The PM And Executive

Question 1

What are the components of the Core Executive in British politics?

Answer 1

PM, cabinet, senior civil servants, cabinet committees, and the Cabinet Office

Each component has its own resources and levels of power.

Question 2

What role does the Core Executive play in policy making?

Answer 2

Sets political priorities and decides on policy

Civil service plays a politically neutral role.

Question 3

What is the significance of the Prime Minister’s majority in the House of Commons?

Answer 3

Enables quick and efficient implementation of emergency measures

A large majority allows the PM to easily send legislation to Parliament.

Question 4

Fill in the blank: The Core Executive has the power to deny royal prerogative regarding the _______.

Answer 4

Appointment (and dismissal) of ministers

Question 5

What is the role of civil servants in the Core Executive?

Answer 5

To remain politically neutral and provide senior figures in government

Civil servants are essential for continuity and expertise.

Question 6

True or False: The Cabinet Committees are part of the Core Executive.

Answer 6

True

Question 7

What is necessary for effective policy making within the Core Executive?

Answer 7

Strong cooperation between departments

Collaboration is critical for addressing complex issues.

Question 8

What is the significance of the prerogative powers of the executive?

Answer 8

They are significant

Prerogative powers allow the executive to act without the direct approval of Parliament in certain situations.

Question 9

What must all decisions made by the executive be covered by?

Answer 9

Legislation

This ensures that executive actions are legally supported.

Question 10

How are recent military actions overseas treated in Parliament?

Answer 10

They must be put before a vote in the Commons

This reflects the importance of parliamentary approval for military actions.

Question 11

What constrains the Prime Minister’s choice of ministers?

Answer 11

They must appoint a cabinet of individuals with a democratic mandate

This ensures that appointed ministers have some level of public support.

Question 12

What opportunity is provided to display the armed forces?

Answer 12

During times of national choice

This can enhance national pride and support for the military.

Question 13

What is a concern regarding the Prime Minister’s powers?

Answer 13

Is the Prime Minister morphing into a President?

This raises questions about the concentration of power in the hands of the Prime Minister.

Question 14

True or False: The role of the Prime Minister has become more presidential in recent years.

Answer 14

False

The text argues that there has been little change in the power of the PM, maintaining the same system.

Question 15

What type of meetings do government officials prefer?

Answer 15

Smaller meetings instead of full cabinet meetings.

This preference indicates a shift in how political discussions are conducted.

Question 16

What is stated about the influence of special advisors on political decisions?

Answer 16

They have significant influence but are not presidential in nature.

Special advisors play a key role in shaping policy but do not hold official presidential power.

Question 17

Fill in the blank: All political leaders end in _______.

Answer 17

[failure]

Question 18

What does the phrase ‘Judgement: The role of the PM has not become more presidential’ suggest?

Answer 18

That the structure and power dynamics remain unchanged.

The text suggests that despite perceptions, the PM’s authority and the system itself have not evolved.

Question 19

What problem is associated with the centralization of power in the hands of the PM?

Answer 19

It leads to a concentration of authority among a small number of advisors.

This centralization can affect the decision-making process and the overall political landscape.

Question 20

What was the purpose of the Poll Tax introduced in 1990?

Answer 20

To fund local councils, payable by homeowners

The amount paid was not based on income, spreading the burden of funding local services.

Question 21

What type of tax was the Poll Tax?

Answer 21

A flat tax paid by almost all adults

This tax was easily passed through Parliament.

Question 22

Who was primarily responsible for the introduction of the Poll Tax?

Answer 22

Margaret Thatcher

It was considered one of her biggest political misjudgments.

Question 23

What was a significant consequence of the Poll Tax in Scotland?

Answer 23

It became very unpopular

High rates of evasion were reported.

Question 24

Who challenged Thatcher’s leadership following the Poll Tax?

Answer 24

Michael Heseltine

He was a former cabinet member.

Question 25

What was the outcome of the Poll Tax after Thatcher's resignation?

Answer 25

It was replaced by the council tax under John Major ## Footnote Thatcher was blamed for the failure of the Poll Tax.

