UK Government Policy-Making: Roles, Processes, and COVID-19 Impact

What is the primary role of the executive in government?

To make policy and run the country.

What do political parties publish during elections?

Manifestos.

Who does most of the actual policy work in government?

Departments.

What is the role of civil servants in policymaking?

To prepare options and assess risks.

What is the function of special advisers in the policy process?

To provide political spin.

What documents do ministers publish to float policy ideas?

Green and white papers.

What is the primary function of Cabinet committees?

To approve policies and resolve departmental clashes.

How does the Prime Minister influence policy?

Through broad goals, a private policy unit, and meetings with ministers.

What disadvantage does the Prime Minister face in detailed policy matters?

Department ministers have deeper expertise.

What major policy areas do devolved governments handle?

Health in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

What did COVID-19 reveal about policymaking?

It showed how messy and interconnected policymaking can become under pressure.

What is the role of SAGE during the COVID-19 pandemic?

To advise ministers.

What does COBRA do in emergencies?

Coordinates emergency responses.

What was the role of the Health Secretary in early COVID policy?

Led the initial policy decisions.

What is required for Parliament to authorize decisions?

Most decisions need parliamentary approval, especially taxation and spending.

What is secondary legislation used for?

To fill in technical details and allow updates without new acts.

What are prerogative powers?

Powers that allow actions like air strikes without parliamentary approval.

What is the implementation phase of policy?

The slow process of delivering policy outcomes through agencies.

What was an example of a policy implementation failure during COVID?

The 2020 exam fiasco.

What is the core job of the executive?

To make and implement policy.

How does the executive achieve its aims?

Through control of the Commons timetable, secondary legislation powers, and royal prerogative powers.