Possible constraints on PM's power

• What is a key constraint on the power of a Prime Minister?

  The Cabinet
• Why must a Prime Minister consider the power of senior cabinet ministers?

  Because their popularity can influence decisions
• How did Gordon Brown's position as Chancellor affect Tony Blair's premiership?

  Brown's power limited Blair's decision-making
• What happened to Margaret Thatcher's support from her cabinet by 1990?

  She lost support due to inflexible policies
• What event catalyzed a leadership challenge against Margaret Thatcher?

  Geoffrey Howe's resignation speech
• How does a party's faith in a Prime Minister affect their survival?

  A lack of faith can lead to their downfall
• What was a significant factor in John Major's conflicts with his party?

  Issues related to Europe
• How did Gordon Brown's decision regarding a snap election affect his authority?

  It weakened his stature and authority
• What major event occurred during Gordon Brown's premiership in 2008?

  The financial crisis
• How does media portrayal affect a Prime Minister's success?

  It influences public perception and authority
• What was Tony Blair's media image like in the early years of his leadership?

  It was very positive
• How did the media coverage of policies affect Prime Ministers?

  It exaggerated events and increased vulnerability
• What positive event boosted Thatcher's popularity in 1982?

  The Falklands War
• What was the impact of 'Black Wednesday' on John Major's premiership?

  It undermined his leadership
• How did unexpected events affect a Prime Minister's control over government decisions?

  They made it difficult to manage perceptions
• What was a significant change in the role of the Prime Minister due to coalition government in 2010?

  Coalition government restricted PM's power
• Who was the Prime Minister during the coalition government formed in 2010?

  David Cameron
• How did coalition government affect the Prime Minister's legislative power?

  It provided a solid majority in Commons
• What was a challenge faced by David Cameron due to coalition government?

  Policy disagreements with coalition partners
• How did the coalition government affect Cameron's powers of patronage?

  They were limited by coalition agreements
• What unique rule was introduced due to coalition government?

  The fixed term rule
• What are the possible constraints on a Prime Minister's power?

  • The Cabinet's influence and support
  • The party's faith and backing
  • Public popularity and electoral success
  • Media portrayal and criticism
  • Major unexpected events
  • Coalition government dynamics
• How did the dynamics of coalition government impact David Cameron's leadership?

  • Strengthened his majority in Commons
  • Required consensus with coalition partners
  • Limited his patronage powers
  • Increased scrutiny from the House of Lords
  • Introduced the fixed term rule