how might collective responsibility weaken the cabinet

Question 1

how do MPs balance their representative responsibilities

Answer 1

• Party
• Parliament
• Constituency

Question 2

what are the three models of representation

Answer 2

• Burkean/ Trustee model - MP judgement
• Delegate model - Constituents judgement
• Party Mandate model - party policy/ loyalty

Question 3

why is balancing representation more complicated for a cabinet minister

Answer 3

• more responsibility = less time
• more time in London away from constituency
• collective responsibility must follow government policy

Question 4

why are reshuffles a good opportunity for PMs to assert power over their cabinet

Answer 4

• shows power - reduces chance of a rebellion
• reshuffles are good to get rid of people who don’t fit
• promoting people who are loyal to him

Question 5

how was Johnson’s authority as PM challenged, and why this scenario unfolded

Answer 5

• Johnson was forcing Javid to get rid of all of his advisors
• Javid said no and couldn’t accept it
• Javid resigned due to it

Question 6

how can resignations be powerful

Answer 6

• can cause a chain reaction of resignations
• can signal government instability
• weakens PMs authority

Question 7

what is individual responsibility

Answer 7

ministers and MPs are responsible for own actions

Question 8

what is ministerial responsibility

Answer 8

responsible for role and being open with parliament

Question 9

what is collective responsibility

Answer 9

all members of cabinet, and PM must be must agree on policy (publicly) or resign

Question 10

how much influence do ministers have over their own departments

Answer 10

ministers run departments but are limited by PM and collective Cabinet

Question 11

how involved is the PM in policy development

Answer 11

PM often involved before Cabinet; many key decisions made earlier

Question 12

what is the role of civil servants and policy advisors

Answer 12

advise ministers and shape policy; influence decisions within departments

Question 13

how does Cabinet function in decision-making

Answer 13

approves pre-agreed decisions; real debate happens beforehand

Question 14

how do backbenchers and media affect ministers

Answer 14

leaks and MP pressure can weaken or remove ministers

Question 15

can ministers resist the PM

Answer 15

strong minister can defy PM, especially with support or capital