The Executive Flashcards
1
Q
DOES THE CABINET PLAY A CENTRAL ROLE IN BRITISH GOV: NO
A
- Harold Macmillan and his kitchen cabinet
- HM had a clear political agender
- EH only associated with trusted advisors
- MT had a clear political agender
1
Q
DOES THE CABINET PLAY A CENTRAL ROLE IN BRITISH GOV: YES
A
- PM needs to discuss with Cabinet during a political crisis
- BJ consulted the Cabinet on crises like the Pandemic or Russian Invasion
- MT called emergency cabinet meeting after Argentina Invasion of the Falkland’s
- TM called urgent meeting over Syrian air-strikes
2
Q
THE PM IS THE DOMINANT FORCE IN POLITICS: YES
A
- policy an cabinet office report directly to the PM
- PM determines main policy objectives and ‘making the political weather’
- PM chairs cabinet and key cabinet committees
- Media spotlight on PM
- PM exercises military and intelligence
3
Q
THE PM IS THE DOMINANT FORCE IN POLITICS: NO
A
- PM can only dominate in certain circumstances
- JM had a 21 seat majority - difficult to dominate
- TM couldn’t control agenda due to divisions over EU and minority
- DC had to negotiate with NC
- BJ did not have enough support to pass EU deal - HOC tried to take control
- BJ lost control of events after party allegations
- SC can challenge PM - TM and EU deal
- Liz Truss’ economic reform was challenged by IMF - SB resigned and rebellions occurred
4
Q
Admin failure
A
- 1954, Sir Thomas Dugdale resigned after his department failed to return land to owner after it had been purchased for a bombing range
5
Q
Policy failure
A
- 1982, Lord Carrington resigned as FS for not being aware of Argentina’s intentions
- Gavin Williamson created an algorithm which prevented students from achieving their a-level grades
6
Q
Scandal
A
- 1963, John Profumo had an affair with someone who also had a relationship with a soviet spy so he resigned
- 2021, Matt Hancock resigned after caught kissing is sec on cctv, breaking his own LD regulations
7
Q
CMR resignations
A
- John Cook resigned as leader of the commons in 2003 as he was unconvinced of Saddam Hussain’s threat
- 2022, Rishi Sunak and Sajid Javid over Johnson’ allegations and leadership and economic policies
8
Q
Functions of the Cabinet
A
- Approve executive decisions to maintain cabinet unity
- Determine key areas of policy
- Determine how controversial legislation would be introduced into Parliament
- Resolve disputes in between departments
- Develop and implement specific policy
9
Q
HM and Cabinet
A
- sacked 1/3
- enhanced his authority
- undermined by scandal and resignation
10
Q
EH and Cabinet
A
- loyal cabinet
- dominant and clear vision
- negotiated UK into ECC
- called snap ge due to unrest and lost
11
Q
JC and Cabinet
A
- Personal approval rating
- challenged post-war economic consensus
- lost authority during WoD
12
Q
JM and Cabinet
A
- ditched poll tax
- small majority
- Europe divides
- Allegations of sleaze
13
Q
DC and cabinet
A
- Coalition - had to agree to electoral reform
- EU ref to prevent influence of UKIP
14
Q
BJ and Cabinet
A
- personal elected victory
- favourable press coverage
- breaking lock down regulations ruined him
