Executive Flashcards
(175 cards)
1
Q
PM too powerful - yes
A
- huge powers of patronage
- PMs immense power over cabinet
- PMs w. large majorities have few limits on power -> Judiciary
2
Q
PM too powerful -n jo
A
- cant appoint just anyone
- PM ltd by prliament
- Ccabinet limits pm
3
Q
- IIMR + CMR significant - yes
A
- disagree over policy
- IMR dep -> high profile resignation
- IMr - Personal life
4
Q
NO IMR + CMR significant
A
- has in recent years been suspended
- emphasis on the minister
- the media response
5
Q
still have a cabinet gov
A
- first among equals -> create gov departments
- collective responsibility -> cabinet challenge in meetings
- ideological balance -> cabinet gov -> 1st among equals -> Presentation of policy became difficult, so the cabinet had to develop ways in which agreements between the parties could be explained.
6
Q
no cabinet gov.
A
- cameron quad -> bypass wider bcabinet -> contradicts collective decisions emergence of a primeministerial gov -> ignore cabinet discussion
- emergence of presidential gov -> distance between party and PM
- personal vision -> presidential gov -> neglect cabinet
- reliance on SpAds
7
Q
structure
A
- PM
- cabinet - key ministers
- gov departments - can be xreated i.e department for exiting the EU Under may -> specific ministers and department responsible for key policy
8
Q
prerogative powers
A
- constitutional pwers -> allows Pm to the powers which belonged to monarch -> powers of patronage -> appointing ministers
-> command armed forces -> syria 2018 mayPrime Minister ordered airstrikes against Syrian government chemical weapons facilities without a parliamentary vote. + represent UK on world stager _. stamer and ‘coalition of the willing - prorogation of parliament
9
Q
How has parliament prerogatove powers changed
A
- convention that parliament votes before deployment of armed forces to new areas
-Iraq War (2003): Prime Minister Tony Blair held a vote in the House of Commons before the UK joined the military action in Iraq. Parliament voted in favour of the intervention. This is often seen as a key moment in establishing the convention.
Libyan Intervention (2011): Prime Minister David Cameron sought and received parliamentary approval for military action to enforce a no-fly zone in Libya to protect civilians. - fixed term parliament act now repealed - aimed to reduce the ability for the executive to call elections tactocally
10
Q
executive as a secondary legislature
A
legislation that can be made w/out parliament consent -> stat instruments approx 1000
11
Q
What is the PM? (AS in job)
A
Elected MP and party leader of the largest party in the House of Commons.
Chief Policy Maker
Head of government
Chair of the Cabinet
Chief government spokesperson (to the media and figurehead)
Participates in major foreign policy maker (representing the country)
Commander in chief of armed forces.
12
Q
PM ROle
A
Role: Approve policy, symbol of collective responsibility, and overall co-ordination.
13
Q
PM powers
A
Powers: Lead ruling party, appoint, dismiss, and organise government ministers, direct government policy, represent the country externally, propose legislation.
14
Q
What are Cabinet Ministers?
A
Elected MPs or Lords who have been appointed by the PM to serve in the cabinet and have responsibility for a particular department / policy area.
Powers: Opportunity to sit around the table where decisions are made; opportunity to shape a policy area with the approval of cabinet; get support of civil servants and research; propose primary legislation and approve secondary legislation; the support, research and advice of civil servants; co-ordination of junior ministers.
15
Q
cabinet minister role
A
Role: Individual responsibility for particular policy area, resolve disputes and manage the ruling party.
16
Q
cainet min powers
A
Powers: Opportunity to sit around the table where decisions are made; opportunity to shape a policy area with the approval of cabinet; get support of civil servants and research; propose primary legislation and approve secondary legislation; the support, research and advice of civil servants; co-ordination of junior ministers.
17
Q
Who are Junior Ministers?
A
Elected MPs who have been appointed by the PM to develop the brief for a specific policy area.
Role: Develop policy to be approved by cabinet. Work with civil servants. Symbol of collective responsibility (agreeing with the government). Individual responsibility for a specific policy area (answering questions/accountability to Parliament).
