Notes on the Executive, presented in the form of essay plans for former essay questions from the past 6 years (they often repeat). Applicable not just to the essays demonstrated, but to the section and course more widely. Abbreviated, but easy to understand
To what extent does the premiership of David Cameron show that the Prime Minister has too much
power? [30]
It Does Over Cabinet:
He’s become more presidentialised - PM’s own plane; PM’s Office 190 Special
advisors.
He’s ignored the will of several cabinet members over Europe.
He’s excluded Eurosceptics from European affairs cabinet committee.
Excluded Eurosceptic ministers from viewing EU-related documents from civil
service.
£9mil leaflet just before Purdah rules kick in.
“Bilateral” meetings increased under Cameron.
Settled disputes between May and Gove, acting as superior
29 SPADs (special advisors) - £9million/year in costs
Control over Appointments:
Appointed 47 peers/year - “flooded” the Lords, unmanageable size.
Unfit honours - Lynton Crosby.
Over Parliament:
Launched Strathclyde review over HofL defeating his plans - disproportionate
measure.
It Does Not Over Cabinet:
He’s been constrained by Eurosceptic appointments: had to give Boris Johnson
observer status.
Constrained by resignations - Ian Duncan Smith.
Authority weakened by breaches of Collective Ministerial Responsibility and
criticisms of his conduct and policy from Eurosceptics.
Events:
Squabbling over leadership following the announcement of his future resignation.
Over Parliament:
Tiny majority - 12
18 U-turns, 60 Lords defeats, 3 commons defeats, huge number of rebellions.
Queen’s speech devoid of many promised bills - review of lords, sovereignty law,
British Bill of Rights.
Scrutiny effective - responds to Health committee’s recommendation for sugar
tax; opposition via PMQs.
Significant concessions made to parliaments will on everything - IP Bill.
Certainly not an elective dictatorship!!!
Discuss the importance of collective and individual ministerial responsibility to the UK system of
government. [28]
IMR (individual Important
ministerial People are still held accountable for it - Maria Miller, 2014 (Parliamentary
responsibility) expenses).
Its effect as a deterrent on transgressions may explain the low volume of failings
in recent times most happened a long time ago (Stephen Byers 2002, Edwina
Currie) - drives ministers to be more effective.
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