the prime minister

who is the PM?

the head of the UK executive

what is meant by primus inter pares?

first among equals

how is being the leader of a government a key role of the PM?

they answer PMQ's each wednesday and speak on behalf of the country at moments of national concern, as well as meeting with other country leaders to talk on the economy and defence

how is appointing a cabinet a key role of the PM?

the PM should not be superior to their cabinet, but can reshuffle and dismiss ministers at any time, as well as selecting people for cabinet committees

how is being the leader of their party a key role of the PM?

a large majority means a safe leadership, and allows the PM a good position to persuade party members to reach compromises

what is patronage?

the PM decides how to fill posts of constitutional importance, and includes the power to dispense awards

who is the privy council composed of?

senior political figures appointed by the monarch, including all current and previous cabinet members

who do prerogative powers derive from?

the crown and do not need the consent of parliament

what are examples of prerogative powers actually conducted by the PM and cabinet?

making and ratifying treaties, sending the armed forces overseas, and granting pardons

what has royal prerogative allowed the PM to call?

a general election

why might a PM call a general election to the maximum advantage of their party before the full parliamentary term is complete?

to exploit the state of the economy, results from opinion polls or by-elections

what might goodwill towards the government be due to?

a royal wedding, supporting triumph or foreign policy success

what must someone already be in order to become a PM?

an MP, a leader of a political party, and be able to control a majority in the house of commons

where did the PM used to sit historically?

in the house of lords

why is the commons now the most dominant house?

it is democratically elected and controls tax

why did Thatcher cease to be PM in 1990?

the loss of a leadership contest

how has it been shown that there is no requirement to win a general election to become PM?

some PM's have previously run as a result of winning their party's nomination

what is an example of a minority government?

PM Johnson when the conservatives needed DUP support at the end of 2019

who provides support to the PM's office?

190 staff (civil servants and special advisers), though this is not considered a department

how many sections does the PM's office have?

5 though they are flexible

what is the private office as a section of the PM's office?

it looks after the PM's official engagements and relations with parliament and government departments

what is the policy unit as a section of the PM's office?

made up of outside specialists who come in to advise on specific matters and provide a different perspective to the advice given by ministers

what is the political unit as a section of the PM's office?

it links the PM to their party

what is the press office as a section of the PM's office?

deals with media relations

what is the strategic communications unit as a section of the PM's office?

troubleshoots potential problems before they arise and co-ordinates announcements made by ministers so that the PM is always ahead

how might a PM be removed?

losing an election and being forced out by voters, retiring mid-term due to health issues, or pressure from their own party and cabinet

why might a cabinet government be better than a presidential style of government?

the PM is not superior or more powerful than their cabinet, allows for collective decision-making and flexibility in crisis, and is easier to hold government accountable

why might a cabinet government be worse than a presidential style of government?

may risk instability if a majority is not clear, a direct mandate is lacked, and there is executive dominance