Prime Minister And Executive

Question 1

Structure of the Executive

Answer 1

PM
The Cabinet
Government Departments
Executive Agencies

Question 2

Executive definition

Answer 2

decision making branch of the government, centred on the prime minister and cabinet and its committees

Question 3

Cabinet

Answer 3

group of senior ministers, chaired by PM, which is the main collective - decision making body in the government
consists of 20 to 23 senior ministers.
administrative support and help in delivering policy is provided by the Cabinet Office, headed by Cabinet Secretary, most senior civil servant

Question 4

Minister

Answer 4

a member of either the HoC or the HoL who serves in government, usually exercising specific responsibilities in a department

Question 5

Government departments

Answer 5

Each on responsible for an area of policy
headed by a cabinet minister, supported by several junior ministers responsible for specific aspects of the work of the department

Question 6

Executive agencies

Answer 6

Semi - independent bodies that carry out some of the functions of government departments, eg, the DVLA is overseen by the Department for Transport

Question 7

Main roles of the executive

Answer 7

Proposing legislation - introduces proposals for new laws and amendments. Announces new programme at the start of each Parliamentary session in the King’s speech. Does not confine itself to the measures outlined in a manifesto. Power to introduce legislation to contend with emergencies, and to amend existing statutes to bring UK in line with international law (doctor’s mandate).

Proposing the budget - created by Chancellor of the Exchequer in consultation with the PM. Annual statement on the government’s plans for taxation and spending

Policy decisions - how to give effect to its aims for the future