Functions of Cabinet - PM pt2(Dr Furniss) paper 2

How is Cabinet Selected

PMs influence —> PM choses its cabinet minister and shapes governement direction

However there a some constraints —> it must include: senior ministers/ important figure, influential party members and politicians

Factors affecting cabinet selection:

Allies —> promote loyal supporters to key roles

Rivals —> sometimes included to maintain unity and control critics, as they cant then publicly scrutinise the PM

Why is a cabinet significant

• Key decision-making body → makes major government policies

• Supports the Prime Minister → provides advice and expertise

• Represents different departments → coordinates government actions

• Limits PM power → PM must consider senior ministers’ views

• Shows party unity/division → disagreements can weaken government

Why is PM more powerful

• Chooses and removes ministers → controls who is in the Cabinet

• Sets the agenda → decides what is discussed and prioritised

• Leads the government → main decision-maker and public figure

• Controls information → can limit what Cabinet members know

• Party leader → has authority over MPs and political direction

Functions of Cabinet

• Makes key government decisions → agrees major policies

• Coordinates departments → ensures ministers work together (unity and legitimacy)

• Advises the Prime Minister → provides expertise and opinions

• Discusses and resolves disagreements → settles disputes between ministers

• Approves legislation → decides what laws are proposed

Cabinet Case Studies

Iraq War (2003):

• Tony Blair made key decisions with limited full Cabinet discussion —> shows PM dominance over Cabinet

Brexit divisions (2016–19):

• Deep splits in Cabinet under Theresa May

• Multiple resignations (e.g. Boris Johnson as Foreign Secretary) —> shows Cabinet can weaken PM when divided

Coalition Cabinet (2010–15):

• David Cameron had to include Lib Dem ministers like Nick Clegg —> shows Cabinet can limit PM power through compromise

COVID-19 decisions (2020–21):

• Boris Johnson relied on small groups (e.g. “quad”) rather than full Cabinet —> Shows Cabinet sometimes bypassed

Thatcher Cabinet style:

• Margaret Thatcher often dominated Cabinet and removed opponents —> shows strong PM can control Cabinet