Powers of PM + Cabinet to determine Policy

• What was the first PM to act like a president?

  Margaret Thatcher
• How did Thatcher make policy decisions?

  She made policy ‘on the hoof’
• What was a significant event that strengthened Thatcher's popularity?

  Victory in the Falklands War
• How did Thatcher's media image vary?

  Some praised her, others saw her as inflexible
• What policy did Thatcher attempt to introduce that was unpopular?

  The poll tax
• What was the consequence of Thatcher's insistence on the poll tax?

  Her popularity declined significantly
• What triggered Michael Heseltine's leadership challenge against Thatcher?

  Resignation of Geoffrey Howe
• What was the outcome of Thatcher's leadership contest?

  She failed to win enough support
• Who succeeded Thatcher as Prime Minister?

  John Major
• What was Major's initial approach as PM compared to Thatcher?

  Less confrontational and more inclusive
• What significant event occurred during Major's premiership in 1992?

  Unexpected general election victory
• What was the 1993 Downing Street Declaration about?

  It ruled out a united Ireland
• What economic event damaged Major's credibility?

  Black Wednesday in 1992
• How did Major's leadership style affect his authority?

  It contributed to the impression of weakness
• What nickname was given to Major due to his leadership style?

  The grey man
• What was a significant factor in Major's 1997 election defeat?

  His perceived weakness and party division
• When did Tony Blair become Prime Minister?

  1997
• How did Blair control his party members?

  Through extensive use of ‘spin’
• What was a key success of Blair's government?

  The Good Friday Agreement in 1998
• What was a significant challenge Blair faced regarding Gordon Brown?

  Brown built a large power base
• What impact did the Iraq War have on Blair's legacy?

  It dominated his perceived failures
• When did Blair stand down as Prime Minister?

  2007
• What are the key arguments for and against the view that Prime Ministers can successfully control the political agenda?

  For:

  • Thatcher's dominance and Falklands victory
  • Blair's control through spin and Good Friday Agreement
  • Major's initial support and inclusive style

  
  

  Against:

  • Thatcher's decline due to poll tax
  • Major's weakness during Black Wednesday
  • Blair's challenges with Brown and Iraq War
• What should be included in an exam answer about Prime Ministerial power?

  Falklands, Good Friday, Poll Tax, Iraq War
• What is the significance of the phrase 'Prime Ministers can successfully control the political agenda'?

  It reflects the power dynamics of leadership
• How does the political context affect a Prime Minister's ability to control the agenda?

  It influences public perception and party support
• What is a key factor in evaluating a Prime Minister's control over policy?

  The relationship with their cabinet
• Why is it important to consider both pre and post-1997 Prime Ministers in the exam question?

  To analyze changes in power dynamics
• How can the effectiveness of a Prime Minister be measured?

  By their ability to implement policies successfully