Prime Minister and the Executive: Key terminology

Executive

The collective group of Prime Minister, Cabinet and junior ministers, sometimes known as ‘The Government’.

Cabinet

The Prime Minister and senior ministers, most of whom lead a particular government department.

Minister

An MP or member of the House of Lords appointed to a position in the government, usually exercising specific responsibilities in a department.

Government department

A part of the executive, usually with specific responsibility over an area such as education, health or defence.

Royal prerogative

A set of powers and privileges belonging to the monarch but normally exercised by the Prime Minister or Cabinet, such as the granting of honours or of legal pardons.

Secondary legislation

Powers given to the Executive by Parliament to make changes to the law within certain specific rules.

Individual responsibility

The principle by which ministers are responsible for their personal conduct and for their departments.

Collective responsibility

Principle by which ministers must support Cabinet decisions or leave the Executive.

Presidential government

An executive dominated by one individual, this may be a President but is also used to describe a strong, dominant Prime Minister.