Power of PM and Executive Flashcards
(24 cards)
What is the structure of the executive branch?
Headed by Prime Minister, includes cabinet and junior ministers.
What are key areas of power the executive holds?
- deliver on manifesto promises
- organises and enforces budget
- can pass secondary legislation
What is a royal prerogative?
Prerogative powers are powers which have belonged to the monarch since the Middle Ages, but in modern times are exercised largely by government ministers.
What is the royal prerogative of the power of patronage?
Can appoint ministers, judhes. ambassadors, and other senior government officials. Formally done by monarch, but enitrely guided by PM’s decisions.
What is the royal prerogative of foreign policy and diplomacy?
Has the authority to negotiate and sign international treaties on behalf of the UK.
What is the royal prerogative of proroguing and dissolving parliament?
Allows the PM to end a Parliamentary session, traditionally used to prepare for a new session of Parliament, but it can also be used in times of political crisis.
What is the royal prerogative of legal and administrative powers?
Has the ability to grant pardons, allowing the PM to offer clemency (mercy) for individuals convicted of crimes. Also have the power to issue or revoke passports, which is exercised by the Home Secretary.
What is the royal prerogative of powers relating to defence and security?
Have control over national security and defence. The PM has the authority to send British Troops to war and deploy military forces abroad without needing Parliamentary approval. Can make key military appointments, like the Chief of Defence Staff.
What is Individual Ministerial Responsibility?
(IMR)
The principle that cabinet members must take responsibility for the occurrences in their departments. They are responsible for the success and failures of their departments. Ministers are responsible to the PM individually for their conduct.
How does IMR hold ministers to account?
It is a constitutional convention requiring that ministers are accountable to the legislature, ensures government accountability and scrutiny, failure to uphold this responsibility can lead to resignation or even dismissal
What is Collective Ministerial Responsibility?
(CMR)
A constitutional convention where all ministers must publicly support government decisions and policies, even if they disagree privately. If a minister cannot abide by this, they are expected to resign.
What is the aim of CMR?
To ensure cabinet is collectively accountable to parliament. It is to unify parliament and their decision making.
Why is PM’S allies an important factor for a PM choosing their cabinet?
The PM may reward loyal allies with ministerial posts. Helps to ensure a united cabinet with no internal resistance.
Why is ability and expertise an important factor for a PM choosing their cabinet?
Many roles in the cabinet require specialist knowledge and proven competence. E.g: chancellors must be trsuted by financial markets.
Why is controlling opponents an important factor for a PM choosing their cabinet?
By putting oppenents in their cabinet, it binds them to Collective Ministerial Responsibility. Neutralises opposition and keeps political threats under PM’s watch.
Why is ideological balance an important factor for a PM choosing their cabinet?
It attempts to appeal to members in the party and also the electorate. Shows inclusiveness. Sometimes called “balancing the ticket”
Why is representation and diversity an important factor for a PM choosing their cabinet?
Modern PM’s increasingly know the importance of this. Signals progressiveness and inclusion in order to gain public support.
What are factors affecting the PM’s power?
- Foreign policy/military intervention
- PM has a personal mandate from the public
- Head of the cabinet
- Expansion of the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO)
What is Primus Inter Pares?
Used to describe the PM, who is formally equal to others (such as cabinet ministers) but has a leading or coordinating role.
What is a “sofa government”?
When the PM works more through Special Advisors (SPADS) than other ministers.
How does PM’s leadership style display how powerful the cabinet could be over the PM?
A dominant PM can set the political agenda, choose key ministers, etc. BUT, if they are not dominant then the cabinet have more freedom to express different views and make decisions.
How does cabinet unity display how powerful the cabinet could be over the PM?
A unified cabinet allows the PM to depend on their cabinet for support, BUT cabinet members have more freedom to influence decisions. Alignment of party’s manifesto and vision across MP’s abd cabinet, strengthens cabinet position.
How do ‘Big beasts’ display how powerful the cabinet could be over the PM?
Senior ministers with independent reputations can challenge OR influence the PM and shift cabinet dynamics. Their presence can either balance or disrupt a PM’s power.
How does the cabinet’s response to events/crises display how powerful the cabinet could be over the PM?
The way the cabinet responds to events and crises can support OR weaken a PM’s power. If cabinet is seen to work with PM, this can strengthen their view in the eyes of the party and public. Division within the cabinet can undermine PM’s power.
