HM Government

HM Government
Government name	His Majesty's Government
Border	British
Caption	Royal Arms as used by HM Government
Date	1707
State	United Kingdom
Address	10 Downing Street, London
Leader title	Prime Minister
Appointed	The Monarch
Main organ	Cabinet of the United Kingdom
Ministries	~25 ministerial departments
Responsible	Parliament of the United Kingdom
Url	[https://www.gov.uk gov.uk]

HM Government. It is the central executive authority of the United Kingdom, formally known as His Majesty's Government. The government is led by the Prime Minister, who selects all other ministers and is responsible for policy and decision-making across the Civil Service. Its authority is derived from The Crown and it is accountable to the Parliament of the United Kingdom, principally the House of Commons.

History

The foundations of the modern government were established following the Glorious Revolution of 1688 and the subsequent Bill of Rights 1689, which asserted Parliamentary supremacy. The term "Prime Minister" was first applied to Robert Walpole during his leadership from 1721, though the role evolved informally. Key developments include the expansion of the franchise through acts like the Reform Act 1832 and the Parliament Act 1911, which curtailed the power of the House of Lords. The Cabinet system solidified in the 19th century under figures like William Ewart Gladstone and Benjamin Disraeli. The 20th century saw the government's role expand dramatically during events such as the Second World War, under the Churchill war ministry, and the creation of the National Health Service under Clement Attlee.

Structure and composition

The government is composed of ministers appointed by the Monarch on the advice of the Prime Minister. The most senior ministers form the Cabinet, which meets weekly at 10 Downing Street. Key offices include the Chancellor of the Exchequer, the Foreign Secretary, and the Home Secretary. Ministers head ministerial departments such as the Ministry of Defence and the Department for Education. The government is supported by the politically neutral Civil Service, headed by the Cabinet Secretary. The Attorney General for England and Wales serves as the government's chief legal adviser.

Functions and responsibilities

HM Government is responsible for the administration of the state, implementing laws passed by Parliament, and managing national policy. Its core functions include directing the British Armed Forces, formulating economic policy, and overseeing the National Health Service. It conducts foreign policy through the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and represents the UK in bodies like the United Nations and NATO. Domestically, it sets guidelines for local authorities and public bodies. The government also has the power to make secondary legislation through statutory instruments.

Relationship with the Crown

Executive power is formally vested in the Monarch, who is the head of state. In practice, this power is exercised by HM Government under longstanding constitutional conventions. The Monarch appoints the Prime Minister (conventionally the leader of the party commanding confidence in the House of Commons) and gives Royal Assent to bills. Key royal prerogative powers, such as the power to declare war or negotiate treaties, are exercised by ministers, notably the Prime Minister and the Foreign Secretary. The government administers the Crown Estate and advises the Monarch on duties like the State Opening of Parliament.

Relationship with Parliament

The government is drawn from and accountable to Parliament, primarily the elected House of Commons. It must maintain the confidence of the House to remain in power. Ministers, including the Prime Minister, are regularly questioned in Prime Minister's Questions and departmental select committees. The government introduces most legislation, particularly finance bills, and controls the parliamentary timetable through the Leader of the House of Commons. While the government dominates the Commons, it faces scrutiny from the House of Lords and committees like the Public Accounts Committee.

Devolved governments

Since the late 1990s, significant domestic powers have been devolved to national administrations under the Scotland Act 1998, Government of Wales Act 1998, and Northern Ireland Act 1998. This has created the Scottish Government in Edinburgh, the Welsh Government in Cardiff, and the Northern Ireland Executive in Belfast. HM Government retains responsibility for reserved matters such as defence, foreign affairs, and macroeconomic policy across the UK. Relations are managed through the Secretary of State for Scotland, the Secretary of State for Wales, and the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, with intergovernmental forums like the Joint Ministerial Committee.

Category:Government of the United Kingdom Category:Westminster system