Theories of Executive Power Flashcards
Define Cabinet Government
A system of government where the Cabinet is the central policy-making body
What are the features of Cabinet government?
Cabinet represents collective identity of government
All important domestic and many foreign policy decisions are made in Cabinet
In order for a policy to be official, full Cabinet approval needed
Any government disputes solved in Cabinet
PM considered primus inter pares, meaning they had a higher status but also implied they could and often was outvoted
Define Prime-Ministerial Government
The PM dominates the executive and Parliament, as they are the head of the Civil Service and the leader of the largest party in the Commons. Hence Cabinet is no longer the key policy maker. Patronage - the granting of favours or privileges; patronage usually involves control over jobs and appointments.
Define Presidentialism
A tendency for PM’s to behave in a manner similar to a President, particularly a US President. It suggest the PM is claiming a separate source of authority, is very much a policy leader, has their own sources of advice and is considered by the media to be the main spokesperson of the government.
What are the features of Presidentialism?
Presidents don’t share executive power with their Cabinets, as it’s viewed as an advisory body instead
Presidents tend to distance themselves from their party, such as in elections, which is why they become personalised battles between the President and the leader of the opposition.
They rely on hand-picked advisers instead of the Cabinet, who have a personal loyalty to the President rather than to the party
What are the features of the Core Executive Model?
The Core Executive is a network of people who all play key roles within the running of government and policy formulation. The main bodies and people within it are: PM, the PM’s office, the Treasury, Cabinet, Cabinet Committees and the Cabinet Office. Neither the PM or the Cabinet is an independent actor and all bodies exercise influence, the balance of power is affected by the resources they have available.
