Prime Minister of Themiclesia: Difference between revisions

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| post                    = Prime Minister of Themiclesia
| post                    = Prime Minister of Themiclesia
| body                    =  
| body                    =  
| native_name             = 震旦相, ''tjerh-tanh-smjangh''
| native_name= 元辰旦相, ''mngwyan-ters-tanh-smangh''
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| image                    = Lee Teng-hui (president 5).jpg
| image                    = 2000年李登輝卸任告別總統府.jpg
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| incumbent                = Lja Le (徐貽)
| incumbent                = [[Lja Le|La Le]] (徐貽)
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| incumbentsince          = 2016
| incumbentsince          = 2016
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| member_of                = [[Council of Correspondence|Cabinet]]
| member_of                = [[Council of Correspondence|Cabinet]]
| reports_to              = [[Monarchy of Themiclesia|The Emperor]]
| reports_to              = [[Monarchy of Themiclesia|The Emperor]]
| residence                = Council Residences
| residence                = No. 3 East, Outer Protonotaries<br>Chancery Residence
| seat                    = [[Court Hall (Themiclesia)]]
| seat                    = [[Court Hall (Themiclesia)]]
| nominator                =  
| nominator                =  
| appointer                = [[Monarchy of Themiclesia|The Emperor]]
| appointer                = [[Monarchy of Themiclesia|The Emperor]]
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| termlength              = unlimited
| termlength              = No statutory limit
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| constituting_instrument  = Standing Order of Administrators (吏令)<br>Customary usage
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| formation                = c. 550
| formation                = 1810s
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}}The '''Prime Minister of Themiclesia''' (震旦相, ''tjerh-tanh-smjangh'') of Themiclesia is the head of the Themiclesian government.  Historically, the head of government was the most powerful individual or individuals holding authority in the name of the monarch and over all his possessions.  Several offices have been in this position, but the current is the '''President of Correspondence''' (尚書令, ''′djang′-st′ja-ringh'').  The incumbent is Lja Le, who assumed office in 2016 after the retirement of St′ang Krugh.
}}The '''Prime Minister of Themiclesia''' (元辰旦相, ''mngwyan-ters-tanh-smangh''), as {{wp|head of government}}, leads the [[Government of Themiclesia]], which is collectively the chief executive of the national government.  The Prime Minister is always a member of the [[Cabinet of Themiclesia]] and by default serves as its chairperson.  The incumbent is [[Lja Le|La Le]], who assumed office in 2016 after the retirement of St′ang Krugh.


==Terminology==
==Terminology==
The term ''smjangh'' (相; [[Old Menghean language|Old Menghean]]: *s- prefix from 望 *''mang-s'') that is translated as "prime minister" is a general appellation of the most powerful advisor or executive of the monarchWhile it is derived from the word ''smjangh-prong'' "chancellor", the prime minister is not always the chancellorInstead, the position of prime minister shifted to different offices several times in Themiclesian history as the government structure changed to respond to political realities at court.  This is not to say that the monarch was free to many any official his prime minister: existing hierarchies were, for the most part, respected by the crown, as they represented accumulated administrative experience and were buttressed by aristocratic interests.
The term ''smangh'' (相; [[Old Menghean language|Old Menghean]]: *s- prefixed from 望 *mang-s) means "supervisor", often taken to mean a royal lieutenant or commissioner at the philological level.  There were several different offices named ''smangh'' in Themiclesian history, including the [[Chancellor of Tsjinh|Chancellor of Tsinh]] (晉相邦) and Chancellor of Accounts (計相).  In practice the term was only used for officials of broad remits and thus signified an official of very senior standing before the throne, hence the translation of "chancellor" in {{wp|English|Anglian}}The word ''mngwyan'' means "head, chief".  As a term it was first used as a {{wp|calque}} for the Anglian "Prime Minister" to indicate the ''primum inter pares'' of the Themiclesian emperor's most senior minister, since there were already several "chancellors" in office.   
 
