings boosted by media coverage of the affordable care act 2010 - up to 60% early 2010
-but media criticism of initial Obamacare rollout problems hurt his image + lowered approval ratings
How does the media impact election campaigns?
-pres ability navigate media landscape during campaigns crucial securing political power
-candidates use media to communicate message, define their opponents + present their visions
What is an example of this?
-during 2024 election campaign both Harris (Kamala HQ) + Trump had effective publicity/media teams with TikTok platforms + instagram targeting all eligible age groups
