Chapter 9 Self-test questions

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. Which of the following are part of the Ministerial Code? Please select all that apply.

The principle of collective responsibility applies to all Government Ministers. correct incorrect

Ministers must not use government resources for Party political purposes. correct incorrect

Ministers must ensure that no conflict arises, or appears to arise, between their public duties and private interests. correct incorrect

There are no circumstances in which ministers can refuse to disclose information to Parliament or the public. correct incorrect

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. The Ministerial Code has the status of constitutional law.

True correct incorrect

False correct incorrect

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. The Independent Adviser on Ministers' Interests is a non-partisan individual appointed by the Prime Minister to advise him on adherence with the Ministerial Code.

True correct incorrect

False correct incorrect

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. What does the convention of individual ministerial responsibility mean? Please select all that apply.

Ministers can be held to account only for their individual policies, decisions and actions. They are not accountable for the policies, decisions and actions of their departments and agencies. correct incorrect

Ministers must provide full and accurate information to Parliament about events and developments within their sphere of accountability unless the public interest prevents such disclosure. correct incorrect

Ministers must respond to errors by apologising, undertaking appropriate amendatory action and exceptionally, resigning in light of grave failings. correct incorrect

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. Since ministers are accountable to Parliament whereas civil servants are non-partisan, civil servants working in government departments cannot be required to directly give evidence before Parliamentary Select Committees.

True correct incorrect

False correct incorrect

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. What, according to the House of Commons Public Administration Select Committee, are the reasons for rejecting Michael Howard's suggestion that ministers and civil servants should each be held accountable for the decisions that they have taken? Please select all that apply.

Civil servants generally make decisions only under the direction of or after consulting with ministers. correct incorrect

The current conventions about civil service relationship to Parliament prevent transparency about which decisions were taken by whom in most cases. correct incorrect

This produces a division of the civil servants' loyalties between the executive and legislature. correct incorrect

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. What does the convention of collective Cabinet responsibility mean? Please select all that apply.

A minister who does not publicly support government policy is expected to resign. correct incorrect

A minister can express dissent and remain in Cabinet as long as he expresses his disagreement only outside Parliament. correct incorrect

Ministers must maintain the confidentiality of discussions which take place in Cabinet meetings. correct incorrect

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. The principle of collective ministerial responsibility affords no exceptions in principle.

True correct incorrect

False correct incorrect

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. What are the key practical mechanisms through which ministerial accountability is achieved? Please select all that apply.

Select committees correct incorrect

Arm's Length Bodies correct incorrect

Parliamentary questions correct incorrect

Parliamentary debates correct incorrect

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. Select Committees are partisan.

True correct incorrect

False correct incorrect