structure and role of the executive - paper 2 Flashcards
(37 cards)
Who is the head of the Executive in the UK?
Prime Minister
What is the primary role of the Prime Minister?
Chairs the cabinet and manages the agenda
How many senior ministers are typically in the Cabinet?
20-23 senior ministers
What is the role of the Cabinet Office?
Provides administrative support headed by the Cabinet Secretary
Who is the most senior civil servant in the UK?
Cabinet Secretary
What is the responsibility of Government Departments?
Each is responsible for an area of policy (transport, defence, energy, etc)
What is the relationship between cabinet members and Government Departments?
Each Government Department is headed by a cabinet member and supported by junior ministers
What are Executive Agencies?
Semi-independent bodies that carry out some functions of government departments
Give an example of an Executive Agency.
DVLA
Which department oversees the DVLA?
DfT (Department for Transport)
roles of the executive
Proposing Legislation:
- Executive proposes new laws or amendments
Proposing the Budget:
- created by the Chancellor of the Exchequer and Prime Minister
- annual statement of the government’s plans for tax changes and public spending.
Making Policy Decisions:
- has to decide how to make its future aims effective for the country
Powers of the Executive
Royal Prerogative:
- historic powers of the monarch now exercised by the prime minister and ministers without parliamentary approval
- eg foreign affairs, military action and granting passports
Initiating Legislation:
- The Executive controls the agenda and timing of legislation and can push their bills through Parliament with a large majority.
Secondary Legislation:
- a law that is made without passing an Act of Parliament
What is the official term for the rules governing ministers?
Ministerial code
How can ministers be held accountable for their department’s actions?
- Question Time
- Select committee scrutiny
What is a point of principle in relation to ministerial responsibility?
A minister should resign if they cannot agree with something on principle.
What must discussions in Cabinet be?
Confidential
This confidentiality is crucial for maintaining unity and open dialogue.
How should the Cabinet appear in public despite private disagreements?
United
This appearance helps convey strength and unity to the public.
What are non-abiding members expected to do?
Resign or be sacked
What significant action did PM David Cameron take during the 2016 EU referendum campaign?
Suspended collective responsibility
What does it mean when collective responsibility is suspended?
Ministers can vote with their conscience rather than with a party line
Should collective responsibility be abolished?
YES:
- encourages open debate
- greater accountability
- transparency
NO:
- weakens government unity
- reduces government efficiency
- gives opposition an advantage
What are the basic requirements to become Prime Minister?
- An MP
- Over 18
- A commonwealth citizen
- A party leader
Can a Prime Minister take office without an election?
Yes, they can take office by becoming leader of the majority party or without an overall majority
List the roles of the Prime Minister.
- Leader of the party in parliament and country
- Appoint government ministers to a cabinet
- Direct and influence government policy