Powers: Support the work of cabinet ministers with the approval of cabinet. Get the support, research and advice of civil servants. Approve some secondary legislation.
18
Q
What is the Treasury?
A
Chancellor of the Exchequer (senior cabinet minister appointed by PM) and Treasury ministers and civil servants.
Role: With the support of the PM and Cabinet, to set budgets and manage the government’s finances. To present finance bills on most committees and sub-committees.
Powers: Strong overview of the government’s finances, decisions affect every other brief. Influence projects and appointments setting the tone of parliament.
19
Q
Front: What are Cabinet Committees?
A
:
Sub-committees of the Cabinet appointed by the PM.
Role: Consider and propose policies on particular aspects of government business.
Powers: They can develop policy outside of cabinet including only those ministers and department ministers present. Recommendations go onto full cabinet. Can draw in junior ministers with particular expertise.
Flashcard 6 (Key Individual or Body: Civil Servants and Government Departments)
20
Q
Front: Who are Civil Servants?
A
Public sector unelected officials who are recruited and promoted within the civil service through a competitive interview based on expertise.
Role: Developing, implementing and monitoring policy. To politically support all parties when in government.
Powers: Largely anonymous and politically neutral, subject to focus on policy. Their influence is only as do not have to be elected. Bring a wealth and length of time within a department.
21
Q
Front: What does “Collective Ministerial Responsibility” mean?
A
: It’s a really important rule in the government where all ministers, even if they don’t totally agree on something in private, must publicly support the government’s decisions. Think of it like a team – even if you disagree with the coach’s play call, you still have to go out on the field and play like you agree!
22
Q
Front: Why is it a good thing that ministers have to stick together publicly?
A
:
It helps the government look united and strong.
It means everyone is working towards the same goals in public.
It makes the government more stable because everyone is presenting a common front.
23
Q
Front: What are some potential problems with Collective Ministerial Responsibility?
A
:
Ministers might have to go against what they personally believe or what their voters (constituents) want.
It can sometimes stop open and honest discussions within the government.
It might lead to ministers feeling like they can’t speak their minds (less scrutiny).
24
Q
Front: Has Collective Ministerial Responsibility always been followed strictly?
A
: Not always! Here are a few times it was a bit different:
The Brexit Referendum (2016) - Ministers were allowed to campaign on different sides.
The AV Referendum (2011) - Similar to Brexit, ministers could campaign for different outcomes.
The 2010 Coalition Agreement - The two parties in government agreed that they could have different views on some issues.
25
2003 Iraq war res resigning?
: Here are a few examples from the table:
2003 (Iraq War): Robin Cook (Leader of the House) - Resigned because he disagreed with the Iraq War.
26
ignore
27
ignore
Allegra Stratton (COP26 Spokesperson) - Resigned due to a video controversy
28
2018 (Brexit): res
Boris Johnson (Foreign Secretary) and David Davis (Brexit Secretary) - Both resigned due to disagreements over the government's Brexit plans
29
2020 (COVID-19):
Sajid Javid (Chancellor of the Exchequer) - Resigned.
- refusal to fire advisers
30
2023 (Environment):
Zac Goldsmith (Minister for Commonwealth, Energy and Environment) - Resigned.
saying the government showed "apathy" towards environmental issues and that Sunak's "simply uninterested" attitude had paralysed policymaking.
31
2022 (Cost of Living): res
Rishi Sunak (Chancellor of the Exchequer) and Sajid Javid (Health Secretary) - Both resigned.-> felt Boris no longer have confidence to run the country
32
Front: What does "Individual Ministerial Responsibility" mean?
: It's the idea that government ministers are responsible for what happens in their departments and in their own personal lives. If things go wrong, they might be expected to take the blame!
33
Front: What are the two main things ministers can be held responsible for?
:
a) In their ministerial departments: This means they're responsible for the actions and mistakes of the people working in their government department.
b) In their personal lives: This means their behavior outside of work can also lead to them being held responsible.
34
Front: Can you give some examples of ministers who were criticized?
: Here are a few examples from the table:
2018: Amber Rudd (Home Secretary)
Criticism: Accusations of misleading Parliament over Windrush scandal.
Did they resign? Yes.
