UK GOV: PM MINISTERS -3.3.1 Theories of PM power

Question 1

How many Cabinet Ministers did David Cameron have from the Lib Dems during the coalition?

Answer 1

5

This was out of a total of 22 Cabinet Ministers.

Question 2

What was the name of the group that discussed big policy decisions during Cameron’s coalition government?

Answer 2

Quad

The Quad consisted of Cameron, Osborne, Nick Clegg, and Danny Alexander.

Question 3

What significant policy did David Cameron champion in 2010?

Answer 3

Big Society

This policy encouraged localism and volunteerism but was later abandoned in 2013.

Question 4

What did Theresa May emphasize in her 2017 election campaign?

Answer 4

Strong and stable leadership

This message contributed to her minority government.

Question 5

Who were Theresa May’s joint chiefs of staff during her leadership?

Answer 5

Nick Timothy and Fiona Hill

They were involved in drafting her 2017 election manifesto.

Question 6

What nickname was given to Theresa May due to her uncharismatic approach?

Answer 6

Maybot

This term was used by the media, particularly after her coughing fit at a conference.

Question 7

What was Boris Johnson’s key ambition as Prime Minister?

Answer 7

Get Brexit Done

He consistently framed this as the will of the people.

Question 8

Who did Boris Johnson appoint as a special adviser with significant powers?

Answer 8

Dominic Cummings

Cummings was given powers to dismiss disloyal advisers.

Question 9

What was Liz Truss’s proposed economic strategy called?

Answer 9

Trussonomics

It included a £45bn tax cut and spend mini-budget.

Question 10

Who did Rishi Sunak appoint in his cabinet?

Answer 10

Mixed factional interests

This included close allies, retained ministers, and right-wing conservatives.

Question 11

What challenge did Rishi Sunak face in the 2024 general election?

Answer 11

Struggled to establish a relatable brand

Notable gaffes included comments about not having Sky TV as a child.

Question 12

What did David Cameron abolish during his time in office?

Answer 12

Number 10 Policy Units

This allowed cabinet ministers to develop their own policies.

Question 13

What significant meeting did Theresa May have shortly after becoming PM?

Answer 13

First foreign leader to meet Donald Trump

This meeting took place after Trump assumed the presidency.

Question 14

What was one of Boris Johnson’s controversial actions regarding Parliament?

Answer 14

Proroguing of Parliament in 2019

This was part of his strategy to achieve Brexit.

Question 15

Fill in the blank: Liz Truss’s mini-budget aimed to cut taxes and _______.

Answer 15

spend

Question 16

True or False: Rishi Sunak was appointed after a competitive leadership race.

Answer 16

False

He was appointed in a one-horse race after Truss’s resignation.

Question 17

What is a convention that has become codified in the Ministerial Code?

Answer 17

Individual Ministerial Responsibility

This refers to the principle that a minister is responsible for their department’s actions and decisions.

Question 18

Under what condition is Collective Ministerial Responsibility enacted?

Answer 18

If a serious error has been made within a minister’s department

This principle holds ministers accountable for their department’s conduct.

Question 19

What has eroded the concept of Individual Ministerial Responsibility?

Answer 19

Ministers passing the blame over to SpAds and civil servants

This shift has led to a decline in accountability.

Question 20

Who grossly undermined the convention of Collective Ministerial Responsibility in 2022?

Answer 20

Boris Johnson

His rewrite of the Ministerial Code is cited as a significant factor.

Question 21

What does Collective Ministerial Responsibility help present the government as?

Answer 21

A unified decision-making body

This principle emphasizes collective agreement and support among ministers.

Question 22

In which case study is the erosion of Collective Ministerial Responsibility illustrated?

Answer 22

Priti Patel’s bullying allegations

This example highlights accountability issues within the government.

Question 23

What example illustrates Individual Ministerial Responsibility through resignation?

Answer 23

Amber Rudd’s resignation

This occurred in response to Boris Johnson’s decision regarding MPs.

Question 24

How does Collective Ministerial Responsibility reinforce the Prime Minister’s power?

Answer 24

By allowing the PM to escape public dissent from those closest to him

This dynamic can strengthen the PM’s position in government.

Question 25

During which events was Collective Ministerial Responsibility relaxed?

Answer 25

During Brexit and in coalition ## Footnote These circumstances often lead to changes in accountability norms.

Question 26

What is the principle of Cabinet government?

Answer 26

Decisions are made collectively ## Footnote This model emphasizes equal participation among cabinet members.

Question 27

What does the term 'primus inter pares' mean?

Answer 27

First amongst equals ## Footnote This phrase describes the role of the Prime Minister in a cabinet government.

Question 28

What characterizes Prime Ministerial government?

Answer 28

Decisions are made by the PM and the Cabinet, with the PM dominating the process ## Footnote This shift reflects the growing power of the Prime Minister.

Question 29

What key features define a presidential government?

Answer 29

Personalised leadership, spatial leadership, and informal policy meetings ## Footnote These elements illustrate the shift towards a more personal style of governance.

Question 30

What does spatial leadership entail?

Answer 30

PMs distance themselves from government and may criticize their own team ## Footnote This concept highlights the independence of the PM from their cabinet.

Question 31

What term describes informal policy meetings held by the Prime Minister?

Answer 31

Sofa governments or kitchen cabinets ## Footnote These meetings often involve close advisers rather than formal cabinet members.

Question 32

What factors can limit a Prime Minister's presidential behavior?

Answer 32

* Lack of a strong majority in Parliament * Factionalism within party * Being a first-time PM * Divisive salient issues ## Footnote These challenges can hinder the PM's ability to act independently.

Question 33

What is meant by 'Prime Ministerial coattails'?

Answer 33

The phenomenon of being so popular that MPs are elected based on the PM's popularity ## Footnote This can enhance a PM's power and influence.

Question 34

What is the elastic band theory in relation to Prime Ministerial power?

Answer 34

PMs can stretch their power but must avoid factors that can cause it to snap back ## Footnote This metaphor illustrates the balance of power and accountability.

Question 35

What can cause a 'snap back' in Prime Ministerial power?

Answer 35

* Policy failure * Poor public perception * Significant events ## Footnote These factors can rapidly diminish a PM's authority.

Question 36

What is the distinction between pre-eminence and predominance of the Prime Minister?

Answer 36

* Pre-eminence: Legal head of government, leader of government policy * Predominance: Leadership ability, popularity, political success ## Footnote Not all PMs achieve both statuses.

Question 37

How does a Presidential PM relate to predominance?

Answer 37

A Presidential PM is typically associated with strong predominance ## Footnote This connection emphasizes the importance of public support and leadership skills.

Question 38

Why might Keir Starmer struggle to be a predominant PM?

Answer 38

Due to challenges like lack of strong majority and divisive issues ## Footnote These factors can impact his leadership effectiveness.

Question 39

What three battle grounds are suggested for evaluating if the role of the Prime Minister has become presidential?

Answer 39

* Personalised leadership * Spatial leadership * Populist outreach ## Footnote These areas provide a framework for analysis.

Question 40

What factors contribute to PMs developing their own ideologies and styles?

Answer 40

* Ability to dominate media * Running election campaigns under personal brand ## Footnote This trend signifies a shift towards individualized leadership.

Question 41

What is necessary for ideological platforms to work effectively?

Answer 41

Strong party/public support and a clear vision ## Footnote Without these, leadership initiatives may fail.