10.1.2 Main Roles of the Executive: Proposing Legislation, Budget, and Policy Decisions

Overview

The executive branch of the UK government is responsible for the day-to-day administration and enforcement of laws. Key roles of the executive include proposing legislation, proposing a budget, and making policy decisions within the framework of laws and budget constraints. The power of the executive, particularly the Prime Minister, can fluctuate due to various factors, including political scandals, economic crises, and legal challenges.

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1. Proposing Legislation

1.1. Formulation and Introduction

• The executive formulates new laws and policies, which are then introduced to Parliament for debate and approval.

1.2. Legislative Agenda

• The Prime Minister and the Cabinet set the legislative agenda, prioritizing bills that align with the government's policy goals.

1.3. Power Dynamics

• The effectiveness of proposing legislation can be affected by political events and the executive's standing.

Evaluation

• Scandals like Partygate decrease the PM's power, leading to a loss of support within their party and cabinet resignations. Johnson's eventual resignation was partly due to the erosion of his authority.

Evaluation: The difficulty in passing contentious legislation, especially when facing opposition from both houses of Parliament, shows how executive power can be moderated through legislative processes.

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2. Proposing a Budget

2.1. Budget Formulation

• The Chancellor of the Exchequer, a key member of the Cabinet, is responsible for proposing the budget, which outlines government spending and revenue generation.

2.2. Economic Policy

• The budget reflects the government's economic policy and priorities, aiming to manage inflation, employment, and public services funding.

Evaluation

• Economic mismanagement, such as Truss's mini-budget, can lead to rapid political fallout, including the sacking of key ministers like Kwasi Kwarteng and resignations within the Cabinet, culminating in Truss's own resignation after just over a month in office. Example: During the cost-of-living crisis in 2022-2023, the government's response, including energy price caps and targeted support for vulnerable households, faced criticism for being insufficient and poorly timed. This led to public dissatisfaction and loss of political capital.

Evaluation: The ability to effectively manage economic crises is crucial for maintaining executive power. Failure to do so, as seen with the mishandling of economic relief measures, can lead to a significant loss of public and parliamentary support, weakening the executive's position.

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3. Making Policy Decisions

3.1. Policy Implementation

• The executive implements policies based on the approved budget and legislation. This includes managing public services, national security, and international relations.

3.2. Legal and Budget Constraints

• Policy decisions must operate within the constraints of existing laws and the allocated budget. This includes responding to judicial rulings and parliamentary oversight.
• Example: The Supreme Court ruling in 2019 that Boris Johnson's prorogation of Parliament for five weeks was unlawful, thwarting his plan to limit parliamentary debate on Brexit.

3.3. Checks and Balances

• Tools such as PMQs and parliamentary rebellions can challenge and limit the executive's power.

Evaluation

• The Prime Minister's power can be significantly curtailed by legal rulings, parliamentary scrutiny, and internal party dissent. The Supreme Court ruling against Johnson's prorogation and the parliamentary rebellions showcase these checks on executive power.

Evaluation: Legal challenges and public opinion can significantly impact the executive's ability to implement controversial policies. This example highlights how judicial reviews and societal reactions serve as crucial checks on executive power.

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4. Internal Party Dynamics

4.1. Leadership Challenges

Evaluation

• Internal party dynamics and leadership challenges can destabilize the executive, as seen with Sunak's efforts to consolidate support and manage factional disputes within the Conservative Party. A fragmented party can limit the executive's ability to govern effectively.

4.2. Ministerial Resignations

Evaluation

• High-profile ministerial resignations, especially under controversial circumstances, undermine the authority of the Prime Minister and can lead to a broader crisis of confidence within the executive.

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5. Public Perception and Media Influence

5.1. Media Scrutiny

Evaluation

• Media influence is a powerful factor in shaping public perception and political fortunes. Persistent negative coverage can erode public trust and support for the executive, as seen with Johnson's diminished authority and eventual resignation.

5.2. Public Opinion

Evaluation

• Public opinion is critical in maintaining the executive's legitimacy. Poor management of key public services can lead to widespread dissatisfaction, reducing the executive's effectiveness and authority.

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Conclusion

The executive branch, led by the Prime Minister, plays a crucial role in proposing legislation, managing the budget, and making policy decisions. However, its power is not absolute and can be significantly influenced by political scandals, economic decisions, legal constraints, and parliamentary dynamics. Recent events, such as the Partygate scandal, Liz Truss's short tenure, and Supreme Court interventions, illustrate the challenges and limitations faced by the executive in the UK's political system.