2018: Chris Grayling (Minister for Transport)
Criticism: Gatwick drone incident, ground all flights (not his direct fault), and slow failure to bring in legislation quickly enough.
Did they resign? No.
2020: Priti Patel (Home Secretary)
Criticism: Accusations of bullying towards civil servants and others.
Did they resign? No.
2020: Gavin Williamson (Secretary for Education)
Criticism: Accusations of bullying and threatening/abusive language (exam details not reported).
Did they resign? Yes.
2021: Matt Hancock (Health Secretary)
Criticism: Broke government social distancing guidelines.
Did they resign? Resigned and accepted.
2022: Suella Braverman (Home Secretary)
Criticism: Sending official documents using personal email... to the wrong recipient.
Did they resign? Yes... but reappointed 6 days later by Sunak.
2023: Dominic Raab (Deputy PM)
Criticism: Accusations of bullying ("aggressive conduct").
Did they resign? Resigned ahead of critical report.
35
Front: Which Prime Minister was known for leading from the front and sometimes faced disagreement from her cabinet?
: Margaret Thatcher. Some ministers disagreed with her strong political views. Michael Heseltine resigned after a disagreement, and Geoffrey Howe's resignation speech was a big deal that challenged her leadership.
36
Front: Which Prime Minister took over from Thatcher and tried to have a more "collegial" approach with his cabinet?
: John Major. Even though he tried to be more of a team player, he still faced challenges. Some important ministers like John Redwood and Peter Lilley disagreed with his policies on Europe. He even called some of his critics "bastards"! John Redwood resigned to challenge him for the leadership.
37
Front: Which Prime Minister was seen as very dominant and had a close circle of trusted advisors?
: Tony Blair. He often preferred to work with a small group of advisors like Peter Mandelson. Some people felt his cabinet didn't have as much influence, and one person even said his "cabinet is dead"!
38
Front: Which Prime Minister took over during a difficult economic time and faced some major policy U-turns?
: Gordon Brown. He had to deal with big challenges like the financial crisis. He was also accused of not listening enough to his Health Minister, Alan Milburn, and faced a damaging clash in 2009 when two ministers resigned, putting pressure on him.
39
Front: Which Prime Minister led a "Coalition Government," meaning he had to work with another political party?
: David Cameron. Because he had to team up with another party (the Liberal Democrats), it meant that cabinet ministers from both parties had different views, which was crucial for the government to survive.
40
Front: Which Prime Minister had a very difficult time trying to navigate "Brexit" and faced a divided party?
: Theresa May. Brexit caused a lot of disagreements within her Conservative party, including her cabinet. Some important figures like Boris Johnson resigned over her Brexit plans, making her time as Prime Minister very challenging.
41
Front: Name some things the Prime Minister has the power to do.
:
Patronage: They can appoint ministers (give people important jobs in the government), dismiss ministers (take those jobs away), and create government departments. It's like they're the boss of picking their team!
42
Front: How much control does the Prime Minister have over the Cabinet (the group of top ministers)?
:
They chair (lead) Cabinet meetings.
They manage the agenda (decide what will be talked about).
They steer and determine the outcomes of meetings (try to guide the decisions).
They hold bilateral meetings with key ministers (talk one-on-one with important people).
They appoint cabinet committees (set up smaller groups to look at specific issues).
43
Front: How does being the leader of their political party and their popularity with the public give the Prime Minister power?
:
They are the authority as the leader of their party.
They are elected by MPs and party members.
If their party has a majority in the House of Commons (more than half the seats), this makes them strong.
They can often be seen to have a personal "mandate" (like permission from the voters) if they are popular.
They represent the country internationally and usually have a high media profile.
44
Front: How does the Prime Minister influence what the government does?
:
Policy making: They direct government policy and set the agenda (what the government focuses on). They also take a key role in times of crisis.
The Prime Minister's Office: This provides support and advice to help the PM direct policy better. They can also appoint special advisors to give them expert help.
45
Front: What are some things that can limit how powerful the Prime Minister is?
:
Cabinet: They need to consider claims of senior MPs for inclusion in the Cabinet and try to keep a balance of different ideas. There's always a possibility that powerful or popular ministers might challenge the PM's leadership. They also usually need Cabinet support for big decisions. If senior ministers feel ignored, it can cause problems (like when Heseltine challenged Thatcher).
