The Prime Minister and the executive - Key Terms

Question 1

Cabinet

Answer 1

The Prime Minister and senior ministers, most of whom lead a particular government department.

Question 2

Collective responsibility

Answer 2

The principle by which ministers must support Cabinet decisions or leave the executive.

Question 3

Executive

Answer 3

The collective group of Prime Minister, Cabinet and junior ministers, sometimes known as ‘the government’.

Question 4

Government department

Answer 4

A part of the executive, usually with specific responsibility over an area such as education, health or defence.

Question 5

Individual responsibility

Answer 5

The principle by which ministers are responsible for their personal conduct and for their departments.

Question 6

Minister

Answer 6

An MP or member of the House of Lords appointed to a position in the government, usually exercising specific responsibilities in a department.

Question 7

Presidential government

Answer 7

An executive dominated by one individual; this may be a president but is also used to describe a strong, dominant prime minister.

Question 8

Royal prerogative

Answer 8

A set of powers and privileges belonging to the monarch but normally exercised by the Prime Minister or Cabinet, such as the granting of honours or of legal pardons.

Question 9

Secondary legislation

Answer 9

Powers given to the executive by Parliament to make changes to the law within certain specific rules.