Prime minister and cabinet DEFINITIONS

1. Prime Minister

Head of government who leads the executive and sets overall policy direction.

2. Cabinet

Senior ministers (mostly heads of departments) who formally advise the PM and approve key decisions.

3. Primus inter pares

Latin for “first among equals” – the PM is theoretically equal to cabinet ministers but leads them.

4. Confidence and Supply

Support deal where a smaller party backs the government on key votes (e.g. budget + confidence votes).

5. Core Executive

The key institutions and actors involved in running the country – includes PM, Cabinet, civil service, etc.

6. Cabinet Committees

Smaller groups of ministers focusing on specific policy areas (e.g. national security, climate policy).

7. Patronage Powers

PM’s power to appoint ministers, peers, or reward loyalty – useful for party control.

8. Inner Cabinet

Informal, smaller group of close PM allies who shape major decisions before full Cabinet meets.

9. Cabinet Reshuffle

When the PM changes the makeup of the Cabinet – moving, promoting, or sacking ministers.

10. Collective Responsibility

Ministers must publicly support government policy or resign – ensures unity.

11. Individual Ministerial Responsibility

Ministers are accountable for their department’s actions and must resign over serious failings.

12. Ministerial Accountability

The duty of ministers to explain and justify their policies and decisions to Parliament.

13. Civil Service

Politically neutral officials who help draft policy and implement government decisions.

14. Special Advisers (SPADs)

Political appointees who advise ministers and help with messaging, strategy, or media.

15. Royal Prerogative Powers

Traditional powers once held by the monarch, now used by the PM (e.g. foreign affairs, war powers).

16. Presidentialism

Theory that the UK PM acts like a president—centralised power, media focus, bypassing Cabinet.

17. Cabinet Government

Theory where power is shared collectively among ministers – more balanced and consultative.

18. Prime Ministerial Government

Theory that the PM dominates policy and decision-making, sidelining the Cabinet.

19. Departmental Government

Ministers lead their own departments fairly independently within broad government policy.

20. Executive Dominance

The idea that the government controls Parliament through majorities, whipping, and agenda control.