18 concepts the spec wants you to use precisely, drawn from the Panther database. Read them, then test yourself.
In test mode, tap a concept to reveal its definition.
The concepts
Cabinet(tap to reveal)- The most senior group of ministers, chaired by the Prime Minister, who collectively make major government decisions.
Cabinet committee(tap to reveal)- A smaller group of ministers handling a specific policy area before it goes to the full Cabinet.
Cabinet government(tap to reveal)- A system of government where the Cabinet as a group makes the key decisions, not just the PM.
Cabinet manual(tap to reveal)- The official rulebook for how Cabinet government and ministers should operate.
Cabinet office(tap to reveal)- The central department that keeps the government organised, coordinating work across all ministries.
Cabinet secretary(tap to reveal)- The top civil servant who runs the Cabinet Office and advises the PM on how government works.
Inner cabinet(tap to reveal)- The small group of ministers the PM actually trusts and consults most - not an official body.
Big Beasts(tap to reveal)- Senior Cabinet ministers powerful enough to challenge the PM - not just loyal supporters.
Bilateral meeting (PM-minister)(tap to reveal)- A one-to-one meeting between the Prime Minister and a minister to discuss that minister's department, often used instead of full Cabinet discussions.
Collective ministerial responsibility(tap to reveal)- The principle that all Cabinet ministers must publicly support government decisions, even if they disagreed with them in private.
Executive(tap to reveal)- The part of government responsible for running the country and implementing laws, including the Prime Minister, Cabinet, and departments.
Laissez-faire leader(tap to reveal)- A PM who lets ministers get on with their jobs and does not try to control everything from the centre.
Political executive(tap to reveal)- The elected government ministers and their political appointees, as opposed to the permanent civil service.
Presidentialism(tap to reveal)- The way UK PMs have started to act more like presidents - leading from the front as an individual.
Prime Minister's Office(tap to reveal)- The team of staff directly supporting the PM at Downing Street, including political advisers.
Primus inter pares(tap to reveal)- The idea that the PM is just the most senior minister, not a president above the Cabinet.
Royal prerogative(tap to reveal)- Powers traditionally belonging to the Monarch that are now exercised by the Prime Minister, such as declaring war or appointing ministers.
Sofa government(tap to reveal)- Blair's style of making key decisions in informal meetings rather than through the full Cabinet.