Question 26

What event in 2003 is associated with public trust issues in Britain?

Answer 26

The Iraq War ## Footnote Blair faced criticism for aligning with the USA and the consequences of the war.

Question 27

What was a significant factor that weakened Tony Blair's ability to dictate policy?

Answer 27

The consequences of the Iraq War ## Footnote Blair's decisions during the war led to a loss of public trust.

Question 28

What was the Fixed-term Parliaments Act (FTPA) of 2011?

Answer 28

It required a two-thirds majority to call general elections ## Footnote The next election was not due until 2020.

Question 29

What was the impact of the 2017 early election call on Theresa May?

Answer 29

It made her look weak ## Footnote The Conservative Manifesto was dropped, and they lost seats to Labour.

Question 30

How did Theresa May's reliance on advisors affect her leadership?

Answer 30

She relied too much on a smaller group of inner advisors ## Footnote This hindered her decision-making process.

Question 31

What is the consequence for Dominic Raab after accusations of bullying?

Answer 31

He has to resign as Deputy PM ## Footnote Accusations of bullying have serious implications for political figures, leading to resignations in government roles.

Question 32

Who was involved in bullying accusations in 2022?

Answer 32

Gavin Williamson ## Footnote This incident reflects ongoing issues of conduct within government officials.

Question 33

What was the reason for Louse Haigh's involvement?

Answer 33

Fraud ## Footnote Allegations of fraud can significantly impact public trust in elected officials.

Question 34

Who resigned from Liz Truss's government due to misconduct?

Answer 34

Suella Braverman ## Footnote Resignations due to misconduct highlight the accountability of ministers in government.

Question 35

What does Individual Responsibility entail for ministers?

Answer 35

Ministers are responsible for their actions while in office and are expected to resign if they fail ## Footnote This principle underpins the accountability of government officials.

Question 36

Define Ministerial Accountability.

Answer 36

Ministers must explain and justify their actions and decisions to Parliament and committees ## Footnote This convention ensures transparency and oversight in government.

Question 37

What is Collective Responsibility in cabinet government?

Answer 37

The government speaks with one voice and presents a united front to Parliament ## Footnote This principle is crucial for maintaining stability and coherence in government policy.

Question 38

What does it mean when it is said that the government set aside during the EU referendum?

Answer 38

All ministers deferred government policy during the 2016 campaign ## Footnote This illustrates how significant national events can impact the operational dynamics of government.

Question 39

What happens if cabinet members do not agree in cabinet meetings?

Answer 39

It may appear chaotic without collective agreement ## Footnote Cohesion is vital for effective cabinet governance.

Question 40

True or False: Ministerial accountability is unbreakable.

Answer 40

False ## Footnote While it is a strong convention, it is not without exceptions or challenges.

Question 41

What does it indicate if a minister is undermined?

Answer 41

It suggests unfavorable questions or scrutiny directed at them ## Footnote Such situations can lead to a loss of confidence in a minister's ability to lead.

Question 42

What is the first principle of public life?

Answer 42

Selflessness ## Footnote Holders of public office should act solely in terms of the public interest.

Question 43

What does the principle of Integrity require from holders of public office?

Answer 43

Avoid placing themselves under obligation to inappropriate influences ## Footnote They should not act to gain benefits for themselves, family, or friends and must declare any interests.

Question 44

Define the principle of Objectivity in public life.

Answer 44

Act and take decisions impartially, fairly, and on merit ## Footnote This involves using the best evidence and avoiding discrimination or bias.

Question 45

Who are holders of public office accountable to?

Answer 45

The public ## Footnote They must submit themselves to scrutiny for their decisions and actions.

Question 46

What does the principle of Openness entail?

Answer 46

Acting and taking decisions in an open and transparent manner ## Footnote Information should only be withheld for clear and lawful reasons.

Question 47

What is the expectation of Honesty from holders of public office?

Answer 47

They should be truthful ## Footnote This principle emphasizes the importance of truthfulness in public service.

Question 48

What does Leadership involve for holders of public office?

Answer 48

Exhibiting principles in behavior and treating others with respect ## Footnote They should promote and support these principles and challenge poor behavior.