theories of executive power
TRANSCRIPT
Theories of Executive Power
Learning Objectives
• To identify and explain the different theories of executive power
• To evaluate which theory is most accurate today• To apply this knowledge to a 40 mark essay
Theories of Executive Power
Theories of Executive Power• Each group is going to take responsibility for researching a theory of
executive power,.• You will then explain the theory to the rest of the class.• You must include a clear and detailed explanation and examples
where possible.• You also need to come up with a 5 point criteria check list as a way
of measuring whether your theory is accurate (we will use these later!)
Cabinet Government
Core Executive Presidentialism Prime Ministerial Government
“The role of the prime minister
has become more
presidential.”
To what extent do you agree with this statement?
Key Question
COMPLETELYDISAGREE
COMPLETELYAGREE
LARGE EXTENT DISAGREE
LARGE EXTENT AGREE
SMALL EXTENT AGREE
SMALL EXTENT DISAGREE
How can we tell which theory is accurate today?Criteria for Cabinet
GovernmentCriteria for Core
ExecutiveCriteria for
PresidentialismCriteria for Prime
Ministerial Government
No public disagreement on policy from cabinet
ministers
“Team Image” – no single body appears
independent from the others
Growth of spatial leadership (distance from party – separate identity
of leader)
PM dominates policy-making process
(announcements, media etc)
Members of cabinet announce key policies
PM, advisers, cabinet, outside org, MPs and peers have input into
policy
Tendency to populist outreach (media, ‘photo
opps’, intimate interviews)
Cabinet subordinate (less frequent meetings, no
meaningful role – source of advice and support)
No cabinet minister resignations
Networking and relationships
Personalised election campaigns – solely between leaders
PM influences all policy areas (‘policy noggin’)
and makes key decisions
Ideological range within cabinet (sometimes
vocal)
More heavily influenced by circumstance
(economic, political etc)
Personal mandate/agenda – he
has authority to act
Figurehead of party/govt (brand image of
party/govt)
Frequency of cabinet meetings
Members outside PM and Cabinet are visible
(media)
Strength of Cabinet Office
Increased use of non-cabinet advisers (‘special
advisers’)
“The role of the prime minister
has become more
presidential.”
To what extent do you agree with this statement?
Key Question
COMPLETELYDISAGREE
COMPLETELYAGREE
LARGE EXTENT DISAGREE
LARGE EXTENT AGREE
SMALL EXTENT AGREE
SMALL EXTENT DISAGREE
Key QuestionWrite your name on a post it and put it
on the presidential thermometer – prepare to justify your decision!
Essay Plan• Introduction
- what are the theories of executive power?• Prime ministerial government
- definition, development & explanation, examples• Cabinet government
- definition, development & explanation, examples• Presidentialism
- definition, development & explanation, examples• Core Executive
- definition, development & explanation, examples• Conclusion
- summary- evaluation- judgement
Which theory of executive power is the most accurate today?
A/A* GRADESHow does the
coalition government affect
these theories?- Majority in
parliament- Coalition
agreement- PM and DPM- Coalition Cabinet
AO1 Knowledge & Understanding (20 marks)AO2 Intellectual Skills (12 marks)
AO3 Communication & Coherence (8 marks)40 Marks = Total
• “Under the coalition there has been a return to cabinet government.” To what extent do you agree with this statement?
• What impact has the coalition had on executive power in the UK political system?
• Which description is the most accurate of the UK political system; cabinet government or prime ministerial government?
PotentialEXAM Questions
Homework
• Which description is the most accurate of the UK political system; cabinet government or prime ministerial government? (40 marks)