powers of the prime minister Flashcards
power of appointment
this means he can fire and fire Cabinet ministers from their positions. this makes him powerful because he can use this power to reward loyalty amongst his MP’s and this can be influential in encouraging others to agree with him to get promoted.
he leads the Cabinet
the Cabinet are the main body of the government who control policy decisions. this makes him powerful because it means that he is the one who controls the agenda and the Cabinet can only discuss what he wants. if the members of the Cabinet disagree with him they must resign- this is known as collective responsibility. in 2018 Amber Rudd made the decision to resign as Home Secetary
head of the civil service
the civil service carry out research and provide the Prime Minister and government ministers with information to help make policy decisions. this makes him powerful because it gives the Prime Minister knowledge to help him push through legislation in parliament. other parties, who o not form the government do not have access to these civil servants and this puts them at a disadvantage.
