Government Departments
The Cabinet and the Prime Minister
The central institution, the core of the British Government is the Cabinet. The Cabinet is composed of about 20 ministers personally selected by the Prime Minister. Cabinet-making is a very important part of a Prime Minister’s job and a Cabinet remains very much the expression of Prime Minister’s personality. He not only appoints ministers but can require their resignation. He can replace a minister or break up th
entire Cabinet. He controls the agenda of business to be dealt with at Cabinet meetings. He can dissolve the House of Commons and thus bring about a General Election at any time.
The Prime Minister can introduce peers, and if necessary make peers, and he can demote his rivals.
The policy of ministers must be in agreement with the policy of the Government as a whole and each minister is expected to support it. If he cannot agree with Cabinet's policy or if he lost the confidence of the majority of his colleagues a Cabinet minister has no choice but to resign.
The Cabinet is the most powerful organ of government in Britain. The Cabinet of Ministers introduces legislation, controls finance, arranges the time-table of the House of Parliament, conducts foreign affairs, controls the colonies, exercises supervision over every department of administration. Much of the work of the Cabinet is done through committees. The Cabinet is constitutionally responsible to Parliament and can be forced to resign but in practice it is the Cabinet that dominates Parliament. Its ministers are front-benchers in Parliament. The final decision on all the questions of policy rests with the Cabinet.
These are the key Government Departments:
Her Majesty's Treasury is responsible for formulating and putting into effect the UK Government's financial and economy policy. The Treasury works to achieve economic stability, low inflation, sound public finances, efficient public services and a more productive economy. The Minister in charge is the Chancellor of the Exchequer. The Prime Minister is its political head.
Most Cabinet ministers are heads of Government Departments. Governing in the 21st century is a very complicated business. The work of Government is, therefore, divided among Departments, each specializing in a particular subject, e.g. defence, education, trade and industry. The number and responsibilities of Government Departments can be changed by the Prime Minister according to the needs of the country.
The Cabinet Office supports the Prime Minister in ensuring that the government delivers its priorities, particularly in relation to health, education, transport and crime policies. It provides secretarial support to the Cabinet and services Cabinet committees, where ministers work together on key issues. It also provides practical advice and support on the machinery of government.
The Home Office is responsible for internal affairs in England and Wales. It seeks to promote a safe, just and tolerant society through its policies to reduce crime,
deliver justice and regulate entry to the United Kingdom. It is headed by the Home Secretary.
The Ministry of Defence provides the defence capabilities to ensure the security and defence of the United Kingdom and the Overseas Territories. It supports the government's foreign policy objectives, particularly those relating to peace and security. It is headed by the Secretary of State for Defence.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office promotes UK interests abroad and works with international bodies to support a strong world community. The FCO is responsible for the conduct of business with other governments and international organisations. This includes developing Britain's role as a member of the European Union, the Commonwealth and the United Nations Organisation. The Minister responsible is the Foreign Secretary.
The above list is not comprehensive. There are several other lesser known ministries.
The ministers in charge of Departments are usually of Cabinet rank. They are chosen for their special knowledge of the subjects handled by the Department. They are usually assisted by one or more junior ministers who are not in the Cabinet. The majority of the Government members belong to the House of Commons, but major Departments often have at least one minister who is a Lord. While ministers act as political heads of Government Departments, the actual administration of the departments is carried out by civil servants also known as permanent secretaries.
As well as government departments there are government agencies formed to operate public services, e.g., the Post Office, British Rail, etc. Most of these agencies are subject to the control of one of the government departments.