|
|
|
Revision:The Prime MinisterTSR Wiki > Study Help > Subjects and Revision > Revision Notes > Politics > The Prime Minister
Powers and Limitations of the Prime MinisterPowersMain spokesperson for government - well publicised Link between Queen and Parliament -GB meets the Queen weekly Appoints senior civil servants -civil servants try to get on his good side Appoints government ministers e.g. Jacqui Smith, David Blunkett Reshuffle government ministers -e.g. Jack Straw took over from Robin Cook as Foreign Secretary Chairs cabinet meetings and draws up agenda -can push issues he wants Responsible for Cabinet minutes -decides what goes in them e.g. could choose to put in only good things about retiring ministers like Claire Short Derives power from his party, who will support him - try to get on his good side, promotion Controls timetable of government - gets parliament to deal with things when he wants e.g. ID cards Controls the Honours System -Blair made 150 peers in his first five years Represents the country internationally - e.g. G8 summit Decides timing of general election - Thatcher called soon after Falklands war to capitalise on popularity Benefits from the Whip System - party is strongly encouraged to vote how the Prime Minister wishes LimitationsGeneral election every five years - John Major forced to call in 97 even though it would be very difficult to win Whip system - MPs can pass concerns on to the Whips, or even vote against the government e.g. tuition fees PM’s Questions - poor performance can mean loss of support and damaged reputation Balance of opinion - PM is “first among equals” and his cabinet may not always agree with him Size of majority - By 97, Major had a small majority and therefore had to keep own party happy to get bills through House of Lords can delay bills - e.g. fox hunting ban Mass media - e.g. Mandelson forced to resign over passport scandal Unexpected events - e.g. 9/11, foot and mouth, fuel protests, must be dealt with, government can sometimes appear divided if ministers disagree Party chooses leader, who can be challenged - Heseltine challenged Thatcher in 1990 Parliamentary committees - scrutinises government and can call the PM to give evidence Comments |
|
||||||||||||||||
