Prime Minister is an important term that often arises in discussions related to government structure and political science. Legal professionals may encounter the term in discussions of constitutional law, electoral law and administrative law.
The Prime Minister is a senior member of the Government and leader of the political party that wins the most seats at a general election. The Monarch, using royal prerogative, asks the leader of the winning political party to form an administration. The Prime Minister chooses other members of the Government and is given a residence and offices at 10 Downing Street.
Since the time of Horace Walpole, a Prime Minister has been an influential position in the British political system. While Walpole was not the first to hold the office, he is considered by many historians to have established the role as we know it.
Prime Ministers oversee major policy areas and set the legislative agenda. They also chair Cabinet meetings, and are the final arbiter of Cabinet procedure. They also travel extensively to represent the country abroad.
The Prime Minister must carefully balance global influence and how their international actions might be seen by voters in the UK. This is particularly important when dealing with other world leaders.
The Prime Minister must work closely with the foreign and finance ministers and is usually the key figure in negotiating major defense decisions, macroeconomic policy and the government’s legislative agenda. Prime Ministers must also maintain close working relationships with other members of the NATO Council, as well as international organizations such as the UN and the G8.
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