Prime Minister and the Executive - UK

What is the proper name for the Poll Tax introduced by Thatcher?

The Community Charge.

When did the Community Charge replace domestic rates in England?

April 1990.

What was a significant result of the implementation of the Poll Tax?

It led to mass protests and riots, notably in Trafalgar Square.

What was the rationale behind the invasion of Iraq in 2003 according to Blair?

Iraq's failure to disarm and its perceived threat from weapons of mass destruction.

Why did Theresa May call for an early general election in May 2017?

To secure certainty for Brexit and counter opposition parties jeopardizing her government's preparations.

What was a common criticism against the Poll Tax system?

It was seen as unfair and burdensome for those less well-off.

What event is described as leading to the most serious Poll Tax riots?

The demonstration on 31 March 1990.

What was the primary claim made by the government regarding the invasion of Iraq?

To disarm Iraq of weapons of mass destruction and to free the Iraqi people.

How did Theresa May justify her snap election decision?

She claimed it was necessary for strong leadership and to guarantee future certainty.

What are two political pressures that can lead to executive decisions like the Poll Tax?

Political conviction and foreign pressure.

What is the key difference between the powers of a Prime Minister and a President?

A President is usually the Head of State and Head of Government, while a Prime Minister is often just the Head of Government, with the monarch or ceremonial figure serving as the Head of State.

What does 'presidentialisation' refer to in the context of UK Prime Ministers?

Presidentialisation refers to UK Prime Ministers adopting more characteristics of the US President, resulting in a more personalised form of leadership.

What traditional role did a Prime Minister have in relation to the cabinet?

Traditionally, the Prime Minister was the leader of the cabinet, which meant all members had equal powers, but the PM informed the monarch of new bills.

How has the Prime Minister's role changed over time?

The Prime Minister now holds broad, exclusive executive powers, diminishing the influence of cabinet members.

What are some characteristics of personalized leadership in the context of a Prime Minister?

Personalized leadership includes public outreach and spatial leadership, which refers to the ways in which Prime Ministers connect with the public and manage their cabinet.

What constitutes a cabinet government?

A cabinet government is one where decisions are made collectively by the cabinet, and each member holds equal power.

What is meant by 'prime ministerial government'?

Prime ministerial government is characterized by a government that is largely controlled by the Prime Minister, with the cabinet playing a minor or symbolic role.

What evidence suggests that the UK PM has become more presidential?

Evidence includes personalized leadership styles, increased public outreach, and significant influence over government operations.

Define a 'pre-eminent Prime Minister'.

A pre-eminent Prime Minister possesses four institutional power resources, including being the legal head of government and leading the agenda.

What are the characteristics of a 'predominant Prime Minister'?

A predominant Prime Minister combines institutional power with personal power resources such as leadership ability, electoral popularity, and party standing.

What is Collective Ministerial Responsibility?

It is the convention that ministers must support cabinet decisions, portraying a united front, or resign from government.

What are the three main elements of Collective Ministerial Responsibility?

Secrecy, Binding Decisions, and Confidence Vote.

What is Individual Ministerial Responsibility?

The principle that members of the cabinet take ultimate responsibility for occurrences within their department, including administrative and policy failures.

What are the three parts of Individual Ministerial Responsibility?

Administrative failure/professional misconduct, Policy failure/professional disagreement, Personal misconduct.

What is an example of a minister resigning due to personal misconduct?

John Profumo resigned in 1961 due to a scandal.

Why is the concept of ministerial leaks damaging to Collective Ministerial Responsibility?

Leaks undermine the principle as they can reveal disagreements and erode trust within the cabinet and public perception.

What notable case illustrates the exception of Collective Ministerial Responsibility during referendums?

The 2016 Brexit referendum allowed ministers a free choice on whether to support leaving the EU or remaining.

What are the implications of a minister resigning over a policy failure?

It can impact the Prime Minister's authority and public perception of government effectiveness.

Provide an example of a ministerial resignation due to policy failure.

Estelle Morris resigned in 2002 over A-Level grade fixing.

Why might some ministers not resign when involved in controversy or scandals?

Factors such as party loyalty, political pressure, or a belief they can maintain public support may influence their decision to remain in office.

What are the requirements to be Prime Minister in the UK?

Must be a member of Parliament, leader of their party, and usually have a majority in the House of Commons.

What are prerogative powers?

Powers once held by the monarch now in the hands of the government, including international diplomacy, deploying armed forces, and making treaties.

What are the key roles of the core executive?

Making policy, passing legislation, financing, and acting as the national first responder in emergencies.

How does the Prime Minister manage relations with Parliament?

By controlling the legislative agenda and needing Parliament's approval for ministerial decisions.

What is the significance of the Prime Minister's prerogative powers?

They allow the PM to deploy armed forces without parliamentary approval and to appoint cabinet members, although conventions may require parliamentary approval for military action.