Party: They need the support of their party. If the party's support isn't strong, or if there are lots of disagreements (backbench rebellions), it weakens the PM.
46
Front: What else can limit the Prime Minister's power?
:
Public: If the public doesn't support them, it can undermine their authority. They are also vulnerable to criticism from the media.
Other Factors: The PM isn't in control of everything, like big global events or the state of the economy. They might not have all the detailed knowledge about every specific area of government. Other powerful parts of the government, especially the Treasury (who handle the money), can also have influence. The PM's own office might also have limited resources (staff and money).
47
Front: What is "Cabinet Government" like?
:
Think of the Prime Minister as "first among equals" – like the captain of a team, but still part of the team.
The cabinet (the group of top ministers) is really important and makes decisions together.
They follow the idea of "Collective Responsibility" – meaning everyone in the cabinet publicly supports the decisions made, even if they didn't totally agree in private.
Give examples... Senior ministers have real authority and can challenge the PM. The PM needs to take their advice and ensure ideological balance when choosing ministers. Cabinet support is important, and cabinet committees do a lot of work.
48
Front: What is "Prime Ministerial Government" like?
:
Here, the Prime Minister is the "dominant actor" – like the star player who has a lot of influence.
The PM often focuses on big picture stuff like foreign policy.
They manage the agenda of meetings and might have their own special groups (party units).
Having a strong electoral mandate (winning by a lot) and good public image (personal mandate) makes them more powerful.
Give examples... Sometimes, in this model, the PM might be accused of ignoring cabinet discussions or making decisions with fewer people. They might use special powers (prerogative powers) and consult the wider cabinet less. Some people thought Margaret Thatcher sometimes leaned towards this style.
49
What is "Presidential Government" like?
:
This is quite different from the UK system! Here, there's a bigger "distance" between the President (who is like the head of government and head of state) and their cabinet/party.
The public and media spotlight is often very focused on the President.
The President might have a strong "personal vision" and steer and determine meetings more directly.
Give examples... Because all the focus is on one person, there's a possibility (though not always the case!) of things leaning towards a more "elective dictatorship" if there aren't enough checks and balances. They are also very vulnerable to media criticism.
50
Front: Margaret Thatcher was Prime Minister from which years and for which political party? What was a significant pressure she faced leading to her departure?
: 1979 - 1990, Conservative. Resignation pressure.
51
Front: John Major was Prime Minister after Margaret Thatcher. What were his years in office and what led to his departure?
: 1990 - 1997, Conservative. 1997 election defeat.
52
Front: Tony Blair was a Labour Prime Minister. What were his years in office and what kind of pressure did he face towards the end?
: 1997 - 2007, Labour. Resignation pressure from party.
53
Front: Gordon Brown took over from Tony Blair. What were his years as Prime Minister and what was the outcome of the election during his time?
: 2007 - 2010, Labour. 2010 election defeat.
54
Front: David Cameron was a Conservative Prime Minister. What were his years in office and why did he resign?
: 2010 - 2016, Conservative. Resignation - after campaigning for Remain in the EU referendum.
55
Front: Theresa May became Prime Minister after David Cameron. What were her years in office and what was a major factor in her resignation?
: 2016 - 2019, Conservative. Resignation - pressure from party.
56
Front: Boris Johnson followed Theresa May as Prime Minister. What were his years in office and what were some of the reasons for his resignation?
: 2019 - 2022, Conservative. Resignation - scandals and pressure from party.
57
Front: Liz Truss had a very short time as Prime Minister. What were her months in office and what was the main reason for her resignation?
: Sept 2022 - Oct 2022, Conservative. Resignation - failed "mini budget".
58
Front: Rishi Sunak is the current Prime Minister (as of the information in your image). What are his years in office so far and what is predicted for the next election according to this?
: Oct 2022 - 2024, Conservative. 2024 election defeat.
59
Front: According to this information, who is predicted to be the likely winner of the 2024 election?
: Keir Starmer, Labour.
60
Front: In which years did Margaret Thatcher win general elections to become Prime Minister?
