ABSTRACT
In this chapter, the structure and roles of the institutions of central government the Crown, Privy Council, Prime Minister, Cabinet, Ministers and government Departments are examined. In the study of the government it is necessary to bear in mind that the United Kingdom remains a constitutional monarchy and that the Crown is the symbolic head of the executive, legislature and judiciary. Channels of communication are facilitated by the Queen's Private Secretary, whose appointment is the choice of the Queen, and who on appointment will become a Member of the Privy Council. It was through the Privy Council that monarchs would rule without recourse to Parliament. Contemporary interest focuses on the power of the office, the relationship between the Prime Minister and the Cabinet and the occasional dominance of the Prime Minister over Cabinet colleagues. Central government comprises the Prime Minister and Cabinet and non-Cabinet Ministers backed by the Civil Service.
