Prime Minister and Cabinet

• What is the idea behind cabinet government?

  Power is collective and located in the cabinet
• What underpins the idea of cabinet government?

  Collective responsibility and a sense of solidarity
• How does the Prime Minister's power relate to cabinet support?

  The PM needs cabinet support to survive
• What is the concept of prime-ministerial government?

  Growing power of the Prime Minister
• What has replaced cabinet government according to prime-ministerial government theory?

  The Prime Minister is now at the center
• How does the core executive model view the influence on policy?

  Both PM and cabinet exercise influence
• What does the presidentialism concept suggest about UK PMs?

  They act like heads of state and government
• What is patronage in the context of the Prime Minister's power?

  The ability to hire and fire appointments
• How does patronage strengthen the Prime Minister?

  Promotes loyal colleagues for cabinet support
• What limits the Prime Minister's patronage power?

  Ministers must come from Commons or Lords
• Why is cabinet management important for the Prime Minister?

  Controls meeting frequency and agenda
• How can circumstances affect the Prime Minister's power?

  Strong economy increases PM's authority
• What role does the Prime Minister's and Cabinet Office play in their power?

  Provides more staff for policy control
• How has the use of special advisers changed over time?

  Increased significantly in recent years
• How does media access strengthen the Prime Minister's power?

  PMs appeal directly to the public
• What is a potential downside of media influence on the Prime Minister?

  Bad news can become exaggerated crises
• What are the theories regarding the power dynamics between the Prime Minister and the Cabinet?

  • Cabinet government: collective power in cabinet
  • Prime-ministerial government: PM at the center
  • Core executive model: shared influence on policy
  • Presidentialism: PM acts like a head of state
• What factors can restrict a Prime Minister's power?

  • Limited patronage options
  • Cabinet management challenges
  • Economic conditions
  • Media influence and public perception
• What are the implications of cabinet management for the Prime Minister?

  • Controls meeting frequency and agenda
  • Influences cabinet dynamics and support
  • Affects decision-making processes
• How does the Prime Minister's relationship with the media impact their authority?

  • Direct public appeal enhances authority
  • Media focus on personality increases profile
  • Negative media can undermine reputation