Prime minister

Lore & Background

The position of a head of government separate from the head of state developed in multiple countries independently, with titles such as prime minister, chief minister, grand chancellor, chancellor, grand vizier, and counselor. The literal title can be traced back to the Abbasid caliphate and the Ottoman Empire, where the Grand Vizier was the head of government, sometimes more powerful than the sultan. In ancient China, the earliest recorded Grand Chancellor is typically associated with the Qin dynasty (221 BCE) or earlier Warring States period, rather than a specific date of 685 BCE. In ancient Japan, the Chancellor of the Realm appeared in the 7th century CE. In the Holy Roman Empire, the office of Archchancellor developed later, with the first clear reference being in the 10th century under Otto I, not 860 CE, from which later derived the modern Chancellor of Germany.

Reader's Guide

The prime minister evolved as a distinct office through the strengthening of parliament relative to the monarch, particularly after the English Civil War and the Glorious Revolution of 1688. The accession of George I, who spoke no English and spent much time in Hanover, led to the de facto head of government role emerging, with Robert Walpole serving from 1721 for twenty-one years. Walpole chaired cabinet meetings, appointed ministers, dispensed patronage, and developed cabinet solidarity. The title 'prime minister' first appeared on government documents during Benjamin Disraeli's administration but did not appear in the formal British Order of precedence until 1905. The British model was widely copied in other European countries and British colonial territories. In modern usage, prime ministers may hold additional ministerial posts, as seen with Winston Churchill as Minister of Defence during the Second World War or Benjamin Netanyahu holding multiple portfolios in Israel.

Did You Know?

• The term 'prime minister' is attested in 17th century sources referring to Cardinal Richelieu after he was named premier ministre in 1624.
• In the 18th century, British MPs disparagingly used the title 'prime minister' for Sir Robert Walpole, comparing him to Richelieu.
• In some presidential systems, such as South Korea and Peru, the prime minister is the head of government under the president, serving as the most senior member of the cabinet.