'The Cabinet is the most important limitation on Prime Ministerial power' - Edexcel - A-Level Politics - Question 3 - 2017 - Paper 2

1. Policy Approval: The Cabinet is responsible for approving all major policy decisions, including critical national matters such as troop deployments. This ensures a check on the Prime Minister's unilateral decisions.

2. Coordination of Policy: The Cabinet serves as a key coordinator of government policy. The Prime Minister cannot manage government affairs without Cabinet scheduling, indicating a division of power.

3. Forum for Debate: The Cabinet is a crucial platform for discussion, allowing the Prime Minister to understand departmental management better and to gain insights into how ministers approach their responsibilities.

4. Cabinet's Role During Coalitions: In coalition contexts, such as from 2010 to 2015, the Prime Minister faced limitations from within the Cabinet, signifying that internal dynamics can restrict executive power.

1. Eclipsing Cabinet Power: The growth of Prime Ministerial power has overshadowed the Cabinet. Modern Prime Ministers often dominate the agenda, rendering the Cabinet less influential in decision-making.

2. Party Dynamics: The internal politics of the party can limit the effectiveness of Cabinet discussions. If a Prime Minister fails to maintain support from the party, their authority can significantly weaken.

3. Electorate Influence: Public opinion plays an increasingly critical role. A loss of support from the electorate can hasten the end of a Prime Minister's tenure, suggesting that external factors may be more limiting than Cabinet dynamics.

4. Judicial Oversight: Legal frameworks, such as those illustrated in the Gina Miller case, can impose restrictions on the Prime Minister's power, showcasing alternatives to cabinet-based limitations.

In conclusion, while the Cabinet historically serves as a significant limitation on Prime Ministerial power, contemporary dynamics suggest that this may not be the sole or most critical constraint. The evolution of political power structures indicates that external pressures, party loyalty, and public relations play vital roles in shaping Prime Ministerial authority.