Limitations on Prime Ministerial power 4.0 / 5 based on 3 ratings ? Government & PoliticsPrime Minister and the executiveASEdexcel Created by: Katie BeaumontCreated on: 06-06-16 11:35 What helps the PM to retain power? The PM can retain power through: Royal prerogative. A strong majority of seats in the HOC. Patronage, which enables PM's to hire, fire or reshuffle ministers. Sycophancy which means that politicians who seek higher status, will be close to the PM and will agree with everything he does. The Uncodified constitution does not entrench PM's powers, like America does. PM can manage the cabinet system. The PM can also pass short amendments. 1 of 6 Limitations on Prime Ministerial power However, there are limitations on prime ministerial power, which includes certain bodies: The Cabinet The Party The Electorate The Mass Media 2 of 6 The Cabinet The cabinet is seen as a constraint on prime ministerial power because: The 'big beasts' are able to dominate the cabinet. This is determined by their: Seniority of office, such as Osborne, Theresa May and Michael Gove. Standing within the party. (Gove is the chief whip of the Conservatives). Public profile. Cabinet disunity could limit the PM's power. E.g. During the 1980s, Thatcher's cabinet was disunited. During the 90s-2000s, Blair's relationship with Brown. Currently, Cameron's cabinet is disunited because Cameron and Theresa May wants to remain in the EU, whereas Gove wants to leave. 3 of 6 The Party Political parties limit the PM's power because: They depend on the PM's leadership, to maintain party unity. Also, parties believe that the PM's leadership ensures electoral success for the party. This is done through collective responsibility, where Ministers cannot publicly disagree with the PM. E.g. Iain Duncan Smith showed internal division as he disagreed with Osborne's pledge to cut disabled benefits, and therefore resigned. Failures to agree with the PM or party unity, could bring be cataosrophic. E.g. Thatcher failed to win support from MPs in the leadership election, which led to her resignation. After Blair's independent decision on the Iraq War in 2003, there was the biggest backbench rebellion in over 100 years. Most recently, Junior doctors strikes shows discontent with Hunt 4 of 6 The Electorate Even though the PM's increasingly direct relationship with the public is a major strength, is can also create vulnerability: This happens when they are popular in the polls, a party is strong and when it is not the opposition. Examples include: In the 1980s, Thatcher recieved declining poll ratings. In 2005, Tony Blair's huge majority (from 1997) was reduced. Brown was unpopular due to his standing with the global financial crisis. David Cameron has decided to stand down in the next election, therefore he is seen as a 'lame duck' prime minister. Vulnerability is also created by media coverage of the PM's relationship with his cabinet and the people. E.g. The EU referendum will be a test of Cameron's popularity with the public. 5 of 6 The Mass Media The mass media really showcases the image of the PM: This is because they can be extremely critical and negative when portraying the PM and ministers. E.g. The Daily Mirror, Sun and Daily Express etc. In addition, media coverage is now more difficult to manage because: The media tends to 'hype' information, where they turn simple problems in crisises. Many blur the facts and interpretation of events, instead of defining them. 6 of 6
Are the powers of the UK prime minister now outweighed by the limitations to that power? (40 marks) 0.0 / 5
Comments
No comments have yet been made