All key facts
DefinitionTestable

The Cabinet is a group of senior ministers chosen by the PM to run key government departments

Related questions (4)

mediumsingle choice

What is the Cabinet?

All 650 MPs in the House of Commons

A group of senior ministers chosen by the PM to run key government departments

The opposition party's leadership team

The judges of the Supreme Court

Explanation

The Cabinet is a group of around 20 senior ministers chosen by the PM to head key government departments. Option C describes the Shadow Cabinet, not the Cabinet.

hardsingle choice

What is the role of Whips in Parliament?

To provide legal advice to MPs

To enforce party discipline and ensure members vote according to party policy

To chair parliamentary committees

To write new Bills for the government

Explanation

Whips are party officials who ensure members attend votes and follow the party line. A "three-line whip" is the strongest instruction. They do not write laws or chair committees.

hardsingle choice

What does "collective responsibility" mean for Cabinet members?

Each minister is only responsible for their own department

All Cabinet members must publicly support Cabinet decisions, even if they personally disagree

The PM makes all decisions alone

Cabinet members can publicly criticise government policy

Explanation

Collective responsibility means all Cabinet members must publicly support decisions, even if they personally disagree. If a minister cannot support a decision, they are expected to resign.

mediumsingle choice

What is the Shadow Cabinet?

A secret government committee

The senior team of the main opposition party that scrutinises the government

A group of retired Prime Ministers

The civil service leadership

Explanation

The Shadow Cabinet is the opposition party's team of senior members. Each shadow minister "shadows" a government minister, scrutinising their work and proposing alternatives.