prime minister and the executive

mini RAT B

define ‘the executive’

• another term for the government

• sits within the legislature

• consists of the PM, and Cabinet

define ‘core executive’

• the most important elements of the government

• the cabinet/senior civil servants/key political advisers, based in the PM’s private office

• the PM freely confides in the core executive when developing policy

how does the executive govern the nation?

• introduces legislative proposals outlined in manifesto/monarch’s speech

• introduces ‘the doctor’s mandate’ - legislation developed in response to changing circumstances

• introduces a budget, outlining how it plans to raise revenue

• introduces secondary/delegated legislation

define ‘secondary/delegated legislation’

• the process by which primary legislation can be amended by government departments, without requiring another act of parliament

• statuatory instruments, AKA Henry VIII clauses are used to make these amendments

• criticised for being undemocratic; seek to bypass full parliamentary scrutiny and debate

define ‘royal prerogative’

• the executive power of the monarchy, which has been transferred to the prime minister, as the UK is a constitutional monarchy

• the prime minister wields royal prerogative powers on behalf of the monarch, without requiring consent from the legislature

• powers include patronage/the command of the armed forces/negotiating foreign treaties

what is a cabinet minister?

• a senior member of government

• most head a department of state, thus have major administrative and policy-making function

• attend cabinet meetings

• bound by collective ministerial responsibility

what is the role of government departments?

• manage their designated area of government, implementing policy

• develop relevant policies

which 4 principles define the civil service?

• neutrality - provide impartial advice

• anonymity - not held accountable for actions of department

• confidentiality - official government communications must not be disclosed publicly

• permanence - role is permanent, unlike a special advisor

define ‘individual ministerial responsibility’

• the principle that members of the cabinet take ultimate responsibility for what occurs within their department, including both administrative and policy failures

• they are also individually responsible to the prime minister for their personal conduct

define ‘collective ministerial responsibility’

• all members of the government are expected to support it publicly

• if a minister cannot do this, they should resign

• ministers must not disclose the contents of private ministerial discussions

• if the government is defeated in a vote of no confidence, the convention also states that all members of the government must resign