Has the Role of the Prime Minister Become More Presidential?
Tran Luu Truc Anh (Ann) AS Politics – Homework
Has the role of the Prime Minister become more presidential?
There is an argument that the Prime Minister dominates in the British Political system. The British traditional system has moved away from the “cabinet government” model to a “prime ministerial government” model. But there is a different question concerning about the role and importance of the Prime Minister. Does the role of the PM become more presidential?
Firstly, Prime Minister is the leader of his party in the House of Commons and the head of the government. However, in fact, the Prime Minister has come to be, not legally the Head of State, the leader of the nation, irrespective of party allegiance. It means that in time of difficulty, emergency or crisis such as war or terrorist threats, the country can unite behind its head of government. Although the Head of State is held by the monarch, but it is just ceremonial. The true power lies on the Prime Minister. It can be argued that there has been a long term seeing the prime minister of the day rather than the monarch as national leader. Moreover, the undoubted growth in the important of foreign and military affairs has contributed to a presidential ‘feel’ for the office of the Prime Minister. When the Head of Government has to negotiate with foreign powers, attend international conferences, negotiate treaties, conduct wars and meet visiting dignitaries, he is bound to appear presidential. In large conference he will be seen rubbing shoulders with the president of France or USA who represent their countries on these occasions. For example: Margaret Thatcher with Ronald Reagan, Tony Blair with Bill Clinton and George Bush. All forged close links with the US president.
Media plays a very important role in the change of role of the Prime Minister. It is the proliferation of news and current affairs of programme, the arrival of 24-hours news, and the use of technology which allowed instant
Has the role of the Prime Minister become more presidential?
There is an argument that the Prime Minister dominates in the British Political system. The British traditional system has moved away from the “cabinet government” model to a “prime ministerial government” model. But there is a different question concerning about the role and importance of the Prime Minister. Does the role of the PM become more presidential?
Firstly, Prime Minister is the leader of his party in the House of Commons and the head of the government. However, in fact, the Prime Minister has come to be, not legally the Head of State, the leader of the nation, irrespective of party allegiance. It means that in time of difficulty, emergency or crisis such as war or terrorist threats, the country can unite behind its head of government. Although the Head of State is held by the monarch, but it is just ceremonial. The true power lies on the Prime Minister. It can be argued that there has been a long term seeing the prime minister of the day rather than the monarch as national leader. Moreover, the undoubted growth in the important of foreign and military affairs has contributed to a presidential ‘feel’ for the office of the Prime Minister. When the Head of Government has to negotiate with foreign powers, attend international conferences, negotiate treaties, conduct wars and meet visiting dignitaries, he is bound to appear presidential. In large conference he will be seen rubbing shoulders with the president of France or USA who represent their countries on these occasions. For example: Margaret Thatcher with Ronald Reagan, Tony Blair with Bill Clinton and George Bush. All forged close links with the US president.
Media plays a very important role in the change of role of the Prime Minister. It is the proliferation of news and current affairs of programme, the arrival of 24-hours news, and the use of technology which allowed instant