Subjects:
The cabinet is at the apex of machinery of government as the central
controlling body of the executive. It has a dual purpose - it is both
administrative and a political unit brining together policy formulation and
policy implementation at the highest level. As the cabinet is comprised of
between 20 and 24 senior ministers, who are selected by the Prime Minister,
it is imperative that when appointing his cabinet, his decision is governed by
political and administrative considerations. Politically the heads of the main
spending departments will be included as they contribute to and implement
government policy as it effects their own area. Theoretically a Prime Minister
will also balance the Cabinet to ensure all shades of party opinion have an
outlet at the highest level. In practice, both Margaret Thatcher after 1983 and
John Major from 1995 tended to balance their cabinets to the right and center
. . .
able to maintain authority. Cabinet
Committees provide a framework for collective consideration of and decisions
on, major policy issues and issues of significant public interest.
Cabinet Committees relieve the pressure on Cabinet itself by settling
business in a smaller forum or at a lower level. Inclusion of
opposing ministers is also considered as in cabinet they are unable to
publicly voice disagreement as a result of collective responsibility. Some Cabinet Committees have Sub-Committees.
Non-contentious issues can generally be agreed in correspondence. Finally there are also
consultative committees where matters are discussed with others outside the
UK Government. Committees enable decisions
to be fully considered by those Ministers most closely concerned in a way
that ensures that Government as a whole can be expected to accept
responsibility for them. Groups, normally set up
to carry out a particular task, or through ad hoc meetings, which are generally
informal groups that cannot make binding decisions. Loyalty and therefore close allies of the Prime Minister are likely
candidates of the cabinet as the Prime Minister must seem invariably ‘on
message’ and in agreement with decisions, views and policy in order to
maintain collective responsibility and a defiant public image.
These tend to focus on a narrower range of issues than the full committee,
taking forward work on key areas. the chancellor, as the economic
dominion is frequently inclusive in much of the policy decision making
process.
Essay's Topics
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