General Article How government works

Topic Selected: Government Book Volume: 360
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In the UK, the Prime Minister leads the government with the support of the Cabinet and ministers.

Who runs government

The Prime Minister

The Prime Minister is the leader of Her Majesty’s Government and is ultimately responsible for all policy and decisions. The Prime Minister also:

  • oversees the operation of the Civil Service and government agencies
  • appoints members of the government
  • is the principal government figure in the House of Commons.

The Cabinet

The Cabinet is made up of the senior members of government. Every week during Parliament, members of the Cabinet (Secretaries of State from all departments and some other ministers) meet to discuss the most important issues for the government.

Ministers 

Ministers are chosen by the Prime Minister from the members of the House of Commons and House of Lords. They are responsible for the actions, successes and failures of their departments. 

How government is run

Departments and their agencies are responsible for putting government po...

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