RELATIONS BETWEEN BRANCHES

Question 1

P1. Evaluate the view that the Prime Minister has become presidential in all but name.

Answer 1

P1: Presidential media style and personalised leadership

Focus on PM over party (e.g. Blair, Johnson, Cameron in his 2010 - 15 era)

Direct public appeal (e.g. Covid briefings) -

Question 2

CP1. Evaluate the view that the Prime Minister has become presidential in all but name.

Answer 2

CP1: Media style ≠ constitutional power

• May (initially seen as ‘strong and stable leader) lack majority - 3 majory defeats in parli (biggest lost 230)

Question 3

P2. Evaluate the view that the Prime Minister has become presidential in all but name.

Answer 3

P2: Lack of formal presidential features

No separate mandate; PM not head of state or judiciary - dejurea isn’t split from the party, only figurehead.

Can be removed by Parliament or party (e.g. Johnson 2022, May via votes of no confidence = her resignation)

Question 4

CP2. Evaluate the view that the Prime Minister has become presidential in all but name.

Answer 4

CP2: De facto powers can still rival presidents in impact - Blair: Centralised decision-making - sofa govy (having casual 1on1 chats w ppl as opposed to addressing everyone as a whole)

Iraq - showing autonomy.

Question 5

P1- GENERAL CABINET QUESTION.

Answer 5

P1: PM dominates agenda and decision-making

Centralisation in No.10; key decisions made outside Cabinet

Cabinet meetings often rubber-stamping exercises

Counter: PM still needs Cabinet support to govern effectively (e.g. Johnson’s resignation/Truss collapse)

Answer 6

P2: Moments of crisis restore Cabinet importance

Covid, wars, financial crises → group decision-making more vital

Allows burden-sharing and legitimacy

Counter: Even in crises, inner circles dominate (e.g. Johnson’s Covid “quad”)