In the politics of the 19th century, the function of a prime minister could be vested in various office-holders according to the political environment; the premiership was not bound to a specific office but a specific person, who could command both the trust of the Crown and Parliament.  As such, the prime minister did not need (and usually did not) hold an office as one of the chancellors.


==Selection==
==Selection==
According to a 19th-century political maxim, a government minister's "primary task is the procurement and prolongation of parliament's confidence for the administration that is charged to his authority"; according to some commentators, this characterization is still accurate and defines the office of prime minister as a political instead of administrative one, and there are no statutory qualifications or duties associated with the office.  Given the partisan nature of Parliament, the prime minister will almost always be the leader of the dominant party in Parliament; otherwise, that party can easily unseat any government minister by withholding his or her budget.  In the 19th and early 20th centuries, adequate support must be found in both chambers of Parliament; however, the House of Commons has become the primary determiner of a government's fate between 1920 and 1950, democratic legitimacy being recognized over parliamentary sovereignty.<ref>According to some, this outcome is inevitable after the franchise has been made universal in 1907.  By that point, the House of Lords can no longer claim to represent the interests, however obliquely and dishonestly, of classes excluded from the franchise: the House of Commons now represented the interests of virtually all Themiclesians.  This argument was once the upper house's standard defence, that they represented the interests of their tenants and even the entire agrarian economy.</ref>
According to a 19th-century political maxim, a government minister's "primary task is the procurement and prolongation of [[Parliament of Themiclesia|parliament]]'s confidence for the administration that is charged to his authority"; according to some commentators, this characterization is still accurate and defines the office of prime minister as a political instead of administrative one, and there are no statutory qualifications or duties associated with the office.  Given the partisan nature of Parliament, the prime minister will nearly always be the leader of the dominant party in Parliament; otherwise, that party can easily unseat any government minister by withholding funds.  In the 19th and early 20th centuries, adequate support must be found in both chambers of Parliament; however, the House of Commons has become the primary determiner of a government's fate between 1920 and 1950.<ref>According to some, this outcome is inevitable after the franchise has been made universal in 1907.  By that point, the House of Lords can no longer claim to {{wp|Virtual representation|represent}} the interests, however obliquely, of classes excluded from the [[Parliamentary franchise in Themiclesia|franchise]]: the House of Commons now represented the interests of virtually all Themiclesians.  This argument was once the upper house's standard defence, that they represented the interests of their tenants and even the entire agrarian economy.</ref>


Every government since 1845 has included at least one member of parliament and one peer; this allows both chambers to hold the government to account by questioning members serving as ministers and the government formally to present its views to both chambers.  Since it would be exceptionally difficult to lead parliamentary debates, like prime ministers are expected to do, without a seat in either chamber, all have been parliamentarians in the modern era.  Party leaders that do not have a seat are expected to demonstrate their power by immediately procuring an MP's resignation, which results in a by-election the leader must then win; if he could not procure and win a by-election, a different prime minister may be appointed.  Modern convention holds that the party leader must procure a resignation before assuming office, being allowed to hold it as the by-election, always in a safe seat, occurs.
Every government since 1845 has included at least one member of parliament and one peer; this allows both chambers to hold the government to account by questioning members serving as ministers and the government formally to present its views to both chambers.  Since it would be exceptionally difficult to lead parliamentary debates, such as prime ministers are expected to do, without a seat in either chamber, all have been parliamentarians in the modern era.  Party leaders that do not have a seat are expected to demonstrate their power by immediately procuring an MP's resignation, which results in a by-election the leader must then win; if he could not procure and win a by-election, a different prime minister may be appointed.  Modern convention holds that the party leader must procure a resignation before assuming office, being allowed to hold it as the by-election, always in a safe seat, occurs.


