The Powers of the Prime Minister - A level Politics

Summary

This video explores the extensive powers of the Prime Minister, including patronage, authority within the cabinet system, party leadership, public standing, and policymaking. It discusses how these powers have evolved, with a focus on the PM's crucial role in appointing ministers and reshuffling the cabinet. The script also touches on the constraints faced by the Prime Minister, such as coalition agreements and the need for a working majority in Parliament to enact legislation.

Takeaways

• 👤 The Prime Minister has more powers than other cabinet ministers.
• 📉 The Prime Minister's powers are subject to constraints and vary with circumstances.
• 🔑 The main powers of the Prime Minister include patronage, authority within the cabinet system, party leadership, public standing, and a policymaking role.
• 👑 The Prime Minister has the power of patronage, including appointing government ministers, but this power has been reduced in recent years.
• 🔍 The Prime Minister's role in appointing judges and senior members of the Church of England has been curtailed.
• 🎩 The Prime Minister's role in the honours system has also been reduced.
• 🔄 The Prime Minister can reshuffle cabinet portfolios and decide the timing of reshuffles.
• 🏢 The Prime Minister has authority within the core executive, including chairing cabinet meetings and managing the agenda.
• 📈 The Prime Minister is 'first among equals' within the cabinet.
• 📊 The Prime Minister can set the agenda of cabinet meetings and steer the direction of the government.
• 🗣️ The Prime Minister is the leader of the largest party in the House of Commons and has public standing, acting as the main spokesperson for the nation.

Q & A

What are the main powers of the Prime Minister?

The main powers of the Prime Minister include the power of patronage, authority within the cabinet system, party leadership, public standing, and a policymaking role.

What does the power of patronage entail?

The power of patronage refers to the Prime Minister's ability to appoint individuals to important positions, most notably the power to appoint government ministers.

How have the Prime Minister's patronage powers changed over time?

In recent years, the Prime Minister's patronage powers have been curtailed, particularly in appointing judges and senior members of the Church of England, which was reduced under Gordon Brown's government.

What is the significance of the Prime Minister's power to appoint cabinet ministers?

The power to appoint and dismiss government ministers is the Prime Minister's most crucial advantage over his colleagues, allowing them to shape the cabinet in their own image.

How does a coalition government affect the Prime Minister's power to appoint cabinet ministers?

In a coalition government, the Prime Minister's power to appoint cabinet ministers is limited, as they must include members from the coalition partner, as was the case with David Cameron appointing five Liberal Democrats to his cabinet.

What is the role of cabinet reshuffles in the Prime Minister's powers?

Cabinet reshuffles allow the Prime Minister to promote successful ministers, demote underperformers, and decide the timing of the reshuffle, although mass resignations can force a reshuffle.

What authority does the Prime Minister have within the core executive?

The Prime Minister chairs cabinet meetings, manages the agenda, directs and summarizes decisions, creates cabinet committees, appoints members, holds bilateral meetings, and appoints senior civil servants.

How is the Prime Minister described within the cabinet?

The Prime Minister is described as 'first among equals' within the cabinet, meaning they are an equal member but hold a leading position.

What is the role of the Prime Minister in setting the agenda for cabinet meetings?

The Prime Minister determines the agenda of cabinet meetings by controlling the information presented, deciding which issues are discussed, and setting the membership and remit of cabinet committees.

How does party leadership strengthen the authority of the Prime Minister?

Party leadership strengthens the Prime Minister's authority as it legitimizes their position and increases the likelihood of having a working majority in parliament, which is essential for enacting legislation.

What is the significance of the Prime Minister's public standing?

The Prime Minister serves as the main spokesperson for the nation and acts on behalf of the head of state in international meetings, with unique access to media, which can significantly influence public perception.