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)