All prime ministers since 1931 have been members of the House of Commons, with the exception of the [[Lord of Srong-sngrjar]] between 1971 – 72.  After the 1971 general election, the Conservative leader suddenly died, and the party believed that Srong-sngrjar, as a peer, had a seat in Parliament and did not need to seek a by-election; however, the issue of his legitimacy was exploited by the Liberals and Progressives in opposition and haunted the government, resulting in its early demise after only ten months.  His inability to participate in the House of Commons has only compounded the inefficacy of his administration and weakened his control over Conservative MPs.  In view of these difficulties, no peer has since been prime minister except in a {{wp|caretaker government|caretaker}} capacity (where a change of government is imminent), this last occurring in 1989.
All prime ministers since 1931 have been members of the House of Commons, with the exception of the [[Lord of Srong-sngrjar|Baron of S.rong-sngrar]] between 1971 – 72.  After the 1971 general election, the [[Conservative Party (Themiclesia)|Conservative]] leader suddenly died, and the party believed that S.rong-sngrar, as a peer, had an automatic seat in Parliament and did not need a by-election; however, the issue of his legitimacy was exploited by the [[Liberal Party (Themiclesia)|Liberals]] and Progressives in opposition and haunted the government, resulting in its early demise after only ten months.  His inability to participate in the House of Commons was reckoned only to compound the inefficacy of his administration and weakened his control over Conservative MPs.  In view of these difficulties, no peer has since been prime minister except in a {{wp|caretaker government|caretaker}} capacity (where a change of government is imminent), this last occurring in 1989.


==Term of office==
==Term of office==
The Themiclesian prime minister continues to hold office until he or she resigns, is dismissed, impeached, or diesIn modern practice, prime ministers are rarely dismissed, and impeachment, which deprives a person of the right to hold office for life and potentially carries {{wp|amercement}} of arbitrary magnitude, are considered drastic even in the most extreme situations of misbehaviourThe only prime minister to be dismissed recently was the Lord of Rjem-′an in 1909, whose ill-health prevented him from formally resigning before court, which was ordinary at that time.
The Themiclesian prime minister is an extralegal office that is always combined with one or more conventional offices to enable the holder to discharge his powersThe prime minister must always be a Secretary of State in order to meet other ministers and obtain access to bureaucratic papers, but otherwise the offices combined in the person of prime minister are variableThey are often the [[Council of Correspondence#President|President of the Council]] and [[Chancellor of Themiclesia]], but this is not necessarily the case.  


Prime ministerial resignations typically fall under two categories—when he or she resigns with the entire government or resigns alone.  The former situation occurs when the government party or coalition loses a general election, or when the government loses parliamentary confidence through either a {{wp|vote of confidence}} or a money bill.  If parliamentary confidence is lost, the government may seek a new mandate through a general election.  A prime minister is conventionally required to resign alone if the party or coalition that supported him no longer does so.  The party or coalition may choose (and typically already has chosen) a new leader to replace the incumbent prime minister.  The incumbent prime minister is not permitted to seek a general election in this case, as a government that holds parliamentary confidence still exists.
The prime minister holds office until he or she resigns, is dismissed, impeached, or dies.  In modern practice, prime ministers are rarely dismissed, and impeachment (禁錮), which deprives the right to hold office and potentially carries {{wp|amercement}} of arbitrary magnitude, is considered drastic even in the most extreme instances of misbehaviour.  The only prime minister to be dismissed recently was the Baron of Rem-′an in 1909, whose prolonged ill-health prevented him from formally tendering resignation. 
 
Prime ministerial resignations typically fall under two categories—when he or she resigns with the entire government or resigns alone.  The former situation occurs when the government party or coalition loses a general election, or when the government loses parliamentary confidence through either a {{wp|vote of confidence}} or a money bill.  If parliamentary confidence is lost, the government may seek a new mandate through a general election.  A prime minister is conventionally required to resign alone if the party or coalition that supported him no longer does so.  The party or coalition may choose (and typically already has chosen) a new leader to replace the incumbent prime minister.  The incumbent prime minister is not permitted to seek a general election in this case, as a government that holds parliamentary confidence still exists.