: May 1979, June 1983, June 1987.
61
Front: How is Margaret Thatcher's leadership style described in this information?
: Leadership style: Conflict, relying on unelected personal advisors for policy advice.
62
Front: What were some of the major issues and events happening during Margaret Thatcher's time as Prime Minister, according to this?
: Falklands Conflict (Apr-Jun '82), Miners' Strike (Mar '84 - '85).
63
Front: What are some examples that show Margaret Thatcher's ability to strongly influence what happened and what the government did?
: End of post-war consensus, Falklands War, Single European Act, NUM (Miners') Strike
64
Front: What are some examples where Margaret Thatcher might not have been able to fully control events or policy?
: High profile resignations (Deputy PM Howe), Westland Affair 1986 (disagreement w/ Heseltine - Heseltine resigned).
65
Front: What are some examples that show Margaret Thatcher's strong power over her Cabinet?
: [The writing here is a bit unclear, but it seems to mention her pushing through privatization and having a dominant influence].
66
Front: What are some examples where Margaret Thatcher might have faced a lack of power or opposition within her Cabinet?
: Unpopular flat-rate Community Charge (Poll Tax), weakend Conservative MPs' loyalties, protests and riots -> social unrest, high profile resignations.
67
Whathat was the main reason Margaret Thatcher left her position as Prime Minister?
: Lost support of senior colleagues -> largely due to Poll Tax.
68
hat is the evaluation given here about whether Margaret Thatcher was a successful Prime Minister?
: Yes, "great reform.
69
Front: In which year did John Major win a general election to become Prime Minister in his own right?
: 1992.
70
Front: How is John Major's leadership style described here?
: Calm + Steady + Slow, Modest + Pragmatic, Bureaucratic. It also notes he started with a "collegiate collective approach" which "declined over time."
71
Front: What was the size of John Major's majority in Parliament after the 1992 election?
: 21. (It looks like "significant" is also written, so it was a notable majority). -> 165
72
Front: What does the information suggest about the unity within John Major's Conservative Party?
: Party unity: Disintegrating.
73
Front: What were some of the main issues and events during John Major's time as Prime Minister, according to this?
: Conservative Manifesto -> few eye-catching policies. Poll Tax allowance. Nuclear family ill-received. 1992 Polls: Labour 38/56 suggested Labour landslide.
74
Front: What are some examples that show John Major's ability to influence events and policy?
: Gets maastricht treaty signed, poll tax reform, gulf war presides over working w US to expel Saddam Hussein from Kuwait -> NI Peace process 1993 downing street declaration
75
Front: What are some examples where John Major struggled to control events or policy?
: Black Wednesday (loss of media support), European rebels lost whip (party lost control over Maastricht treaty)
76
Front: What are some examples where John Major seemed to lack power or faced opposition within his Cabinet?
: recorded calling some ministers bastards, 1995 'put up or shut up contest' - challenge John Redwood, Maj. won
77
what was the main reason John Major left his position as Prime Minister?
: 1997 election lost - violence issue of Conservative Party.
78
Front: In which year did Tony Blair win a general election to become Prime Minister?
: 1997. 2001, 2005
79
Front: How is Tony Blair's leadership style described here?
: Strong leader, "sofa cabinet" (suggesting he relied on a smaller inner circle).
80
Front: What was the size of Tony Blair's seats in Parliament after the 1997 election?
: 418 seats
81
Front: What were some of the main policy areas during Tony Blair's time as Prime Minister, according to this?
: Third Way policy, NHS reform, Constitutional reform (e.g., devolution), Section 28 repeal, Opt-out of EU.
82
Front: What are some examples that show Tony Blair's ability to strongly influence what happened and what the government did?
: NHS reform, Constitutional reform, Section 28 repeal, Opt-out of Eurozone
83
ront: What are some examples where Tony Blair might not have been able to fully control events or policy?
: "Cash for Honours" scandal, Iraq War.
84
Front: What is one example given that demonstrates Tony Blair's power over his Cabinet?
: "Didn't really consult" (suggesting he made decisions with a smaller group).
85
Front: What is one example where Tony Blair might have faced a lack of power or opposition within his Cabinet?
