UK Government Structure & Policy Flashcards
6 cards from real FAST STREAM practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 UK Government Structure & Policy flashcards as text
What is the constitutional significance of the Sewel Convention?
Answer: The UK Parliament will not normally legislate on devolved matters without the consent of the devolved legislatures
The Sewel Convention (now in statute for Scotland) means Westminster normally seeks legislative consent from devolved legislatures before legislating on devolved matters.
Which of the following is a function of the Cabinet Office?
Answer: Supporting the Prime Minister and Cabinet, coordinating government policy across departments
The Cabinet Office supports collective government decision-making and coordinates cross-departmental work. The other functions belong to DHSC, the Home Office and DWP respectively.
What is the purpose of the Ministerial Code?
Answer: To set out the standards of conduct expected of ministers, including their relationship with civil servants
The Ministerial Code governs the behaviour of ministers, including their responsibilities to Parliament, Cabinet, and civil servants. The Civil Service Code governs civil servants.
In the UK, which document sets out the spending plans of government departments for a given period?
Answer: The Spending Review
The Spending Review (now the Spending Review and sometimes Multiyear Spending Review) allocates resource and capital budgets to departments over a set period.
What is the role of a Special Adviser (SpAd)?
Answer: A political appointee who advises ministers on policy and communications, exempt from normal civil service rules on impartiality
SpAds are temporary civil servants who can offer political advice to ministers. They are exempt from the impartiality requirement but are governed by the Code of Conduct for Special Advisers.
Which of the following best describes the 'Osmotherly Rules'?
Answer: Guidance on how civil servants should give evidence to parliamentary select committees
The Osmotherly Rules (formally 'Guidance on Select Committees') govern how officials give evidence to committees, including what they can and cannot say.