British Prime Minister - The Student Room
The Student Room

British Prime Minister

TSR Wiki > Life > Debating > Debating Help > British Prime Minister


History

The definition of Primus Inter Pares, the Latin for First amongst equals is of diminishing use. As early as 1960 the Prime Minister was treated just as any other MP bar a few privileges. Today the PM stands far above other MPs in terms of political influence, media attention and public acknowledgement. The Prime Minister is the head of Government, the First Lord of the Treasury and almost always in modern times, head of the political party which gains the most seats from a General Election.


The title of Minister was first used in the 16th Century to describe officials that the Monarch placed special trust in and was advised by. In the 18th Century the post of First Minister was recognised and the title Prime Minister was first used by Campbell-Bannermanin 1904. The first Minister to hold substantial power was Sir Robert Walpole in 1721, when George I seceded the throne but spent little time residing in Britain (1714).

The diminishing mental health of the Georgian succession lead to a strengthening of the role of the Prime minister until it was accepted that should a Minister hold command of the commons then they should be allowed a mandate for power as long as they never try and encroach the monarch.

The position was not included in any constitution or law but was de facto until the 1937 Ministers of the Crown act.

Today

Today the Prime Minister holds a number of prerogative powers that once belonged to the Crown such as the power to declare war, mobilise troops, the ability to appoint senior civil servants or to bestow honours.

Number 10 Downing Street is considered to be the home of the Prime Minister and his family Tony Blair, in order to house his large family moved next door to number 11, the traditional home of the Chancellor of the Exchequer. The Chief Whip lives at number 12, the only remaining inhabited house on the street. The Prime Minister has a residence at Chequers in Buckinghamshire.


British Prime Ministers to date

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Timeline_UK_Prime_Ministers

Discussions Toggle
people not exposed to religion or atheism until adulthood
started by: Nix-j-c
forum: Religion
replies: 67
last post: 1 Minute Ago
Veterinary Medicine Transfer..
started by: p3bbl3z
forum: Veterinary Medicine
replies: 4
last post: 1 Minute Ago
Your Top 5 All-Time Favourite Games
started by: hbk4894
forum: Gaming
replies: 64
last post: 1 Minute Ago
Wondering what the procedure of applying for an European university entails.
started by: Ria_567
forum: International Study
replies: 10
last post: 1 Minute Ago
Im not happy and I cant find motivation
started by: Anonymous
forum: Mental Health
replies: 1
last post: 1 Minute Ago
Are advanced Highers worth it?
started by: kaneboy
forum: Scottish Qualifications
replies: 1
last post: 1 Minute Ago
Girls: This one is for you.
started by: mikestraws
forum: Fitness
replies: 67
last post: 1 Minute Ago
UKCAT Profiles [NO DISCUSSION]
started by: rohitbd
forum: Medicine
replies: 42
last post: 1 Minute Ago
"I got an offer from Oxford for 2012 and now I want to chat!!!!" thread
started by: silverspoonmess
forum: University of Oxford
replies: 780
last post: 1 Minute Ago
Having trouble with 'myApplication'
started by: Guz2
forum: King's College, London
replies: 2
last post: 1 Minute Ago
St Andrews Applicants 2012
started by: such_a_lady
forum: St Andrews University
replies: 1318
last post: 1 Minute Ago
GCSE edexcel maths linear higher March 2012
started by: Vorsah
forum: Maths Exams
replies: 6
last post: 1 Minute Ago
Help :(
started by: justn1c2
forum: Medical, Health and Life Sciences University Courses
replies: 10
last post: 1 Minute Ago
Rate the track above you!
started by: keepoffthelawn
forum: Music
replies: 3762
last post: 1 Minute Ago
Anyone else find the grants unfair?
started by: Claudine
forum: Applications and UCAS
replies: 108
last post: 1 Minute Ago
"The role of a business is to provide a service, NOT to create profit"
started by: IB_19
forum: UK Politics
replies: 85
last post: 1 Minute Ago
connecting htc phone to computer
started by: KaurPrincess
forum: Mobile Phones
replies: 16
last post: 1 Minute Ago
Why are creationists so adamant to 'disprove' evolution?
started by: zawmbee
forum: Religion
replies: 59
last post: 1 Minute Ago
Southampton Medical School 2012 Applicants
started by: noneoftheabove
forum: Medical Schools
replies: 1674
last post: 1 Minute Ago
Carb. Test
started by: arvin_infinity
forum: Biology
replies: 7
last post: 1 Minute Ago
Article Updates Toggle
Contact Us | Site Rules | Staying Safe on TSR | Advertising | Staff Blog | Essays & Coursework | Terms & Conditions | Top
Customise your TSR | Life Advice | Hobbies and Interests | Debate and Current Affairs | Study Help | University and University courses
Universities and HE Colleges | Careers, Employment and Gap Years | General Discussion

Customise your TSR