The Cabinet: Structure and Functions in UK Government

Question 1

Which of the following is NOT a primary function of the Cabinet?

Accepted Answer

To hold the government to account

Answer

To advise the Prime Minister

Answer

To make decisions on behalf of the government

Answer

To implement government policy

Question 2

Which factor plays a key role in shaping decisions made by the Cabinet?

Accepted Answer

Collective responsibility

Answer

Individual ministerial accountability

Answer

Exclusive influence of the Prime Minister's views

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT a function of the Cabinet?

Accepted Answer

Judicial review

Answer

Implementation of policy

Answer

Policy development

Answer

Coordination of government departments

Question 4

Who is the head of the Cabinet?

Accepted Answer

Prime Minister

Answer

Home Secretary

Answer

Chancellor of the Exchequer

Answer

Lord Chancellor

Question 5

What is the role of the Cabinet Secretary?

Accepted Answer

To provide administrative support to the Cabinet and Prime Minister

Answer

To advise the Prime Minister on policy matters

Answer

To chair Cabinet meetings

Question 6

What is the difference between a 'Cabinet meeting' and a 'shadow cabinet'?

Accepted Answer

A shadow cabinet is a group of senior opposition politicians who scrutinize the government's policies

Answer

A shadow cabinet is a group of government ministers who are responsible for a specific policy area

Question 7

Which of the following is a key principle of the Cabinet system?

Accepted Answer

Collective responsibility

Answer

Judicial independence

Answer

Representative democracy

Answer

Separation of powers

Question 8

What is the role of the Lord Chancellor within the Cabinet?

Accepted Answer

To advise the government on legal matters and oversee the justice system

Answer

To chair Cabinet meetings

Answer

To represent the Cabinet in Parliament

Question 9

What is the significance of the 'Cabinet Manual'?

Accepted Answer

It is a guide to the conventions and rules that govern the operation of the Cabinet

Answer

It is a policy document that outlines the government's plans for the next parliament

Answer

It is a legal document that sets out the powers and responsibilities of the Cabinet

Question 10

Which of the following is NOT a function of the Cabinet?

Accepted Answer

To enact legislation directly

Answer

To coordinate the work of government departments

Answer

To advise the Prime Minister

Answer

To develop government policy

Question 11

Who presides over Cabinet meetings?

Accepted Answer

Prime Minister

Answer

Lord Chancellor

Answer

Chancellor of the Exchequer

Answer

Lord Privy Seal

Question 12

What distinguishes a Cabinet Committee from a government department?

Accepted Answer

A Cabinet Committee is a temporary sub-group focused on specific policy areas, while a department is a permanent government entity with its own responsibilities.

Answer

A Cabinet Committee is responsible for developing policy, while a department is responsible for implementing it

Question 13

Who is responsible for advising the Prime Minister on the administration and functioning of the Cabinet?

Accepted Answer

Cabinet Secretary

Answer

Minister for the Cabinet Office

Answer

Chairman of the Cabinet

Question 14

Who has the sole authority to appoint and dismiss Cabinet ministers?

Accepted Answer

The Prime Minister

Answer

The Leader of the Opposition

Answer

The Monarch

Answer

The Parliament

Question 15

What is the main function of the Cabinet?

Accepted Answer

To develop, implement, and oversee government policy.

Answer

To provide advice to the Prime Minister.

Answer

To represent the UK internationally.

Answer

To oversee the work of government departments.

Question 16

Which of the following is NOT a potential benefit of collective Cabinet responsibility?

Accepted Answer

It enables individual ministers to publicly dissent from government policy without consequence.

Answer

It promotes a sense of unity and solidarity within the government.

Answer

It ensures that all ministers are accountable for government decisions.

Question 17

How is the Cabinet held responsible to the UK Parliament?

Accepted Answer

Through Prime Minister's Questions and departmental select committees.

Answer

Through general elections every five years.

Answer

Through judicial review by the courts.

Question 18

In what ways does the Cabinet endeavor to maintain secrecy and confidentiality?

Accepted Answer

By conducting meetings in private and utilizing secure communication channels.

Answer

By prohibiting ministers from publishing memoirs or making public speeches.

Answer

By refusing to respond to inquiries from the media and the public.

Question 19

Which of the following is NOT a key function of the Cabinet in the UK government?

Accepted Answer

Appointing judges to the Supreme Court

Answer

Developing and implementing government policy

Answer

Advising the Prime Minister on matters of national importance

Answer

Providing collective responsibility for government decisions

Question 20

The principle of collective responsibility in the Cabinet means that:

Accepted Answer

Ministers must publicly support government decisions, even if they disagree privately.

Answer

The Cabinet is not accountable to Parliament for its actions.

Answer

Ministers are individually responsible for their own departments' actions.

Question 21

Which of the following is an example of a Cabinet committee?

Accepted Answer

The National Security Council

Answer

The Privy Council

Answer

The Supreme Court

Answer

The House of Lords

Question 22

How is the composition of the Cabinet determined?

Accepted Answer

The Prime Minister appoints ministers based on their experience, skills, and political loyalty.

Answer

Parliament votes on the composition of the Cabinet.

Answer

The Monarch appoints ministers based on the recommendations of Parliament.

Question 23

Which of the following statements BEST describes the relationship between the Cabinet and Parliament?

Accepted Answer

The Cabinet is accountable to Parliament and must answer to its scrutiny.

Answer

The Cabinet is independent of Parliament and does not have to answer to its authority.

Answer

Parliament is subordinate to the Cabinet and must follow its decisions.

Question 24

The Cabinet's role in policy development involves:

Accepted Answer

Discussing, debating, and approving policy proposals before they are implemented.

Answer

Only implementing policies that have been approved by Parliament.

Answer

Dictating policy decisions to government departments.

Question 25

In the UK system, the Prime Minister's power is derived primarily from:

Accepted Answer

The support of a majority of members of Parliament.

Answer

The authority granted by the Monarch.

Answer

The strength of the Prime Minister's personal popularity.

Question 26

Which of the following is a potential consequence of a Cabinet minister resigning?

Accepted Answer

It can weaken the Prime Minister's authority and lead to a loss of confidence in the government.

Answer

It automatically triggers a general election.

Answer

It leads to the dissolution of Parliament.

Question 27

A key difference between the Cabinet in the UK and the presidential cabinet in the US is:

Accepted Answer

UK Cabinet members are typically members of Parliament, while US Cabinet members are not.

Answer

The UK Cabinet is appointed by the Monarch, while the US Cabinet is appointed by the President.

Answer

The UK Cabinet is responsible for foreign policy, while the US Cabinet is responsible for domestic policy.

Question 28

How does the Cabinet's role in policy implementation differ from its role in policy development?

Accepted Answer

The Cabinet's role in implementation involves overseeing the execution of policies by government departments, while its role in development involves formulating and approving policies.

Answer

The Cabinet has no role in implementation; this is solely the responsibility of government departments.