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Difficulty: MediumThe Prime Minister and Cabinet

The Cabinet is a group of approximately 20 senior ministers who work with the Prime Minister to lead the government. According to the official handbook, what is expected of a Cabinet minister if they feel they cannot support a decision made by the government?

  1. They are expected to resign from their position in the CabinetAnswer
  2. B
    They should ask the Monarch to overrule the Prime Minister's decision
  3. C
    They must join the Shadow Cabinet to provide formal criticism
  4. D
    They are required to refer the matter to the House of Lords for a final vote

Answer

The minister is expected to resign from their position in the Cabinet
The correct answer is correct because the principle of collective responsibility dictates that all members of the Cabinet must support government policy in public. If a minister cannot reconcile their personal views with a Cabinet decision, the convention is that they must leave the government.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the rules governing Cabinet behavior
Cabinet members must maintain collective responsibility
The UK system requires the government to present a united front on all policy decisions.
2
Determine the consequence of breaking collective responsibility
Resignation is the standard procedure for a minister who cannot publicly support a government decision
This maintains the integrity of the government's leadership and policy implementation.

Key Concept

Cabinet Collective Responsibility
Estimated Time:45s
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Topics

The Prime Minister and Cabinet

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