the core executive

• what does primus inter pares mean?

  first among equals - the PM is the most important cabinet member but they govern in a collective manner
• How is the PM chosen?

  • voted in using a parliamentary system
  • leader of the majority in the commons
  • chosen via convention (monarch)
• what is a confidence and supply arrangement?

  where a party agrees to support the governing party on key votes
• what is the core executive?

  the policy making network that includes the PM, senior ministers, cabinet committees and top civil servants
• what are the roles of the core executive?

  • making policy
  • passing legislation
  • financing
  • national first responder
• what are the prerogative powers of the PM?

  • patronage powers
  • deployment of UK armed forces overseas
  • relations with international powers and diplomacy
  • making or ratifying treaties
  • organising and structuring the civil service
  • issuing directives in times of national crises