The PM Flashcards
Who were the last 6 PMs and which years were they in power?
Theresa May (2016) David Cameron (2010-2015) Gordon Brown (2007-2010) Tony Blair (1997-2007) John Major (1990-1997) Margaret Thatcher (1979-1990)
Give some key facts about John Major
Black Wednesday- came out of ERM Recession Opted out of euro - Maastricht Treaty Small majority Introduced council tax and the national lottery
Key facts about Tony Blair
Moved labour right Civil Partnership act Iraq war with no UN permission Longest serving labour PM London bombings
Key facts about Gordon brown
2008 recession
Counter Terrorism Act 2008
Chancellor during Blair
Continue Iraq War
Key facts about Thatcher
Falklands war 1982
Miners strikes
Irish hunger strikes
Huge majority
What are the 4 styles of PM?
Egotist- love of power
Balancer- objective is to retain unity
Innovator- seeks office to achieve a particular goal
Reformer- want a goal but takes party with them
What are influencing factors on PM style?
Size of majority Current affairs Predecessors style Personality The media Public opinion Protests Opposition strength
What are 5 powers the PM has?
National leadership Appoint, demote and dismiss ministers Chair cabinet meetings and prepare agenda Award peerages Appoint cabinet committees
Give examples of the power of patronage.
What are some limits on this power?
Theresa May - dismissed Osborne and replaced with Philip Hammond
Reshuffle 2014- Sajid Javid moved from business to culture
Shuffling often makes the Pm look weak
Must keep a balance to keep the public happy e.g. Leave and remain
Cameron had to include Lib dems
Some examples of chairing cabinet meetings and explain the limits on this power
Theresa mays first cabinet meeting. She said that she didn’t want to uk to be defined by brexit
PM is often absent and the chancellor chairs the meetings
Sometimes agenda items are fixed
Give some examples of appointing cabinet committees and the limits this power has
Cabinet committees include Economy and industrial strategy committee which includes Philip Hammond and Jeremy hunt
These committees take direct decision making from The PM
But the PM can get people who support them on the committee
Give some examples of when the Pm has awarded peerages. What are some limits on the power
2016 Cameron- Shami Chakrabati, chair of antisemitism inquiry
Liz sugg, head of operations at No.10
Can’t just appoint friends. Tony Blair was accused of this ‘Tony’s Cronies’
Give examples of when the PM has given national leadership. What are the constraints on this power?
2015 after Paris attacks. Cameron made a statement ‘Today the British and French people stand together’
Tony Blair after Diana’s death
May not be able to say their mind due to fear of unpopularity
What are the four aspects of Foleys Thesis?
Cult of the outsider - position themselves outside the party
Personal factor- leader becomes the party
Public leadership- in the public eye and the media
Spatial leadership- distance from unpopular policy
Give examples for Cameron being like a president
People voted for Cameron instead of the party- in 2011, 42% of people liked him but only 37% thought the same about the party (cult of the outsider)
Tried to modernise party e.g. Gay marriage (cult of the outsider )
In the public eye a lot- Sam Cam