==Roles==
==Roles==
The Prime Minister of Themiclesia is the most senior member of the Cabinet, which oversees the executive branch of government and is collectively accountable to [[Parliament of Themiclesia|Parliament]].  Convention and standing orders of the Cabinet, usually agreed upon its formation, grants the Prime Minister the power to chair Cabinet meetings and set its agenda.  Additionally, the Prime Minister oversees the two Cabinet Secretaries, who jointly lead the Cabinet Office and execute Cabinet resolutions relative to the preparation of reports, collection of information, and drafting of legislation that are not within the remit of any other government department.  A number of minor departments, when not assigned to a specific portfolio, are considered within that of the Prime Minister.
The Prime Minister of Themiclesia is the most senior member of the Cabinet, which is the highest committee of the [[Government of Themiclesia]] and is collectively accountable to [[Parliament of Themiclesia|Parliament]].  Convention and standing orders of the Cabinet, usually agreed upon its formation, grants the Prime Minister the power to chair Cabinet meetings and set its agenda.  Additionally, the Prime Minister oversees the two Secretaries of the Cabinet who jointly lead the Cabinet Office and execute Cabinet resolutions relative to the preparation of reports, collection of information, and drafting of legislation that are not within the remit of any other government department.  A number of minor departments, when not assigned to a specific portfolio, are considered within that of the Prime Minister.


As chief executive, the prime minister is expected to lead Cabinet discussions and to regulate its members' speeches to ensure that discussions are fully developed and business is done promptly; however, the premier has no statutory authority over any minister, whose powers are granted by statute.  According to some descriptions, the relationship between Cabinet ministers is a continuation of that between prominent members of the parliamentary party.  If a prime minister wields is authoritative within the party, he or she is more likely to be able to sway other ministers' actions, and ''vice versa''; it has been commented that, due to differences in party organization, Liberal prime ministers are more likely to be authoritative than Conservative ones, though the prime ministerial power has fluctuated considerably even in recent decades.   
As chief executive, the prime minister is expected to lead Cabinet discussions and to regulate its members' speeches to ensure that discussions are fully developed and business done promptly; however, the premier has no statutory authority over any minister, whose powers are granted by statute.  According to some descriptions, the relationship between Cabinet ministers can be viewed as a continuation of that between prominent members of the parliamentary party.  If a prime minister is authoritative within the party, he or she is more likely to be able to sway other ministers' actions in Cabinet, and ''vice versa''; it has been commented that, due to differences in party organization, Liberal prime ministers are more likely to be authoritative than Conservative ones, though the prime ministerial power has fluctuated considerably even in recent decades.   


There are very few laws that explicit empower the prime minister, and some argue legislators have deliberately deprived the premier of superior influence in order to maintain the tradition of collegiate government, which is ancient in Themiclesia.  Most of the Cabinet's powers are defined through the phrase ''djangs-ts′jêng'' (上請), lit. "submit for approval", found in many statutes; an unidentified recipient defaults to the crown, whose executive functions are exercised by Cabinet.  The prime minister has priority to commence discussion and formulate policies over any matter that statutes and portfolio divisions do not assign to other ministers, though any decision is ultimately taken by Cabinet as a whole.   
There are very few laws that explicit empower the prime minister, and some argue legislators have deliberately deprived the premier of superior influence in order to maintain the tradition of collegiate government, which is ancient in Themiclesia.  The prime minister has priority to commence discussion and formulate policies over any matter that statutes and portfolio divisions do not assign to other ministers, though any decision is ultimately taken by Cabinet as a whole.  Most of the Cabinet's powers are, legally speaking, royal powers; they are defined by the phrase "submit information" ''danks-skning'' in many statutes, which prompts the crown then to decide on that basis.  Yet such powers are entrusted to the Cabinet as part of the ''political'' relationship between the Crown and its ministers; they are not legally delegated to the Cabinet.   


