What limits the Prime Minister's (UK) power?

Firstly, parliament is full of elected officials who have their own personal mandates and therefore will act in the way they feel represents their constituents. This means their own party may not be loyal to them (e.g. over Theresa May's Brexit deal) and even more importantly the opposition can be very powerful and at times where there is a slim majority or none at all (e.g. following the 2017 general election) the Prime Minister will struggle to pursue her agenda. The PM is also blocked by precedents e.g. she can't go to war without a parliamentary vote. The PM will also be vulnerable to public opinion given the longest they can serve before a general election is five years. On top of this there are external limits for example treaties and organisations like the EU or NATO.

Answered by Chiara M. Politics tutor

3782 Views

See similar Politics A Level tutors

Related Politics A Level answers

All answers ▸

Do referendums enhance democracy?


I don't really understand Constitutional Conventions. Could you give an example?


What are the branches of government in the UK and what are their key functions?


Briefly outline some of the difficulties third parties in the U.S face when trying to secure electoral campaign funding.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo
Cookie Preferences