10-02-2026

Question	Point	Type	Description
Explain and analyse three features of cabinet government	Collective Ministerial Responsibility	Example	Theresa May’s Cabinet (Brexit): Deep divisions led to the resignation of Boris Johnson and David Davis after the Chequers plan.
Focus on how the cabinet is supposed to present a united front.		AO2	Theoretically ensures government unity and clarity for the public → however, when ideological divisions are too deep (e.g., Leave vs Remain), the convention collapses, paralysing the government.
	Cabinet subordination to the PM (Presidentialism)	Example	Tony Blair (Iraq) or Thatcher (Poll Tax): Blair used “sofa government” to bypass the full cabinet on Iraq; Thatcher forced the Poll Tax through despite warnings.
Focus on the power dynamic shifting away from the cabinet.		AO2	Allows for decisive leadership and quick decisions → but removes vital scrutiny, leading to “bad” policy choices (Poll Tax riots, Iraq Intel failure) because the executive is unchecked.
	Ultimate source of political authority (Kingmakers)	Example	Thatcher’s Downfall: Despite her dominance, when she lost the first leadership ballot, her cabinet withdrew support, forcing her resignation.
Focus on the cabinet’s ability to remove the PM.		AO2	Proves the PM is technically “primus inter pares” (first among equals) → The cabinet is usually compliant, but acts as the ultimate safety valve to remove a leader who becomes an electoral liability.