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Understanding the Power of the Prime Minister and Cabinet in Politics

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Deja Sarge

28/09/2025

Politics

Factors affecting the balance and power of the Primeminster and the cabinet

305

28 Sept 2025

3 pages

Understanding the Power of the Prime Minister and Cabinet in Politics

user profile picture

Deja Sarge

@haddejax

The role and powers of the prime ministerand their... Show more

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<h2 id="largemajority">Large Majority</h2>
<p>Prime Ministers with a large majority in the House of Commons can afford to dismiss rebels an

Electoral Mandate and Government Experience

The strength of a prime ministerial government vs cabinet government dynamic is significantly influenced by electoral mandate and government experience. First-term governments often enjoy distinct advantages in implementing their agenda.

Definition: A "honeymoon period" refers to the initial phase of a new government where they can attribute problems to their predecessors and face less scrutiny.

Example: Tony Blair's authority peaked during his first term 199720011997-2001 but declined by his third term, particularly due to controversial decisions like the Iraq War.

The concept of "PM coattails" demonstrates how popular leaders can influence broader electoral success.

Vocabulary: "PM coattails" refers to the phenomenon where a popular prime minister helps elect MPs from constituencies that wouldn't typically support their party.


<h2 id="largemajority">Large Majority</h2>
<p>Prime Ministers with a large majority in the House of Commons can afford to dismiss rebels an

Prime Ministerial Authority and Parliamentary Support

The effectiveness of powers of the prime minister depends significantly on parliamentary composition and support base. New MPs often provide stronger support for prime ministerial initiatives.

Example: The 1983 and 1995 elections saw Thatcher and Blair respectively winning seats in traditionally opposing areas, though this support later declined as their reputations diminished.

Highlight: The presence of numerous new MPs typically helps maintain prime ministerial authority, as these members often feel greater loyalty to the leader who helped secure their election.

The power of patronage prime minister exercises becomes more effective with a larger and more diverse parliamentary majority, enabling greater control over party discipline and policy implementation.


<h2 id="largemajority">Large Majority</h2>
<p>Prime Ministers with a large majority in the House of Commons can afford to dismiss rebels an

Factors Affecting Prime Ministerial Power: Parliamentary Majority

The extent of a prime minister's power is significantly influenced by their parliamentary majority. When a PM has a substantial majority in the House of Commons, they can effectively manage dissent and maintain control over policy direction.

Example: Margaret Thatcher and Tony Blair experienced only four defeats in the House of Commons, while Jimmy Callaghan's minority government 1976791976-79 suffered 34 defeats.

Highlight: Large majorities can lead to what some describe as 'presidential' style governance, where the PM faces fewer parliamentary constraints.

The relationship between the cabinet and the prime minister is also shaped by party unity. A cohesive party provides crucial support for bold decision-making.

Example: The Conservative Party's unity behind Thatcher 1983901983-90 and Labour's support for Blair in his first two terms demonstrated how party cohesion enhances prime ministerial authority.



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Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

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This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

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Sudenaz Ocak

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In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

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very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

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I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

 

Politics

305

28 Sept 2025

3 pages

Understanding the Power of the Prime Minister and Cabinet in Politics

user profile picture

Deja Sarge

@haddejax

The role and powers of the prime minister and their relationship with the cabinet is significantly influenced by various political and electoral factors. The balance of power between these institutions shapes British governance.

  • A strong parliamentary majority enables greater prime... Show more


<h2 id="largemajority">Large Majority</h2>
<p>Prime Ministers with a large majority in the House of Commons can afford to dismiss rebels an

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Join milions of students

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Electoral Mandate and Government Experience

The strength of a prime ministerial government vs cabinet government dynamic is significantly influenced by electoral mandate and government experience. First-term governments often enjoy distinct advantages in implementing their agenda.

Definition: A "honeymoon period" refers to the initial phase of a new government where they can attribute problems to their predecessors and face less scrutiny.

Example: Tony Blair's authority peaked during his first term 199720011997-2001 but declined by his third term, particularly due to controversial decisions like the Iraq War.

The concept of "PM coattails" demonstrates how popular leaders can influence broader electoral success.

Vocabulary: "PM coattails" refers to the phenomenon where a popular prime minister helps elect MPs from constituencies that wouldn't typically support their party.


<h2 id="largemajority">Large Majority</h2>
<p>Prime Ministers with a large majority in the House of Commons can afford to dismiss rebels an

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Prime Ministerial Authority and Parliamentary Support

The effectiveness of powers of the prime minister depends significantly on parliamentary composition and support base. New MPs often provide stronger support for prime ministerial initiatives.

Example: The 1983 and 1995 elections saw Thatcher and Blair respectively winning seats in traditionally opposing areas, though this support later declined as their reputations diminished.

Highlight: The presence of numerous new MPs typically helps maintain prime ministerial authority, as these members often feel greater loyalty to the leader who helped secure their election.

The power of patronage prime minister exercises becomes more effective with a larger and more diverse parliamentary majority, enabling greater control over party discipline and policy implementation.


<h2 id="largemajority">Large Majority</h2>
<p>Prime Ministers with a large majority in the House of Commons can afford to dismiss rebels an

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Factors Affecting Prime Ministerial Power: Parliamentary Majority

The extent of a prime minister's power is significantly influenced by their parliamentary majority. When a PM has a substantial majority in the House of Commons, they can effectively manage dissent and maintain control over policy direction.

Example: Margaret Thatcher and Tony Blair experienced only four defeats in the House of Commons, while Jimmy Callaghan's minority government 1976791976-79 suffered 34 defeats.

Highlight: Large majorities can lead to what some describe as 'presidential' style governance, where the PM faces fewer parliamentary constraints.

The relationship between the cabinet and the prime minister is also shaped by party unity. A cohesive party provides crucial support for bold decision-making.

Example: The Conservative Party's unity behind Thatcher 1983901983-90 and Labour's support for Blair in his first two terms demonstrated how party cohesion enhances prime ministerial authority.

We thought you’d never ask...

What is the Knowunity AI companion?

Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.

Where can I download the Knowunity app?

You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

Is Knowunity really free of charge?

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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user