The Executive Branch: Powers and Functions in Constitutional Law

Question 1

Who is the head of the Executive branch in the United Kingdom?

Accepted Answer

The Prime Minister

Answer

The Monarch

Answer

The Lord Chancellor

Answer

The Parliament

Question 2

How has the relationship between the Executive and Judiciary in the UK evolved over time?

Accepted Answer

The Judiciary has become increasingly independent

Answer

The Executive has gradually gained dominance

Answer

The relationship has remained largely unchanged

Answer

The Judiciary has been abolished

Question 3

Analyze the historical evolution of the UK's executive branch, explaining how it transitioned from royal prerogative to constitutional monarchy.

Accepted Answer

The historical evolution of the executive branch has influenced its role in the UK's constitutional system.

Answer

The executive branch has maintained its dominance in UK governance throughout history.

Answer

The shift from royal prerogative to constitutional monarchy was an abrupt event during the Glorious Revolution.

Answer

The executive branch's powers have remained unchanged since the establishment of the constitutional monarchy.

Question 4

The Royal Prerogative primarily provides the government with:

Accepted Answer

Powers that are not explicitly defined in statute

Answer

Absolute power over the country

Answer

A way to limit the authority of Parliament

Answer

A mechanism to protect individual rights

Question 5

Which of the following is NOT a power of the UK Prime Minister?

Accepted Answer

Appointing Supreme Court Justices

Answer

Dissolving Parliament

Answer

Appointing Cabinet Ministers

Answer

Leading the House of Commons

Question 6

The principle of 'collective responsibility' in the UK government refers to:

Accepted Answer

The Cabinet's unified public stance on government policies.

Answer

The Prime Minister's absolute authority over Cabinet decisions.

Answer

The obligation of all civil servants to follow the Prime Minister's orders.

Question 7

Which of the following statements accurately describes the relationship between the UK Parliament and the executive?

Accepted Answer

Parliament is ultimately responsible for holding the executive to account.

Answer

The executive is completely independent of Parliament and its decisions.

Answer

Parliament has the power to directly dismiss the Prime Minister.

Question 8

The 'Civil Service' in the UK refers to:

Accepted Answer

The permanent, non-partisan body of officials who advise and implement government policy.

Answer

Political advisors appointed by the Prime Minister.

Answer

Elected representatives who serve in the House of Commons.

Question 9

The 'Royal Prerogative' in the UK refers to:

Accepted Answer

The residual powers of the monarch that have not been explicitly delegated to Parliament.

Answer

The ability of the courts to review the actions of the executive.

Answer

The right of the Prime Minister to dissolve Parliament.

Question 10

Which of the following is NOT a key feature of the UK's 'fusion of powers' system?

Accepted Answer

Strict separation of legislative and executive functions.

Answer

The Prime Minister is also a member of Parliament.

Answer

Overlap between the executive and legislative branches.

Question 11

The concept of 'ministerial accountability' in the UK means:

Accepted Answer

Ministers are responsible to Parliament for their actions and decisions.

Answer

Ministers are appointed for life and cannot be dismissed by Parliament.

Answer

Ministers are immune from legal proceedings for their official actions.

Question 12

In the context of the UK executive, what is the primary role of the 'Cabinet Office'?

Accepted Answer

To provide support and coordination for the Cabinet and Prime Minister.

Answer

To adjudicate legal disputes and ensure compliance with the law.

Answer

To conduct foreign policy and represent the UK on the international stage.

Question 13

Which of the following is an example of a 'quasi-judicial' function of the UK executive?

Accepted Answer

The Home Secretary's decision on asylum applications.

Answer

The Parliament's debate on a new piece of legislation.

Answer

The Prime Minister's appointment of new Cabinet Ministers.

Question 14

Which of the following statements BEST reflects the current state of the UK's unwritten constitution?

Accepted Answer

It is a dynamic and evolving system based on precedent, convention, and statute law.

Answer

It is primarily based on common law and customary practices.

Answer

It is a rigid and unchanging set of rules contained in a single document.

Question 15

The Prime Minister is the head of which of the following bodies?

Accepted Answer

Cabinet

Answer

Judiciary

Answer

House of Commons

Answer

Government departments

Question 16

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

Accepted Answer

To make laws

Answer

To advise the Prime Minister

Answer

To oversee the work of government departments

Answer

To coordinate government policy

Question 17

The doctrine of ministerial responsibility dictates that:

Accepted Answer

Ministers are accountable to Parliament for the actions of their departments.

Answer

Civil servants are responsible for implementing government policy.

Answer

The Prime Minister is solely responsible for the actions of the government.

Question 18

Which of the following is a prerogative power of the Crown?

Accepted Answer

To declare war

Answer

To collect taxes

Answer

To appoint judges

Answer

To pass laws

Question 19

The separation of powers doctrine suggests that:

Accepted Answer

Power should be divided among different branches of government to prevent tyranny.

Answer

The executive, legislative, and judicial branches should have equal power.

Answer

The judiciary should be the most powerful branch of government.

Question 20

Which of the following is a criticism of the UK's constitutional arrangements?

Accepted Answer

The Prime Minister has too much power.

Answer

The judiciary is too independent.

Answer

The legislature is too weak.

Answer

The executive is not accountable to Parliament.

Question 21

The role of the Civil Service is to:

Accepted Answer

Provide impartial advice to ministers and implement government policy.

Answer

Make political decisions

Answer

Represent the interests of the public.

Question 22

Which of the following is a key feature of the UK's unwritten constitution?

Accepted Answer

It is based on conventions and precedents rather than a single written document.

Answer

It is more flexible than a written constitution.

Answer

It is easily amended.

Question 23

The relationship between the executive and the judiciary is characterized by:

Accepted Answer

Mutual respect and cooperation.

Answer

Subordination of the judiciary to the executive.

Answer

Complete independence.

Answer

Conflict and tension.

Question 24

The executive's power to make secondary legislation is known as:

Accepted Answer

Delegated legislation.

Answer

Subordinate legislation.

Answer

Tertiary legislation.

Answer

Primary legislation.