The PM and Cabinet

• Who constitutes the government or executive of the UK?

  The prime minister and their cabinet
• What is the main source of policy making in the UK?

  The prime minister and their cabinet
• What vulnerabilities can prime ministers face?

  Small Commons majority or poor poll performance
• What must all members of the government display publicly?

  Loyalty to the prime minister
• How do the powers of the prime minister vary?

  According to the prevailing political climate
• What is the role of the prime minister in the UK government?

  Head of the executive and chair of the cabinet
• What is one of the prime minister's main responsibilities?

  Leading domestic and foreign policy
• What is the prime minister's role in cabinet selection?

  Selecting the cabinet and junior government posts
• What does the prime minister represent abroad?

  The country at international gatherings
• What is the significance of the term 'primus inter pares'?

  It means first among equals in the cabinet
• What is the core executive composed of?

  The prime minister, cabinet, and committees
• What are prerogative powers?

  The royal prerogative held by the prime minister
• What is the role of patronage for the prime minister?

  Choosing and reshuffling cabinet members
• How does the prime minister's media profile affect their power?

  It allows them to explain government actions
• What is the significance of a working majority in the Commons?

  It helps the prime minister pass legislation
• What is the role of civil servants in the government?

  Providing policy input and advice
• What is collective cabinet responsibility?

  All members support cabinet decisions publicly
• What is the purpose of cabinet committees?

  To take collective decisions on policies
• How are cabinet committees formed?

  Decided solely by the prime minister
• What is the significance of the National Security Council?

  Main forum for national security discussions
• What does the term 'inner cabinet' refer to?

  A smaller group of senior ministers
• What is the role of special advisers?

  Providing political advice to the prime minister
• What are manifesto pledges?

  Agreed policies by the ruling party
• What is a confidence and supply deal?

  Support from another party without a coalition
• How can unforeseen events affect policy making?

  They can lead to emergency responses
• What is individual ministerial responsibility?

  Ministers are responsible for their departments
• What is the Ministerial Code?

  Guidelines for ministerial conduct
• What is a key principle of the Ministerial Code?

  Avoiding conflicts of interest
• What happens if a minister breaches the Ministerial Code?

  They may resign or be dismissed
• What was the accusation against Boris Johnson in 2021?

  Breaching the Ministerial Code
• Who was the Education Secretary until September 2021?

  Gavin Williamson
• When was the Ministerial Code first issued?

  2010
• What are the key principles of the Ministerial Code?

  • Avoiding conflicts of interest
  • Not accepting gifts that could be bribery
  • Upholding civil service impartiality
  • Abiding by collective cabinet responsibility
  • Not meeting foreign dignitaries without permission
• Who was accused of breaching the Ministerial Code in 2021?

  Boris Johnson
• Why did Priti Patel resign as international development secretary?

  For not being honest about meetings in Israel
• What is collective cabinet responsibility?

  Ministers must defend government policies publicly
• What should a minister do if they cannot agree with government policy?

  They should resign
• When can collective cabinet responsibility be suspended?

  During clear divisions within the cabinet
• Who suspended collective cabinet responsibility before referendums on EU membership?

  Harold Wilson and David Cameron
• Who publicly breached collective cabinet responsibility in 2010-11?

  Ken Clarke and Theresa May