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Evaluate the view that the concepts of individual ministerial responsibility and collective ministerial responsibility are both important - Edexcel - A-Level Politics - Question 2 - 2022 - Paper 2
Question 2
Evaluate the view that the concepts of individual ministerial responsibility and collective ministerial responsibility are both important. In your answer you should... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Evaluate the view that the concepts of individual ministerial responsibility and collective ministerial responsibility are both important - Edexcel - A-Level Politics - Question 2 - 2022 - Paper 2
Step 1
Evaluate the view that collective ministerial responsibility (CMR) is still important.
Answer
Collective ministerial responsibility (CMR) creates a framework for fair expression of diverse views within the cabinet and fosters accountability.
Ministers must adhere to a common position after discussions, supporting strong leadership while allowing dissent earlier in deliberations. This mechanism reinforces accountability to Parliament, ensuring that ministers who oppose government policy must resign, exemplified by cases like David Davis and Boris Johnson during Brexit. CMR has demonstrated remarkable adaptability, even being temporarily suspended to address crises such as those experienced in 2016 with the Brexit referendum.
Step 2
Evaluate the view that individual ministerial responsibility (IMR) is significant.
Answer
Individual ministerial responsibility (IMR) places the onus on ministers for the actions of their departments. This principle ensures that ministers are directly accountable for their departmental conduct and actions to Parliament.
Current trends show that IMR remains essential, as seen through the expectations of ministers to uphold standards of behavior and ethical conduct. Instances of scandals or failures, such as those involving Robert Buckland and Michael Fallon, highlight that public accountability thrives within the framework of IMR, ensuring that ministers uphold the highest standards, especially under scrutiny from the media and public.
Step 3
Evaluate the view that both concepts face challenges.
Answer
Despite their importance, both CMR and IMR are encountering challenges in modern governance. CMR has been called into question as ministers exhibit increasing dissent in public, displaying weaknesses in supporting collective accountability. Additionally, the temporary suspensions of CMR have raised concerns about the strength and efficacy of this concept.
On the other hand, IMR is also facing scrutiny, as recent behaviors indicate that ministers are shifting the responsibility onto their departments instead of maintaining personal accountability. The lack of ministerial resignations in face of major departmental failures suggests a broader trend of evasion of responsibility, as seen in recent government crises.