The Cabinet and Prime Minister Flashcards
(24 cards)
What is an example of a resignation due to individual responsibility?
Matt Hancock resigning over CCTV footage of him breaking lockdown rules
This illustrates the principle of individual accountability in governance.
What is an example of when there perhaps should have been a resignation due to individual responsibility?
Boris Johnson failed to resign over Pinchergate
This indicates a potential failure in accountability.
What is an example of a resignation due to collective responsibility?
In 2016, Iain Duncan Smith resigned as Work and Pensions Secretary over cuts to disability benefits
This reflects collective responsibility in cabinet decision-making.
What is an example of when there perhaps should have been a resignation due to collective responsibility?
Nick Clegg was critical of David Cameron’s policy at the EU summit in December 2011
This shows discord within the cabinet that might warrant resignation.
Define presidential government.
An executive dominated by one individual, typically a President or a strong Prime Minister.
Define cabinet government.
A system of government where the cabinet is the central policy-making body.
What power does the PM have regarding ministers?
The PM has the power to appoint, reshuffle, and dismiss ministers.
What was a recent limit on the PM’s power to appoint ministers?
The 2010 coalition agreement required that 5 of the 22 Cabinet posts go to Liberal Democrats.
List factors governing the PM’s selection of ministers.
- Importance of ability and experience
- Establishing authority
- Rewarding loyalty and including key allies
- Maintaining balance between factions
- Meeting expectations of diversity
What is the formal responsibility of the Cabinet?
The Cabinet is formally responsible for policy-making.
What has been a recent trend regarding decision-making in government?
Decisions are often taken elsewhere, with the PM dominating the executive.
What factor relates to the management skills of the PM?
The PM’s management skills can affect cabinet dynamics and decision-making.
What role do cabinet committees and informal groups play?
They are used to take decisions outside of the formal cabinet structure.
What is the impact of the wider political and economic situation on the PM?
The PM’s popularity and majority size affect their ability to dominate the cabinet.
What resources does the PM have access to compared to other ministers?
The PM has access to more resources, including staff from 10 Downing Street.
Who created the No.10 Policy Unit and when?
Harold Wilson created the No.10 Policy Unit in 1974.
What was the relationship between the PM’s Office and the Cabinet Office under Blair?
There was close cooperation to support coordination and implementation of policy.
What did Cameron do regarding the PM’s Office and cabinet autonomy?
Cameron started with a ‘hands off’ approach but later strengthened No.10 with a Policy and Implementation Unit.
What role does the Press Office play?
It handles the government’s presentation in the media and works closely with the PM.
Evaluate the view that power lies with the Cabinet rather than the Prime Minister.
Agree: The Cabinet approves government decisions; Disagree: The PM picks the Cabinet.
True or False: The PM has the ability to set the agenda in cabinet meetings.
True
What is a notable public perception regarding the PM?
The public is more likely to see the PM as the leader than to recognize the government.
What might distract ministers from cabinet unity?
Most ministers are too focused on their own department.
What does media focus on regarding government leadership?
The media focuses on the PM, who projects themselves as a national leader.
