The executive

Question 1

What is the executive branch of government concerned with?

Answer 1

The formulation and implementation of policy

Question 2

What does the executive consist of in the UK?

Answer 2

The PM, the cabinet and its committees, and government departments

Question 3

What 5 key responsibilities does the role of PM entail?

Answer 3

• Political leadership
• National leadership
• Appointing the government
• Chairing the cabinet
• Managing the executive

Question 4

Explain the prime ministerial responsibility of political leadership

Answer 4

The PM decided the political direction taken by the government, setting its priorities and determining policy on key issues

Question 5

Explain the prime ministerial responsibility of national leadership

Answer 5

The PM is the communicator-in-chief for the government and provides national leadership at times of crisis

Question 6

Explain the prime ministerial responsibility of appointing the government

Answer 6

The PM appoints and dismisses ministers

Question 7

Explain the prime ministerial responsibility of chairing the cabinet

Answer 7

The PM chairs the cabinet and steers its decisions, creates cabinet committees and holds bilateral meetings with ministers

Question 8

Explain the prime ministerial responsibility of managing the executive

Answer 8

The PM can restructure government departments and the civil service

Question 9

What are the 4 key factors that will strengthen the position of a PM?

Answer 9

• Leadership skills
• Policy success
• Popularity with the public
• A large parliamentary majority