This task links to the Course Assessment Specification (CAS): The executive branch - the distribution of power & the policy-making function.

Watch the video above that outlines 8 broad functions of the UK PM, Boris Johnson.

Note that the video does not offer a critique or analysis of Johnson as a PM. The purpose of the video is simply to identify the role of the PM.

Once you have watched the video, I would like you to consider the following points and, if you can, offer your views as a comment below:

1. One of the most important roles that the PM has had to demonstrate in recent months is effective national leadership. Leading the country through the Covid-19 pandemic was, without doubt, a difficult task. The UN defines good governance as 'participatory, consensus oriented, accountable, transparent, responsive, effective and efficient, equitable and inclusive, and follows the rule of law. Furthermore, it seeks to ensure that corruption is minimised, the views of minorities are taken into account and that the voices of the most vulnerable in society are heard in decision-making. It is also responsive both to the present and future needs of society'. Using this definition, to what extent do you feel that Johnson has been effective in his national leadership during the pandemic?

2. The UK and USA have what is known as a 'special relationship'. The US Embassy in the UK states, 'The United States has no closer ally than the United Kingdom, and British foreign policy emphasises close coordination with the United States. Bilateral cooperation reflects the common language, ideals, and democratic practices of the two nations. Relations were strengthened by the United Kingdom’s alliance with the United States during both World Wars, in the Korean conflict, in the Persian Gulf War, in Operation Iraqi Freedom, and in Afghanistan, as well as through its role as a founding member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). The United Kingdom and the United States continually consult on foreign policy issues and global problems and share major foreign and security policy objectives.' Do you think that this relationship is important to maintain? What could be the downsides of such a relationship? What could be described as an advantage of this relationship to the UK and the USA? Is the relationship in decline?

Take a look at these articles for more detail on the relationship:

The Guardian

BBC News

Al Jazeera

Trump press conference