What is Collective responsibilty? Flashcards
What is collective responsibility?
Collective responsibility is the convention that all members of the government must publicly support decisions made by the Cabinet.
True or False: Under collective responsibility, individual ministers can publicly disagree with government decisions.
False
What is the primary purpose of collective responsibility?
To ensure unity and solidarity within the government.
Fill in the blank: Collective responsibility is a key principle of the ______ system in the UK.
Westminster
Which body is primarily responsible for making decisions that require collective responsibility?
The Cabinet
True or False: Collective responsibility can be suspended for certain issues.
True
What happens if a minister cannot support a Cabinet decision?
They are expected to resign.
What is one consequence of collective responsibility for government ministers?
They must present a united front to the public and Parliament.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is NOT a feature of collective responsibility? A) Cabinet decisions are binding, B) Ministers can speak freely against decisions, C) Resignation is expected for dissent.
B) Ministers can speak freely against decisions
Who is ultimately accountable for the actions of the government under collective responsibility?
The Prime Minister and the Cabinet
True or False: Collective responsibility applies to all government decisions without exception.
False
What is a historical example of collective responsibility being tested?
The Iraq War decision in 2003.
Fill in the blank: Collective responsibility is essential for maintaining ______ within the government.
stability
What is the relationship between collective responsibility and party loyalty?
Collective responsibility reinforces party loyalty among government members.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following statements best describes collective responsibility? A) It allows for individual opinions, B) It requires public agreement on decisions, C) It is optional for ministers.
B) It requires public agreement on decisions
What is one potential drawback of collective responsibility?
It can lead to a lack of open debate within the government.
True or False: Collective responsibility has been a long-standing convention in UK politics.
True
What is the role of the Prime Minister in maintaining collective responsibility?
The Prime Minister ensures that all ministers adhere to collective decisions.
Fill in the blank: When collective responsibility is suspended, it is often referred to as a ______ decision.
free vote
What is a key difference between collective responsibility and individual ministerial responsibility?
Collective responsibility pertains to the Cabinet as a whole, while individual responsibility pertains to the actions of a single minister.