The Prime Minister is supported by the Prime Minister's Private Office, which consists of civil servants that take care of routine correspondence, both political and personal, and any individual the prime minister appoints to attend it.  These advisors are not paid a public salary and, in modern practice, most frequently the prime minister's electoral agents, senior party figures, and {{wp|thinktank}} staff; however, historically, they have also been cooks, butlers, secretaries, business agents, personal friends, and even family members.  This greater latitude in granting access to political spaces is connected by many authors to the privilege of ministers before the 19th century to receive a residence in the palace for not only oneself, but also family, retainers, and servants.
The Prime Minister is supported by the Prime Minister's Private Office, which consists of civil servants that take care of routine correspondence, both political and personal, and any individual the prime minister appoints to attend it.  These advisors are not paid a public salary and, in modern practice, most frequently the prime minister's electoral agents, senior party figures, and {{wp|thinktank}} staff; however, historically, they have also been cooks, butlers, secretaries, business agents, personal friends, and even family members.  This greater latitude in granting access to political spaces is connected by many authors to the privilege of ministers before the 19th century to receive a residence in the palace for not only oneself, but also family, retainers, and servants.
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==Privileges==
==Privileges==
===Residence===
===Residence===
If a prime minister is a serving member of parliament, such as nearly always in recent decades, he or she is entitled to an apartment in the Outer Protonotaries Court ''ex officio''.  While apartments have been provided for members of the Council of Protonotaries since antiquity, MPs have come to outnumber the 37 apartments provided, so only senior members of the house are permitted this privilege.  While prime ministers may, through his power in the chamber, choose any of the apartments, most have selected No. 3 on the east side, since this one is the closest to the bridge that leads to the working premises of the House of Commons.  Furniture and basic services like cleaning and catering in these apartments are provided by the state.  A number of smaller apartments were added after the [[Pan-Septentrion War]] under a consideration of fairness towards {{wp|backbenchers}}, though no prime minister has resided in them.
If a prime minister is a serving member of parliament, such as nearly always in recent decades, he or she is entitled to an apartment in the Outer Protonotaries Court ''ex officio''.  While apartments have been provided for ministers since antiquity, MPs have come to outnumber the 37 apartments therein provided, so only senior members of the house were permitted this privilege in the 19th century.  While prime ministers may, through his power in the chamber, choose any of the apartments, most have selected No. 3 on the east side, being the closest to the bridge that leads to the working premises of the House of Commons.  Furniture and basic services like cleaning and catering in these apartments are provided at public expense.  A number of smaller apartments were added after the [[Pan-Septentrion War]] under a consideration of fairness towards {{wp|backbenchers}}, though no prime minister has resided in them.


As [[Chancellor of Tsjinh]], the prime minister also has an apartment (相舍, ''smjangh-l′jah'') in the Chancery (相府, ''smjangh-pjo′''), which would have been heavily staffed before the modern era; however, austerity measures in the wake of the [[Maverican Wars]] and a series of peers in office, not needing residences, have rendered this apartment disused.  Today, it is mostly used as an office space for the Prime Minister's Private Office (相私官), but a bedroom is still available in it.
If also [[Chancellor of Tsjinh|Chancellor]], the prime minister also has an apartment (相舍, ''smangs-l′ah'') in the Chancery (相府, ''smangs-poq''), which would have been heavily staffed before the modern era; however, austerity measures in the wake of the [[Maverican Wars]] and a series of peers in office, not needing residences, have rendered this apartment disused.  Today, it is mostly used as an office space for the Prime Minister's Private Office (相私官), but a suite of rooms is still available in it.


