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Home | Political post | Prime Minister of the United Kingdom
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The position of Prime Minister was not created; it evolved slowly and erratically over three hundred years due to numerous acts of Parliament, political developments, and accidents of history. The office is therefore best understood from a historical perspective. The origins of the position are found in constitutional changes that occurred during the Revolutionary Settlement (1688 � 1720) and the resulting shift of political power from the Sovereign to Parliament. Although the Sovereign was not stripped of his ancient prerogatives and legally remained the head of government, politically it gradually became necessary for him to govern through a Prime Minister who could command a majority in Parliament. By the 1830s the Westminster System of government (or Cabinet Government) had emerged; and the Prime Minister had became "first among equals" in the Cabinet and head of Her Majesty's Government. The political position of Prime Minister was enhanced by the development of modern political parties, the introduction of mass communication (inexpensive newspapers, radio, television and the internet), and photography. By the turn of the 20th century the modern premiership had emerged; the office had become the pre-eminent position in the constitutional hierarchy vis-a-vis the Sovereign, Parliament and Cabinet. As leader of the House of Commons, the Prime Minister's authority was further enhanced by the Parliament Act of 1911 which marginalised the influence of the House of Lords in the law-making process. The accretion of so much political power in one position gave rise to concerns that the office had become too "presidential", and that the Prime Minister was an "elected Monarch". Late in the 20th century several acts of Parliament and political changes placed some limits on the Premier's authority. |