: "Frustrations at lack of consultation."
86
Front: According to this information, what were the main reasons Tony Blair left his position as Prime Minister?
: Resignation -> internal pressures + decline in public support.
87
Front: In which year did Gordon Brown become Prime Minister (following Tony Blair)? Did he win a general election in his own right according to this?
: Inherited Blair's seats in 2007. The image has "Elections 2007 ??" which suggests there might be a question about a specific election victory for him.
88
Front: What were some of the major issues and events during Gordon Brown's time as Prime Minister
89
Front: What are some examples that show Gordon Brown's ability to influence events and policy?
Global Financial Crisis - "Big Intervention Moment
90
Front: What are some examples where Gordon Brown might not have been able to fully control events or policy?
Counter-Terrorism Act 2008 = backbench rebellion
91
Front: What is one example given that demonstrates Gordon Brown's power over his Cabinet?
Focus on re-intro Cabinet Gov. (This might suggest he tried to involve the cabinet more). Experienced Chancellor (Alastair Darling).
92
Front: According to this information
93
Front: What is the evaluation given here about whether Gordon Brown was a successful Prime Minister?
Politically successful policies
94
Front: During which years was David Cameron the Prime Minister?
2010 - July 2016.
95
Front: What was a major focus of David Cameron's government's policies aimed at reducing the country's debt?
Austerity measures: Increased taxes and decreased public spending to minimise the deficit.
96
Front: Name some other key policies of David Cameron's government mentioned here.
Introduce progressive social policies including same-sex marriage
97
Front: What was significant about the Cabinet formed in 2010 under David Cameron?
Saw the emergence of the Quad (Cameron
98
Front: What does the information say about "Cabinet Gov -> ability for cabinet to challenge PM
pressure PM into alt policy of suspending collective responsibility EU Ref
99
Front: How did the Coalition government adapt "Cabinet Responsibility"?
The coalition politics demanded a unique executive solution. The 'Quad' typically resolved political differences between the two parties. Compared to an 'inner' cabinet. Less hands-on
100
Front: What was a significant change in the Cabinet in March 2015?
42064
101
Front: What was the outcome of the 2010 general election regarding the majority?
Elected on a minority of vote share - 36.1%. 307 Seats.
102
Front: What was the outcome of the 2015 general election regarding the majority?
Elected on a minority of vote share - 36.8%. 331 Seats (+12 majority).
103
Front: What does the information say about David Cameron's ability to pass laws?
Faced 7 defeats during the Coalition era. At one point
104
Front: How is David Cameron's leadership style described here?
Strategic + Pragmatic
105
Front: What was the main reason David Cameron resigned as Prime Minister?
C EU referendum (Brexit) result.
106
Front: What was a significant aspect of the political context when David Cameron became Prime Minister?
Cameron-Clegg Coalition = 1st peacetime since 1945.
107
ront: How was David Cameron generally seen when he first became Prime Minister?
Became the youngest PM in 200 years (at age 43). He was perceived as a refreshing leader in 2010. His demeanor was seen as warm compared to the previous leader.
108
Front: Name some other aspects of the political context during David Cameron's time.
Conventions little guidance
109
Front: How did public opinion of David Cameron change later in his time as Prime Minister?
Public opinions on his management
110
Front: What significant political event happened at the start of David Cameron's time as Prime Minister?
Coalition Government (2010-2015): Cameron formed a coalition with the Liberal Democrats after the first hung parliament since WWII
111
Front: What significant social legislation was passed under David Cameron's government?
Same-Sex Marriage (2013): Cameron backed the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act
112
ront: What major decision did David Cameron make regarding the European Union?
EU Referendum (2016): Cameron's EU membership referendum led to a 51.9% leave vote
113
Front: What referendum took place in Scotland during David Cameron's time as Prime Minister?
Scottish Independence Referendum (2014): Cameron's government oversaw the Scottish Independence Referendum
114
Front: What happened when David Cameron sought parliamentary approval for military action in Syria?
Syria Intervention Vote (2013): Cameron's proposal for military action in Syria was rejected by Parliament
115
Front: What kind of scrutiny did David Cameron face from Parliamentary Committees?