In what ways can the Prime Minister's powers be limited?

By the need for parliamentary support to pass legislation and the presence of opposition during emergencies.

What factors can influence the personal powers of a Prime Minister?

Opinion polls, election outcomes, the personalities within the cabinet, and the strength of the opposition.

What is the role of the Prime Minister's Office?

To provide policy advice and manage communications, staffed by civil servants and special advisors.

How did Tony Blair and David Cameron change the role of the Prime Minister's Office?

Blair increased the role in policy implementation, while Cameron furthered its role by establishing a policy implementation unit.

What are the key functions outlined in the Cabinet manual regarding the Prime Minister?

The PM is described as 'the head of government,' with specific roles not set out in statute law.

What is patronage in the context of the Prime Minister's powers?

Patronage is the power of an individual to appoint someone to an important position.

What resources are available to the prime minister besides patronage?

The resources include authority within the cabinet system, policy-making input, party leadership, and public standing.

What significant power does the prime minister hold regarding life peers?

The prime minister can appoint life peers to the House of Lords, which can alter the party balance within the Lords.

What allegations led to changes in the honours system in relation to the prime minister?

Allegations of 'cash for honours' in 2007 that donors were rewarded with peerages led to changes.

What is a cabinet reshuffle?

A cabinet reshuffle is a series of changes to the personnel of the cabinet and the positions they occupy, instigated by the prime minister.

What are some factors that may constrain a prime minister's ability to appoint ministers?

Informal constraints include the likelihood of overlooking senior party figures, rivals for their job, and the need to adhere to party rules.

What role does public standing play in the power of the prime minister?

A prime minister's public standing provides political leadership and can enhance their authority if they are viewed as strong and effective.

How can a prime minister influence the agenda of cabinet meetings?

By controlling the information presented to ministers and determining which issues should be brought before the cabinet.

What impact did the 2003 invasion of Iraq have on Tony Blair's position?

It undermined his position when doubts were raised about the government's case for war.

Why might a prime minister's power to dismiss cabinet ministers backfire?

A botched reshuffle may raise questions about the prime minister's judgement, reveal cabinet divisions, and highlight policy failures.

Give three roles of the Prime Minister

1. Head of government, 2. Leader of the ruling party, 3. Represents the UK internationally.

Which Prime Minister created the most life peers?

Tony Blair - 357

Why is the power to appoint the cabinet important to the Prime Minister?

It allows the Prime Minister to shape government policy, surround themselves with trusted advisors, and influence the direction of the government.

Give three ways a cabinet is important to the Prime Minister?

1. Provides support in decision-making, 2. Ensures representation of different viewpoints, 3. Helps implement policies effectively.

Give an example of a cabinet member giving a Prime Minister bad publicity

An example is the controversy surrounding David Blunkett, who faced scrutiny during his time as Home Secretary over his personal conduct under Tony Blair

Give three considerations made when a Prime Minister appoints their cabinet with examples.

Experience - Keir Starmer appointing Ed Miliband as Energy secretary

Loyalty - Boris Johnson appointing allies like Rishi Sunak as Chancellor
Ideology - Majority of Blair’s cabinet were New Labour with some exceptions like John Prescott

Give two examples of ministerial responsibility

Robin Cook resigned as foreign secretary in 2003 due to the decision to go to war in Iraq

Nigel Lawson resigned as Chancellor of Exchequer in 1989 over disagreements with Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher's economic policies.

Give two examples of individual responsibility

Edwina Currie resigned in 1988 as health secretary due to the salmonella eggs issues.

Dominic Raab resigned in 2022 as Deputy Prime Minister following allegations of bullying.

What is spatial leadership and give an example

Spatial leadership refers to a Prime Minister's ability to manage the space between themselves, their cabinet, and the party, often utilizing personal relationships and public expectations. An example is Tony Blair's focus on improving public perception by engaging with the media directly and reframing government initiatives and utilising the ‘sofa government' approach.

Give three ways in which the Prime Minister is becoming more Presidential

Prime Ministers exhibit increasing presidential characteristics through media leadership, personal branding, and direct public engagement, often bypassing traditional party structures.

Give three ways in which the Prime Minister is not becoming more Presidential

Despite trends toward presidentialism, Prime Ministers remain accountable to Parliament, navigate collective cabinet responsibility, and operate within established party structures, limiting unilateral decision-making.

Give four institutional powers a pre-eminent Prime Minister will have

The ability to appoint and dismiss cabinet ministers, influence the legislative agenda, control access to information, and command the military.

What personal powers will a pre-dominant Prime Minister utilise with institutional powers

A pre-dominant Prime Minister will use personal powers such as public appeal, strong party leadership, strategic communication skills, and the ability to forge key alliances, enhancing their influence beyond formal institutional powers.