Powers and functions of British Prime Minster“Key Stone of the Cabinet Arch”
Introduction;-
The cabinet is the real ruler of Britain and the Prime Minister is a key man in it. The institution of Prime Ministership is the result of a convention. In 1905 the title "Prime Minister" was noted in a royal warrant and it was later mentioned in the Chequers Estate Act 1917. The position of the Prime Minister was legally recognised after the passage of the Ministers of the Crown Act 1937. The Prime Minister is central to the life and death of the cabinet. It is round his figure that a ministry is formed and his death or resignation brings about an automatic fall of the cabinet. He thus creates, keeps and destroys the cabinet. According to the conventions of the country Prime Ministers must belongs to house of commons.Appointment of Prime Minster;-
The Prime Minister is appointed by the crown (King/Queen). After the general election in the country the king invites the person who has majority in the house to form the government. We can also say the choice of the Prime Minister is automatic. But some times the choice of the Prime Minister can present complication. Complications arise when the Prime Minister dies in office or he resigns for personal reasons and the majority party has no recognised leader. In that case the Queen has an absolute right to consult and summon any one she pleases.Powers and Function;-
Following are the powers and important functions of the British Prime Minister.1)Leadership of the Cabinet;-
Prime Minister is the leader of his Cabinet. He is dominating personality in the cabinet. If the cabinet is the engine of the ship of the state, the Prime Minister is the driver. He forms the ministry. He appoints the ministers and can also dismiss the ministers with approval of the King /Queen.2)He is the Leader of the House of Commons;-
The Prime Minister is the leader of the House of Commons. He represents cabinet in the house of commons. He is the chief spokesman of the government and all important announcements in the house are made by him. As a leader of the House of Commons he has the power to correct the errors in the statements issued by his colleagues.3)Source of Communication Between King and Cabinet;-
The Prime Minister is a source of communication between king and cabinet. He plays a vital role between king and cabinet. Prime Minister is the mouthpiece of the Cabinet which conveys his views and decisions to the crown, and at the same times he conveys the crown’s massages to the cabinet.4)Control Over Foreign Affairs;-
The Prime Minister controls over foreign affairs. He formulates foreign policies. He can exchange public messages with the ministers of other countries. British Prime Minister also attends international conference.5)National Leader;-
The Prime Minister is the national leader of the country. He makes all policies for his country. He is the leader of his people.6)Control over the Finance;-
The British Prime Minister also controls the finance of the country. The budget is prepared with his knowledge and he is kept informed about the financial affairs.7) Powers of Appointment;-
Important appointments are made by the crown on the advice of Prime Minister he can appoint Ambassadors of country, Diplomatic representative, Governor – General of Dominions, Governor of colonies, Finance Minister, Member of Cabinet, Civil Officer, Military Officers and church officers.8)Chairman of Various Bodies;-
The Prime Minister is the chairman of various bodies. He is the ex-officio chairman of the important committees.9)Acknowledged Leader of his Party;-
The Prime Minister is the acknowledge leader of his party which is the majority party in the parliament.10)Chief Advisor of the Crown;-
Prime Minister is the Chief Advisor of the crown. He gives advises to the crown on important matters.11) Right to choose the date of Election;-
The Prime Minister is the only person in the British Government who decides when to hold a general election i.e., to dissolve Parliament and go to the polls.12) Policy Maker;-
The Prime Minister is the policy maker. All important policies are made by him.13) Power of Dissolution;-
The Prime Minister is the only person who is authorized to advise the king to dissolve the house of commons. Prime Minister should consult the cabinet on the issue of dissolution.
