Constraints on the Prime Minister

Learning Objectives

• To understand the constraints on the prime minister’s power

The cabinet The party The electorate The media The pressure of events

Constraints on the Prime Minister’s Power

Key Question:Are there effective limits on the power of the

Prime Minister?

Theories of Executive Power• You are going to take responsibility for researching the constraints

on the Prime Minister’s power.• You will then share your ideas with the rest of the class.• You must include a clear and detailed explanation and examples

where possible.

The Cabinet

The Party The Electorate

The Media Pressure of Events

Questions to think about…

• In groups, you will be assigned a question and given some evidence given to the House of Commons Committee on Constitutional Reform.

• You are the civil servants working for the committee and have to collate the information to present at the next committee meeting.

• You need to ensure you explain different points of view and give examples where appropriate.

Questions to think about…

1. Is there sufficient clarity as to the Prime Minister’s role and powers?

2. Should the Prime Minister’s powers be written down in a statute?

3. How has the role of the Prime Minister changed in recent years?

4. Are there sufficient checks and balances on the powers of the Prime Minister?

5. Should the Prime Minister be directly elected by the British people?

Questions to think about…

1. Is there sufficient clarity as to the Prime Minister’s role and powers?

2. Should the Prime Minister’s powers be written down in a statute?

3. How has the role of the Prime Minister changed in recent years?

4. Are there sufficient checks and balances on the powers of the Prime Minister?

5. Should the Prime Minister be directly elected by the British people?

Outline the point that the source makes about the danger of democracy in relation to the Prime Minister.

(5 marks)The source refers to ‘formal and informal’ powers. From

the source and your own knowledge, outline the principle formal powers that lie with the office of the

Prime Minister. (10 marks)

Are there effective limits on the power of the Prime Minister? (25 marks)

PotentialEXAM Questions

Zig Zag p59-60

Homework

Are there effective limits on the power of the Prime Minister? (25 marks)