Prime ministers- prerogative powers?

Question 1

What are prerogative powers?

Answer 1

exercised by ministers acting on behalf of the crown

Question 2

Examples of perogative powers

Answer 2

making and ratifying treaties
International diplomacy
deployment of armed forces
Pms ability to dissolve parliament
organisation of civil service
Granting a pardon
Convention of deploying the armed forces

Question 3

Significance of prerogative powers?

Answer 3

-Opportunity to deploy armed forces oversees is important to UK govt and aren’t formally required to seek such action
-Have unlimited choice on whos in gov
-In times of national crisis can be comforting to have pm speak out on broadest to reassure public
-Plays crucial part in negotiating treaties and agreement with other nations in areas like trade defence without normally being subject of parliamentary approval

Question 4

Less significant prerogative powers?

Answer 4

-all military action overseas is put through a vote in commons
-PM are constricted with choice of ministers, appoint ministers with diversity but also on a large political spectrum
-Executive and pm have to wait for parliament to pass relevant legislation such as anti terror laws, opposition will be quick to critique and monitor the executives response in emergencies
-Brexit shows how limited prerogative powers can be . PM influenced by parliament and media