Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the primary purpose of the executive branch in the UK government?
What is the primary purpose of the executive branch in the UK government?
Which component is NOT part of the central government in the UK?
Which component is NOT part of the central government in the UK?
Which statement best describes the role of the Prime Minister in the UK government?
Which statement best describes the role of the Prime Minister in the UK government?
What does Lord Hailsham's concept of 'elective dictatorship' refer to?
What does Lord Hailsham's concept of 'elective dictatorship' refer to?
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Which of the following accurately represents the responsibilities of the executive branch regarding legislation?
Which of the following accurately represents the responsibilities of the executive branch regarding legislation?
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What is the primary role of civil servants in government?
What is the primary role of civil servants in government?
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Which Act established a new legal base for the civil service?
Which Act established a new legal base for the civil service?
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What is the Carltona principle primarily concerned with?
What is the Carltona principle primarily concerned with?
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How many civil servants are there approximately in the civil service?
How many civil servants are there approximately in the civil service?
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Who approves the appointment of special advisers in a government?
Who approves the appointment of special advisers in a government?
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What is the primary role of the Prime Minister concerning ministerial appointments?
What is the primary role of the Prime Minister concerning ministerial appointments?
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Which Act contributed to legalizing certain aspects of government departmental structure?
Which Act contributed to legalizing certain aspects of government departmental structure?
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Which of the following statements about the Cabinet is accurate?
Which of the following statements about the Cabinet is accurate?
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What is a key feature of the Ministerial Code?
What is a key feature of the Ministerial Code?
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How are conflicts of interest perceived under the guidelines for ministers?
How are conflicts of interest perceived under the guidelines for ministers?
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Which power does the Crown possess regarding foreign affairs?
Which power does the Crown possess regarding foreign affairs?
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What does the Crown Proceedings Act 1947 primarily relate to?
What does the Crown Proceedings Act 1947 primarily relate to?
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In judicial review, what is a key limitation regarding prerogative powers?
In judicial review, what is a key limitation regarding prerogative powers?
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What is a primary function that remains within the prerogative powers of the Crown?
What is a primary function that remains within the prerogative powers of the Crown?
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Which statement is true regarding the recognition of prerogative powers by courts?
Which statement is true regarding the recognition of prerogative powers by courts?
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What are the three sources of legal authority for the UK executive branch?
What are the three sources of legal authority for the UK executive branch?
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What defines prerogative powers in the UK?
What defines prerogative powers in the UK?
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Which statement accurately describes ‘third source’ powers in the UK executive?
Which statement accurately describes ‘third source’ powers in the UK executive?
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Which of the following accurately reflects the historical context of the royal prerogative?
Which of the following accurately reflects the historical context of the royal prerogative?
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What is a current limitation on the royal prerogative concerning treaties?
What is a current limitation on the royal prerogative concerning treaties?
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How did the Bill of Rights 1689 influence the royal prerogative?
How did the Bill of Rights 1689 influence the royal prerogative?
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In medieval times, what was one of the king's primary roles concerning the realm?
In medieval times, what was one of the king's primary roles concerning the realm?
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What is a defining feature of the royal prerogative in today's context?
What is a defining feature of the royal prerogative in today's context?
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Study Notes
UK Government - Sources of Power
- The UK government's executive branch has the purpose of creating and enacting public policies.
- This branch is responsible for executing and administering laws passed by the legislature.
- The executive branch 'runs the country' and proactively creates and modifies public policy.
- It also responds to unforeseen events.
- Policy changes are initiated by the executive, then passed to the parliament for legislation, and finally implemented by the executive.
Learning Objectives
- Understanding the function of the executive branch.
- Identifying the components of the UK government.
- Explaining the roles and nature of the UK government's components.
The Executive Branch
- The function of the executive branch is to develop and implement public policies.
- It carries out and administers laws created by the legislature.
- Its role includes managing the country and proactively developing alternative policy changes.
- It reacts to abrupt and unexpected events.
An Elective Dictatorship?
- The relationship between the executive and legislative branches impacts political systems.
- Composition of the House of Commons directly affects the political status of the executive.
- A governing majority is essential to hold the position of power.
- The executive branch proposes drafts of bills in the House of Commons.
- The executive branch enjoys a significant amount of influence over parliament and its acts.
Central Government
- The Monarch, Prime Minister, and Ministers are key components, along with government departments, the Cabinet, Civil Service, and special advisors.
- Secretaries of State, Junior Ministers, Whips, and the Lord Chancellor are also part of these groups.
Prime Minister
- The position of Prime Minister is shaped by constitutional practice rather than formal laws.
- Often held in conjunction with another significant role, like First Lord of the Treasury.
- The Prime Minister determines appointments and approves the recruitment of civil servants, commissioners, and other senior officials.
- The Prime Minister also directly controls the government's executive machinery, and sets the government's priorities.
- Collective responsibility of the UK Cabinet strengthens the power of the Prime Minister.
Ministers and Departments
- Ministerial offices have a longer history than the Prime Minister's office.
- Government departments are staffed by civil servants and funded by Treasury grants.
- The creation of new departments or renames are often done via constitutional convention.
- The "Crown Act 1975" plays a part in regulating ministerial functions.
- The Ministerial Code guides the behaviour of ministers, but it is not legally binding and has a significant role concerning financial matters.
- Ministers must prevent personal conflicts of interests from impacting public duty.
- Government often provides ministerial meeting updates on websites.
Cabinet
- The Cabinet usually consists of 21-23 members, including the Prime Minister.
- The UK Cabinet's composition isn't regulated by statute, but the number of salaried Cabinet positions is restricted.
- Cabinet committees now often exist in place of or with the Cabinet, like National Security Council, EU Exit Strategy, and Covid-19 Strategy.
- The Cabinet Secretary provides support to Cabinet committees.
Civil Service
- Civil servants are permanent and unbiased public officials responsible for handling and processing government tasks and projects.
- The Constitutional Reform and Governance Act of 2010 established a legal basis for the civil service.
- Approximately 543,000 individuals currently work within the civil service.
- Civil service structure has undergone major changes focused on costs and efficiency.
- Senior Civil Servants manage government departments with a permanent role within them.
- The Carltona principle is utilized to delegate ministerial duties to civil servants within departments.
Special Advisers (SPADs)
- Special Advisers (SPADs) are political appointees who help develop and present government policies.
- Unlike civil servants, SPADs engage in party political activities.
- Appointments of SPADs often require the Prime Minister's approval and are contingent on the Minister's position.
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Description
Explore the role and functions of the executive branch of the UK government. This quiz covers how the executive develops, implements, and manages public policies, as well as its relationship with the legislature. Understand the various components of the UK government and their interconnections.
