Intro to the PM and Executive

Another word synonymous with executive

Government

The Prime Minister - definition

Head of the executive who chairs the cabinet

Cabinet - definition

The ultimate decision making body of the government and comprised of the PM and senior ministers which lead gov departments.

Ministers - definition

These are MPs that are appointed by the PM to lead particular policy areas/ portfolios

Government departments - definition

Part of the ‘core executive’, but not part of the political executive. It is staffed by civil servants and not politically allied to any party and thus remain in post when there’s a change in government.

Functions of the executive

1. Making policy decisions

2. Proposing legislation

3. Proposing a budget

Making policy decisions - explained

This involves decisions about the direction of the country and takes on a range of issues.

Recent example of a policy decision that Starmer made (Feb 2025 - Ukraine War)

He decided to raise defence budget to 2.5% of GDP and 3% by 2030. This wasn’t in their manifesto, but a instead a response to changing global dynamics

Proposing legislation - explained

The executive forwards a comprehensive legislative programme which is read out in the King’s Speech and then subsequently introduced to the House of Commons in the form of a government bill.

Proposing a budget - explained

The Chancellor of the Exchequer sets out a budget to the House of Commons outlining key economic priorities and policies. This budget involves a combination of taxation and public expenditure commitments.

These announcements come after intense discussions and debate in the cabinet.

What does it mean that the Prime Minister is primus inter pares?

They are the first among equals

How does the PM exercise control?

Through a number of formal and informal (charismatic authority).

Royal prerogative - definition

Formal powers that the PM holds.

Called royal as before democratic and parliamentary reform they were once exercised by the monarch.

What powers does the monarch still hold?

They still exercise the power to appoint the PM and gives royal assent to a successful bill that turns it into an Act of Parliament.

But these are ceremonial roles - refusal to comply would result in major constitutional crises.

Main prerogative powers of the PM

1. To determine the composition of cabinet and membership of gov. Can appoint/dismiss individuals from cabinet posts.

2. To recommend the dissolution of parliament

3. To grant pardons

4. To ratify international treaties

5. Deployment of armed forces

What are the 3 models for determining who was power in the core executive?

1. Cabinet Government

2. Prime Ministerial government

3. Presidential government

Cabinet gov - explained

Emphasises how power is collective, not solely with PM.

All ministers are equal and PM is responsive to the collective will of cabinet.

Collective ministerial responsibility - dissent in private, but unity shown in public.

Prime Ministerial government - explained

PMs increasingly dominate the executive and parliament. While policies are discussed wholly, PM makes major decisions and is the decisive voice in any discussion.

Presidential government - explained

PMs are increasingly imitating a presidential style of leadership whereby the focus is on the strength, vision and character of the individual Pm rather than the broader ideological vision and the cabinet.