Executive Leadership in Government
This topic deals with the role of the Cabinet in Westminster parliamentary systems of government. Students learn about the role of the Prime Minister, other Cabinet Ministers and the relationship between these officials and the government bureaucracy.
Topic Learning Outcome: Upon mastering this topic, students will be able to clearly explain the role of the Cabinet in a Westminster parliamentary system. They will understand the role of the Prime Minister and other Cabinet Ministers, and will be able to explain the relationships between the Cabinet and the bureaucracy as well as the Cabinet and the legislature.
Core Concepts associated with this Topic: Emergency Management; Prime Minister; Cabinet; Memorandum to Cabinet.
Recommended Reading
University of Ottawa API 5116 Democratic Governance and Public Management
David Johnson (2011), "Thinking Government: Public Administration and Politics in Canada," 3rd edition, Toronto, University of Toronto Press. Chapters 3 and 4.
Donald Savoie (2010), “Revisiting Governing from the Centre”, in Power: Where Is It?, Montreal and Kingston, McGill-Queen’s University Press, 129-151.
Eoin O’Malley (2007), “Setting Choices, Controlling Outcomes: The Operation of Prime Ministerial Influence and the UK’s Decision to Invade Iraq”, British Journal of Politics and International Relations, vol. 9, 1-19.
Peter Riddell, Zoe Gruhn, and Liz Carolan (2011), "The Challenge of Being a Minister," London, Institute of Government, London, Institute of Government, 14-22.
Sample Assessment Questions:
1.) What is the role of the Prime Minister in the Westminster parliamentary system? What is meant by the term "primus inter pares?"
2.) What is the cabinet? What is the role of the cabinet in the Westminster parliamentary system?
3.) What does the term "responsible government" mean? Explain this concept with reference to the relationship between the cabinet and the legislature.
Page Created By: Matthew Seddon, 11 August 2013; edited by Sean Goertzen and Ben Eisen on 6 May 2015.