Regularly appeared before the Liaison Committee. Faced tough questioning on issues like Brexit
116
Front: Name some of the key inquiries by Parliamentary Committees that challenged David Cameron's government.
Public Accounts Committee: Challenged government spending cuts. Home Affairs Committee: Questioned on security and immigration policies. Foreign Affairs Committee: Criticised his handling of the Libya intervention.
117
Front: What traditional aspect did David Cameron also try to maintain in his image?
Maintainer the traditional conservative values.
118
Front: In which year did Theresa May become Prime Minister? What was the outcome of the general election she called?
2017 (Conservative - lost majority
119
Front: What was Theresa May's key slogan and how is her leadership style described here?
Strong and stable leadership slogan.
120
Front: What was the state of Theresa May's majority in Parliament?
Lost majority in the 2017 election
121
Front: What does the information say about the unity within the Conservative Party under Theresa May?
Split over Europe
122
Front: What were some of the main issues and events during Theresa May's time as Prime Minister
123
Front: What are some examples where Theresa May struggled to control events or policy?
Grenfell Tower fire and government response
124
ront: What is one example given that demonstrates Theresa May's power over her Cabinet?
Silenced critics by bringing MPs into Cabinet.
125
Front: According to this information
126
Front: In which year did Boris Johnson win a general election to become Prime Minister?
Elected 2019.
127
Front: How is Boris Johnson's leadership style described here?
Regular meet up w/ Cabinet (suggesting he did consult with his Cabinet).
128
Front: What was the size of Boris Johnson's seats in Parliament after the 2019 election?
365 seats
129
Front: What were some of the major issues and events during Boris Johnson's time as Prime Minister
130
Front: What are some examples that show Boris Johnson's ability to strongly influence what happened and what the government did?
Covid-19 (clearing/steering virus)
131
ront: What are some examples where Boris Johnson might not have been able to fully control events or policy?
Lockdowns - "fear of 3rd -> loss of rights
132
Front: What are some examples where Boris Johnson seemed to lack power or faced significant issues within his Cabinet?
10 resignations (lots of people quitting his government)
133
Front: What are some examples where Boris Johnson seemed to lack power or faced significant issues within his Cabinet?
10 resignations (lots of people quitting his government)
134
Front: What did the Supreme Court rule about Boris Johnson's decision to suspend Parliament in August 2019?
The Supreme Court ruled that his decision to prorogue (suspend) Parliament was unlawful
135
Front: What were the allegations surrounding Boris Johnson and Jennifer Arcuri?
While Boris Johnson was Mayor of London
136
Front: Why did Sir Alex Allan
137
What were the concerns raised about government contracts awarded during the Covid-19 pandemic?
Millions of pounds worth of PPE (personal protective equipment) and Covid-related contracts were given to individuals and companies with links to the Conservative Party. The High Court later ruled that the government acted unlawfully by not publishing the contract details quickly
138
ront: What happened with Owen Paterson and the UK government in November 2021?
Conservative MP Owen Paterson broke rules about lobbying (trying to influence the government). The government tried to defend him
139
Front: What was the issue with the makeover of Boris Johnson's Downing Street flat?
Lord Geidt
140
Front: Why were Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak fined in April 2022?
They were fined for breaking Covid-19 lockdown rules by attending a party in Downing Street.
141
Front: What were the three controversial bills that became law in April-May 2022?
The Elections Bill (photo ID for voting)
142
What did the Supreme Court say about Boris Johnson's decision to suspend Parliament in August 2019?
They ruled it was unlawful.
143
What were the allegations about Boris Johnson and Jennifer Arcuri?
That she received public funds and access to trade missions while he was Mayor of London.
144
Front: What was the controversy surrounding Evgeny Lebedev's peerage?
Concerns were raised about his father's links to the Russian security services.
145
Front: What are some things the Prime Minister in the UK has the power to do?
Appoint special advisors (SpAds)
Declare war (this is a big decision
146
Front: What else can the Prime Minister do related to Parliament and their party?
