To what extent is the Prime Minister free from effective political constraints?

The best way to tackle these questions is to establish two points that support the argument in the question and two points against. Although this is more than you could probably write under exam conditions, its always good to cover all your bases. Another tip when planning these essay questions is to try and come up with arguments that flow from one another. To answer this question for example:FOR: the decrease in the use of cabinet PM's prerogative when to call cabinet and not toPM also in charge of agenda for cabinet meetings example: Blair's 'sofa government'. He reduced the formality of cabinet meetings Conclusion: cabinet becomes a subordinate policy-making office to that of the PM, freeing him from its constraintAGAINST: the theory of Cabinet Government Blair's example speaks more about his own character than the effectiveness of gov. constraintsconstitutional checks and balances still in place to guarantee PM isn't completely freePM 'first' in name only, cabinet underpinned by collective responsibilitycertain Cabinet ministers hold significant powerExample: Blair's reputation and legitimacy significantly crushed by resignation of ministers Cook and Short in 2003 which ultimately led to his resignation in 2007 (loss of support)FOR: the use of the mediaA PM's use of the media can be of great use to increase their powerincrease in significance of personal mandate and character of the leader during election timealso increase in focus on harnessing the mediaExample: use of 'spin doctors'. Alastair Campbell worked as Blair's chief press secretary Example: PMQs. PM spokesperson for the gov., increasingly televised, places greater emphasis on PM as an individualAGAINST: party constraintshowever, the PM's party's support is still a crucial constraint on their powervote of no confidence Example: Cameron calling the EU referendum due to increasing splits within the Conservative party