the cabinet system Flashcards
core executive
the netowrk of key inistitutions, people and practises at the heart of governement, they are charged with the day to day running of the country.
the role of the executive
the executive is the branch of governement empowered to make polcies and administer laws.
cabinet
the term cebinet referes to the most sinor ministers chosen by the PM they are collectively empowered to make all decisions on belf of the governement
traidtionall cabinet is they key formal decision mkaing body of the executive however today there is the arguement that PMs tent toweards PM dominace.
arguments for a smaller cabinet
eg ww1/2
4/6 ministers appointed on a funcational basis and departmental minister will only attend when necessary
this way cabinet is freed from departmental responsibilities
can see policy over all
meet frequently
easier for pm
-joined up policy
arguments against a small cabinet
not always possible to seperate policy from administaration - lack revelant experince in that area
- blur responsibility
- hard for young talent to come through
- hard to representa all party opinion
roles of cabinet
-decie upon major policy at home and abroad
-deal with unforseen major problems
-coordiniate different departments policy
-plan for the long term
their role has deminished
the cabinet secretariat
30-40 senior civil servants prepare the agenda
assisted by cabinet office (More civil servants)
-support PM has leader
-support cabinet
-lead and support the refrom and devilvery programme
-coordiniate security and intelligence
cabinet secretary
top civil servant
daily contact with PM and cabinet
inner cabinet
infromal gathering of leading departmental ministers
small body of likeminde minister for decision maiking
kitchen cabinet
trusted advisors
cabinet committees
later presented to cabinet as a whole
- standing committee permanent and reponsible for a specific area
- ad hoc concenr a termpoary interest sudden crsisis
the doctrine of collective responsibility
all collectivelye repsonisble to the HofC stay united even if not directly involved must either stay silent or leave -keeps everything cocherent -public confidence -aviods confussion lacking: --leaking their views -thinly veiled speaches -sometimes they are allowed to differ
main roles of cabinet
main role of cabinet is to facilitate cohersion and coordination of governement policies and establish boundaries
- cabinet committees then report back to cabinet as a whole
- TB key deicsions made prior to the meeting
Bulter’s view on cabinet
manginalised when necessary just a means of confimation and unification
roles of the PM
leader of biggest party
-leader of party country and parliament cannot loose touch needs to be in control and look good
-in control of cabinet should allow and support him to get their mandate through
-leader at home and abroad
-patronages eg declaring war
-sets the date of the general election
royal perorgative Gordon Borwn gave them away eg go to war