===Transport===
===Transport===
As part of the Council of Correspondence, the prime minister enjoys a {{wp|motorcade}} (駕) that may be summoned for any official business.  The motorcade includes a limousine for the premier, a sedan for his secretaries or agents, and an optional car for family members.  Prime ministers in ill health have generally received an additional vehicle for care personnel and medical equipment, in case of emergencies.  The motorcade includes chauffeurs paid at public expense.  Abuse of the motorcade is controversial in Themiclesia, for such purposes as going on personal vacations and chauffeuring individuals not entitled to it.  Generally, the prime minister will also possess a personal car, which may be parked at the prime ministerial residence.  While it was common for a prime minister to retain a private chauffeur for his vehicle, prime ministers have generally been able to drive since the 80s.
As part of the Council of Correspondence, the prime minister enjoys a {{wp|motorcade}} (駕) that may be summoned for any official business.  The motorcade includes a limousine for the premier, a sedan for his secretaries or agents, and an optional car for family members.  Prime ministers in ill health have generally received an additional vehicle for care personnel and medical equipment, in case of emergencies.  The motorcade includes chauffeurs paid at public expense.  Abuse of the motorcade is controversial in Themiclesia, for such purposes as going on personal vacations and chauffeuring individuals not entitled to it.  Generally, the prime minister will also possess a personal car, which may be parked at the prime ministerial residence.  While it was common for a prime minister to retain a private chauffeur for his vehicle, prime ministers have generally driven themselves since the 90s in at least some occasions.


The prime minister, along with Cabinet and junior ministers, enjoys first-class service ''ex officio'' on any route operated by the National Railways, or the highest level of service on routes where first-class is not available.  Traditionally, prime ministers have refrained from sitting on saloon carriage on trains, since this is typical of royalty.  Domestic cruise lines and ferries typically offer free passage, also at the highest class of service, to government ministers; however, some prime ministers have preferred to pay for all fares on private vessels.  If the prime minister is travelling in a military vehicle, vessel, or aircraft, that transport is named "Commandeer B" (御乙), since the "A" transport is symbolically reserved for the prime minister's herald.  The word "commandeer" refers to the authority of the crown and its first minister, who outranks all military officers.<ref>If the Cabinet Secretaries are following the Prime Minister, their transports would be called "Accompanitant A" (副甲) and "Accompanitant B" (副乙), respectively.</ref>
The prime minister, along with Cabinet and junior ministers, enjoys first-class service ''ex officio'' on any route operated by the National Railways, or the highest level of service on routes where first class is not available.  Traditionally, prime ministers have refrained from sitting on saloon carriage on trains, since this is typical of royalty.  Domestic cruise lines and ferries typically offer free passage, also at the highest class of service, to government ministers; however, some prime ministers have preferred to pay for all fares on private vessels.  If the prime minister is travelling in a military vehicle, vessel, or aircraft, that transport is named "Commandeer B" (乙御事), since the "A" transport is symbolically reserved for the prime minister's herald.  The word "commandeer" refers to the authority of the crown and the royal ministry, which outranks military officers and may commandeer military resources at will.<ref>If the Cabinet Secretaries are following the Prime Minister, their transports would be called "Accompanitant A" (甲副) and "Accompanitant B" (乙副), respectively.</ref>


===Security===
===Security===
Until recently, prime ministers have generally relied on [[Retainers (Themiclesia)|household retainers]] (舍人) for protection of his person, residence, and property.   These retainers are allowed to follow the prime minister almost everywhere he goes, except for the royal palace hall, the emperor's home.  There was a customary limit on the number of armed retainers, 20 for Cabinet ministers and 8 for junior ministers, though most ministers found them unnecessary for urban activity.  Cabinet ministers are also permitted to {{wp|fanfare}} to announce their arrival.  It is properly the privilege of peers to arm retainers, but in the 19th century the crown assigned its own retainers, the [[Gentlemen-at-Arms]], to prime ministers that were not peers.  A retainer expected grants of land or opportunities in return for service, which was nominally unpaid.
Until recently, prime ministers have generally relied on [[Retainers (Themiclesia)|household retainers]] (舍人) for protection of his person, residence, and property.   Retainers followed the prime minister almost everywhere he goes, except for the inner court of the palaces, where the sovereign (at least symbolically) lives.  There was a customary limit on the number of armed retainers, 20 for Cabinet ministers and 8 for junior ministers, though most ministers found them unnecessary for urban activity.  Cabinet ministers are also permitted to {{wp|fanfare}} on the streets of the capital city, in order to drive away other roadusers and clear congestion; this privilege has been deprecated in recent times.  It is properly the privilege of peers to arm retainers, but in the 19th century the crown assigned its own retainers, the [[Gentlemen-at-Arms|Gentlemen of the Household]], to prime ministers that were not peers.  A retainer expected grants of land or opportunities in return for service, which was nominally unpaid.


