Chapter 3 Self-check questions

Chapter 3 Self-check questions

. Where does the government (the executive) derive its political and legal authority from?

. When did the civil service lay down its principles for meritocratic recruitment?

. Over time, the civil service and workforce alike have become more representative of the UK's population, in particular increasing the number of those from ethnic minorities. Which of the following percentages represents the number of senior civil servants from the ethnic minority category?

. What does the term Whitehall characterize?

. Ministers hold the legal authority to execute the decisions of government. Which of the following sources has not given ministers legal authority or powers?

. Through the successful operation of various Intelligence and Security Agencies, the government is able to tackle internal and external security threats. Certain ministers are also responsible for answering to Parliament on behalf of a said intelligence agency. Which minister accounts to Parliament on behalf of the internal agency, the security service (commonly, "MI5")?

. In exercising their political and legal authority, ministers must abide by certain principles, rules, and expectations. Which of the following sources contains this regulatory framework?

. How does the Civil Service remain politically neutral whilst still being supportive to whoever is in ministerial office?

. Which of the following mechanisms of government accountability is distinct from Parliament but linked to it?

. Heads of governmental departments and executive agencies normally assume the responsibilities of an Accounting Officer. This role is necessary to ensure the proper use of public finances and resources. However, on a more general level, who do Accounting Officers answer to?

. Which of the following roles and responsibilities does not cover the work of Special Advisors?

. Whilst the government set out an ambitious plan to overhaul and reform the Civil Service in 2012, only a compromise was ever implemented. Subsequently, in 2013, a follow-up paper was published, 'Civil Service Reform Plan: One Year On'. This report was evaluated by the House of Commons Public Administration Committee in 2014. Which of the following statements best characterizes the Committee's criticisms of the follow-up report?

. Given Artificial Intelligence's (AI) increasing capacity to learn and make decisions, consecutive governments have been keen to utilize and expand AI's capabilities. How was government funding first steered into the possible use of AI?

. Which of the following trends in the UK's system of governments best explains the creation of an increasing number of constitutional laws and documents (for instance, the Constitutional Renewal and Governance Act 2010, the Ministerial Code, and Civil Service code)?

. The UK Constitution is unique in a number of ways, especially in its 'unwritten' or 'uncodified' nature. What does this term mean?

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