Prof Notes round 2

  • 3. Prerogative Powers: You got the right idea! These powers refer to the monarch's historical ability to make decisions about appointments and honors without requiring parliamentary approval. In practice, these are exercised by ministers in the monarch's name.

  • 5 & 6. Vote of No Confidence & Confidence Vote: You have the right concept! These votes show whether the government has the support of Parliament. If a vote of no confidence is passed, the PM and their government must resign, potentially leading to a new election. A confidence vote is often scheduled when a government wants to reaffirm its mandate.

  • 7. Walter Bagehot: You've got it! He distinguished between the dignified (symbolic) and efficient (functional) parts of the British government, with the monarchy and the House of Lords being dignified and the House of Commons and ministers being efficient.

Areas for clarification:

  • 8. Carswell Reform: This refers to reforms or changes related to political procedures, often discussed in the context of more effective government, but can be linked to changes in the parliamentary or electoral system over time. You may want to review this in detail.

  • 9. Common Law: You're mostly on track! Common law is developed from judicial decisions rather than written statutes. It evolves through court rulings and precedents over time.

  • 13. Keir Starmer: Keir Starmer is currently the leader of the Labour Party, not a minister. He plays an important role as the leader of the opposition.

  • 14. Tony Blair: Tony Blair was the leader of the Labour Party and served as Prime Minister. His major policies included economic reform, devolution for Scotland and Wales, and involvement in international interventions like the Iraq War.

  • 16. Tiers of Ministers: This refers to the various levels of government ministers. Key roles include cabinet ministers, junior ministers, and secretaries of state, each with different levels of responsibility.