Call elections (decide when the next general election will be)
Nominate peers (suggest people to become members of the House of Lords)
Select and hire the cabinet from Parliament (choose MPs and Lords to be top government ministers)
Promote party policy and the party manifesto (push what their party promised to do)
Introduce majority legislation (because their party usually has the most MPs
147
ront: What does the note say about the Legislature (Parliament) having "no parliamentary power" in the first point? What might this mean?
It says "No parliamentary power" next to some of the Prime Minister's powers. This might be saying that for those specific things
148
ront: What power does the Legislature have related to party legislation?
Party legislation/Scrutiny. This means that even though the Prime Minister's party introduces most laws
149
Front: Did Liz Truss win a general election to become Prime Minister? How did she become leader?
No general election victory. She won the 2022 Conservative Leadership election.
150
Front: What was the Conservative Party's seats in Parliament when Liz Truss became Prime Minister?
365 seats (from the 2019 general election).
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Front: What were some of the significant events happening when Liz Truss became Prime Minister?
Elizabeth II's 2nd death.
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ront: What are some examples where Liz Truss struggled to control events or policy?
Cost of living crisis. Ban Fracking (3 line whip initially) -> Vote directed by Downing Street
153
Front: What is one example given that demonstrates Liz Truss's power over her Cabinet?
18/33 full-time Cabinet remained. (This suggests she kept a majority of the existing cabinet).
154
Front: What are some examples where Liz Truss seemed to lack power or faced significant issues within her Cabinet?
Suella Braverman resigned over individual minister BUT put doubt over leader. MPs' constant calls for resignation. Lost confidence (Graham Brady
155
Front: According to this information
156
Front: Did Rishi Sunak win a general election to become Prime Minister? How did he become leader?
No direct electoral mandate. He was appointed PM in 2022 by the Conservative Party.
157
Front: What is the Conservative Party's majority in Parliament under Rishi Sunak?
365 seats = 80 (majority from the 2019 general election).
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Front: How did Rishi Sunak become Prime Minister?
Held lots of Cabinet positions. Became PM after Liz Truss resigned.
159
Front: What are some of the main issues and events during Rishi Sunak's time as Prime Minister
Cost of living crisis
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Front: What are some examples where Rishi Sunak struggled to control events or policy?
Despite 3-line Whip -> govt defeated. (A "3-line whip" means MPs are strictly told to vote a certain way). 0=over ammendment to Victims and prisoners bill
161
What are some examples that show Rishi Sunak's ability to influence events and policy?
Passed f Safetyof Rwanda. act
162
Front: What is one example given that demonstrates Rishi Sunak's power over his Cabinet?
Cabinet reshuffle
163
Front: What are some examples where Rishi Sunak seemed to lack power or faced significant issues within his Cabinet?
Public criticism CofL + forced to appoint Tory big beasts (influential but potentially troublesome MPs) ie Braverman
164
ront: What might be the reasons for Rishi Sunak eventually leaving office
165
Front: Does this information show Keir Starmer winning a general election to become Prime Minister?
It says "2024 GE
166
Front: What size of majority in Parliament was expected for Keir Starmer's Labour Party?
412 (this is a prediction from before the 2024 election).
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What does the information suggest about the unity within the Labour Party under Keir Starmer?
Potentially BBB Welfare Cuts
168
Front: What were some of the issues and events expected to be important under a Keir Starmer government?
Further cost of living crisis
169
Front: What is one example given that might show Keir Starmer's ability to strongly influence policy?
winter fuel allowance despite discontent
170
Front: What is one example where Keir Starmer might struggle to control events or policy?
world events undermiing policy
171
create dep
May dep for exiting Eu May cqainet structure
172
The English Constitution (1867) say what about cabinet
Walter Bagehot described a system of cabinet government in which the prime minister was ‘first among equals’ (or primus inter pares) but decision making was a collective endeavour
173
reliance on SpAd
Under MAY - Nick Timothy and Fiona Hill who gained a reputation as fierce gate keepers with a direct influence on the PM.
- reinforce presidential style
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reasons for choosing Minissters
- experience - David Cameron made foreign secretary under Rishi Sunak
- loyalty - Among Johnson’s team, Gove stands alone of the original 2010 team.
- political rivalry - Apart from Sunak himself, the other leadership contenders have been given Cabinet positions.(May)
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