I'm afraid I have to agree with comment made re: organisation. Constitutional Law (and Politics)is currently making up 50% of my credits. It's a core module in which the importance of effective structure of the Executive, Court System and the Constitution as a whole is constantly reiterated.
I could give you about five separate examples to highlight what happens when structure breaks down. Except I've spent around about 7 hours on it today, and I'd rather not dig the books out again...
I don't think it's unfair at all to suggest that Alan Johnson's failings are in part due to his lack of knowledge of the consequences. Had he taken a Law degree, or a Politics degree - this basic knowledge would have been imparted.
It brings to question - if he doesn't recognise the importance of structure; what else is he ignorant upon? All politicians SHOULD have a deep understanding of the machinery of the system.