Into the 20th century, commoners serving as prime ministers became the rule rather than exception, while the number of gentlemen-at-arms and retainers rapidly dwindled.  After the Gentlemen-at-arms were strained to foil a series of attempts on [[Emperor Hên' (Themiclesia)|Emperor Hên']]s life, it also became questioned if they, receiving no formal training, were reliable in this duty around the head of government and other dignitaries.  Diplomatic security personnel began protecting ministers in 1940, for their discretion and experience around sensitive information and situations.  Today, the Kien-k'ang Metropolitan Police stations patrols around the prime minister's official residences and private city home, while the Foreign Office's agents monitor the prime minister's surroundings in public.  Both are present when the motorcade is in use.
Into the 20th century, commoners serving as prime ministers became the rule rather than exception, while the number of retainers rapidly dwindled in even major houses.  After royal retainers were strained to foil a series of attempts on [[Emperor Hên' (Themiclesia)|Emperor S.kênt]]'s life, it also became questioned if they, receiving no formal training, were reliable in this duty around the head of government and other dignitaries.  Diplomatic security personnel began protecting ministers in 1940, for their discretion and experience around sensitive information and situations.  Today, the Kien-k'ang Metropolitan Police stations patrols around the prime minister's official residences and private city home, while the Foreign Office's agents monitor the prime minister's person.  Both are present when the motorcade is in use.


==History==
==History==
During the late [[Hexarchy]], the [[Tsjinh]] state disestablished many of its inner domains (內諸侯, ''nubh-tja-go'') to enlarge the [[Demesne (Themiclesia)|demesne]] land (寰官, ''gwren-kwar''), directly controlled and taxed by the ruler; this enlarged the power of the [[Chancellor of Tsjinh]], the head of the bureaucracy.  Following the [[Treaty of Five Kings]], the Tsjinh monarch acquired primacy over the other four states.  The chancellor thus sometimes became suspect, since he could be very well-regarded and able but have connections to other states.  Additionally, the Tsjinh monarch actively encouraged the vassals of the other barons to defect (外諸侯, ''ngwadh-tja-go''), sometimes permitting them autonomy beyond the chancellor's jurisdiction.  Titles were offered to courtiers for their prolonged support, if a hostile court offered competitive terms.  What had been a relatively unitray state in the 2nd century became pluralistic by the early 5th.  The jurisdiction of the chancellor fragmented, and monarchs dealt with many autonomous leaders.
===Pre-modern prime ministers===
During the late [[Hexarchy]], the [[Tsjinh|Tsins]] state disestablished many of its inner domains (內諸侯, ''nubh-tja-go'') to enlarge the [[Demesne (Themiclesia)|demesne]] land (寰官, ''gwren-kwar''), directly controlled and taxed by the ruler; this enlarged the power of the [[Chancellor of Tsjinh]], the head of the bureaucracy.  Following the [[Treaty of Five Kings]], the Tsjinh monarch acquired primacy over the other four states.  The chancellor thus sometimes became suspect, since he could be very well-regarded and able but have connections to other states.  Additionally, the Tsjinh monarch actively encouraged the vassals of the other barons to defect (外諸侯, ''ngwadh-tja-go''), sometimes permitting them autonomy beyond the chancellor's jurisdiction.  Titles were offered to courtiers for their prolonged support, if a hostile court offered competitive terms.  What had been a relatively unitray state in the 2nd century became pluralistic by the early 5th.  The jurisdiction of the chancellor fragmented, and monarchs dealt with many autonomous leaders.


