The Core excutive: Key Words Flashcards
Patronage
The power of an individual to appoint someone to an important position
Prime minister
The head of government and of the executive branch that is the main collective decision-making body of the government.
Cabinet reshuffle
A series of changes to the personnel of the cabinet and the positions they occupy, instigated by the prime minister
Bilateral
A meeting between the prime minister and a departmental minister in which policy is agreed
10 Downing Street
The residence and office of the prime minister. ‘Number 10’ and ‘Downing Street’ are sometimes used to describe the PM’s office
Prime Minister’s Office
The group of Senior civil servants and special advisers, based at 10 Downing Street, who provide advice and support for the PM, particularly on policy and communications with government, parliament and the media.
Cabinet
The meeting of senior ministers and heads of government departments. It is formally the key decision-making body in British Goverment.
Cabinet System
The cabinet and its associated bodies including Cabinet committees and the cabinet Office
Cabinet Committees
Committees appointed by the prime minister to consider aspects of government business. They include standing committees and ad hoc committees
Inner Cabinet
An informal grouping of the prime minister’s senior ministerial colleagues
Cabinet Office
A government department responsible for supporting the cabinet system and the prime minister, and managing the civil service
Civil Servant
An official employed in a civil capacity by the crown, responsible for policy advice or policy implementation
Special Advisers
A temporary political appointment made by a government minister
Spin Doctor
A special adviser employed to promote the image of the minister and his or her policy in the media
Executive Agency
An agency responsible for the delivery of government policy that is subordinate to a government department but enjoys significant autonomy in its day-to-day operations
