Examine the Role of Prime Minister in Contemporary Britain Jenny “4+1” Dec.2003

1. Brief introduction on how PMs are elected 2. The different roles Queen and Prime Minister play. 3. Prime Minister’s responsibilities.

Brief introduction on how PMs are elected Queen General Election appoints determine Prime Minister sits in the Common usually is Lord of Treasury Minister for Civil Service Leader of the party with the largest number of seats in the House of Common.

The different roles Queen and Prime Minister play. According to statutory law : The Queen veto receive Legislation make advice from ministers designate key Government appointments summon and dissolve Prime Minister Parliament

In Reality Prime Minister effective executive allows Crown’s Power symbolic executive to Dissolution of Parliament, etc.

Prime Minister’s responsibilities. Policy Making Policy-Implementing Structures Other responsibilities

Policy Making Prime Minister presides over allocating functions regular meeting with Cabinet ministers Queen appoints/dismisses the top executives. presides over Cabinet meetings. directs Government policy.

The essence of the British system is not Parliament supremacy or even Cabinet supremacy, but Prime Ministerial government Richard Crossman

The basis of Prime Minister’s power is domination of the Cabinet, the bureaucracy, and the party machine. 1. PM can affect colleagues’ careers drastically. 2. PM determines what issue will be discussed and when. 3. PM formulates the Cabinet conclusions. 4. PM decides which civil servant will be the op bureaucrat in each department. 5. PM selects the civil servant who functions as secretary of the Cabinet.

Policy-Implementing Structures 1. Treasury Control The PM appoints both the permanent secretary of the Treasury and secretary of the Cabinet. 2. Organizing the Bureaucracy

Other Responsibilities 1. Recommending a number of appointments to the Queen: church of England archbishops, bishops, etc; 200 other clergy in Crown “livings”; senior judges;

2 Recommends certain civil appointments to the General Assembly : Church of Scotland, the Poet Laureate, Some university posts, several public boards and institutions, such as the BBC;

The Prime Minister’s Office supports him in his role as head of government. Providing policy advice Tracking he delivery of government commitments and initiatives Ensuring effective communications to the Parliament, the media and the public

The End Thank you!