Executive (Central government) Flashcards
Who is the head of the UK central government?
The Prime Minister, appointed by the Monarch, is the head of the government. (through exercise of the royal prerogative)
How has recent legislation impacted the powers of the Monarch and the Prime Minister?
The Dissolution and Calling of Parliament Act 2022 impacted the powers, notably repealed the Fixed-term Parliaments Act 2011 and restoring the Monarch’s prerogative to dissolve and summon Parliament.
What legal limits are set on the number of ministers within the government?
(Which acts)
The Ministerial and Other Salaries Act 1975 and the House of Commons Disqualification Act 1975 set legal limits on the number of ministers.
On what principles does the Civil Service support the government?
The Civil Service supports the government based on principles of integrity, honesty, objectivity, and impartiality
Which Act details the status and operations of the Civil Service?
The Constitutional Reform and Governance Act 2010 details the status and operations of the Civil Service.
What are the roles of Ministers and the Cabinet in the government?
Ministers and the Cabinet are central to government operations, involved in decision-making and policy implementation.
What other entities play crucial roles in the UK’s executive structure?
Other public agencies, devolved governments, and local government bodies also play crucial roles in the executive structure.
What is the role of Special Advisers in the UK government?
(Where is their role outlined?)
Special Advisers offer political advice to ministers, with their role and conduct outlined in the Code of Conduct for Special Advisers and the Constitutional Reform and Governance Act 2010.
What are Other Public Agencies in the context of the UK government?
Other Public Agencies include non-ministerial departments, non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs or Quangos), and executive agencies, each playing specific roles within the government structure.
How is the UK’s executive structure described?
The UK’s executive is multi-layered, with significant functions also devolved to Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, in addition to responsibilities allocated to local government bodies.
What mechanisms ensure the accountability of the executive?
The accountability of the executive is ensured through political and legal mechanisms that oversee the actions and decisions of the government.
How do Special Advisers influence the balance of power within the government?
Special Advisers influence the balance of power through their advisory roles to ministers, posing challenges related to ministerial responsibility and their own influence.
What impact has devolution and local governance had on the UK’s central government?
Devolution and local governance have impacted the structure and functions of the central government, introducing complexities in governance and
distribution of powers.(i.e., Wednsbury test vs tests of proportionality, irrationality or illegality).
-Clashes with the conventions i.e., Sewell convention
What are the challenges related to the balance between ministerial responsibility and the influence of special advisers?
Challenges include ensuring effective governance while managing the influence of special advisers on policy decisions and ministerial actions.