In 420, the Tsjinh was overthrown by King Mjen of Sungh.  Having himself been chancellor, Mjen left the office vacant in case a usurper imitated his rise to power.  In its stead, the two Vice Chancellors, Right (右丞相, ''gwrje′-djeng-smjangh'') and Left (左丞相, ''dzar-djeng-smjangh''), became collegiate first ministers.<ref>In situations where two similar things require differentiation, opposite descriptors were frequently used; the words "right" and "left" have no physical relevance, except to provide a contrast.</ref>  The Right Vice Chancellor was regarded as the more senior, but the two were co-equals in power and access to the monarch.  Only during very brief periods was a full chancellor appointed over them.  The Sungh monarchs' desire to increase royal power prevented the consolidation of baronial land under the Vice Chancellors.  During the final decades of the Sungh dynasty, the [[Council of Correspondence]] emerged as a keystone department to administer the many types of resource towards warfare, working in the name of the king.  While this was only done during warfare initially, the Council's power grew in the absence of an active monarch.   
In 420, the Tsjinh was overthrown by King Mjen of Sungh.  Having himself been chancellor, Mjen left the office vacant in case a usurper imitated his rise to power.  In its stead, the two Right and Left Vice Chancellors (丞相, ''djeng-smjangh'') became collegiate ministers.<ref>In situations where two similar things require differentiation, opposite descriptors were frequently used; the words "right" and "left" have no physical relevance, except to provide a contrast.</ref>  The Right Vice Chancellor was regarded as the more senior, but the two were co-equals in power and access to the monarch.  Only during very brief periods was a full chancellor appointed over them.  The Sungh monarchs' desire to increase royal power prevented the consolidation of baronial land under the Vice Chancellors.  During the final decades of the Sungh dynasty, the [[Council of Correspondence]] emerged as a keystone department to administer the many types of resource towards warfare, working in the name of the king.  While this was only done during warfare initially, the Council's power grew in the absence of an active monarch.   


The Council of Correspondence, an old office of secretaries that managed royal correspondences, grew in power and came to eclipse the Chancellor of Tsjinh as the monarch's first minister.<ref>The other royal houses of Themiclesia did not recognize the name change from Tsjinh to Sungh.</ref>  To the crown, the Council had important advantage over the Chancery: it was outside of the ordinary bureaucracy, a collegiate office, and oversaw state papers without regard for internal boundaries.  ''Contra'' the Chancery, which only oversaw the demesne land.  In the late Tsjinh, its aristocracy had gained control over the bureaucracy through the civic election system, whose rigid rules of appointment and promotions reduced both royal power and social mobility.  But as the Council was made up of secretaries without formal power, the crown appointed allies without concern of ceding overwhelming power, whose decisions the crown must ultimately validate.   
The Council of Correspondence, an old office of secretaries that managed royal correspondences, grew in power and came to eclipse the Chancellor of Tsjinh as the monarch's first minister.<ref>The other royal houses of Themiclesia did not recognize the name change from Tsjinh to Sungh.</ref>  To the crown, the Council had important advantage over the Chancery: it was outside of the ordinary bureaucracy, a collegiate office, and oversaw state papers without regard for internal boundaries.  ''Contra'' the Chancery, which only oversaw the demesne land.  In the late Tsjinh, its aristocracy had gained control over the bureaucracy through the civic election system, whose rigid rules of appointment and promotions reduced both royal power and social mobility.  But as the Council was made up of secretaries without formal authority, the crown appointed allies without threat of ceding power, since the secretaries' decisions the crown must ultimately validate.   


The Sungh gave way to the [[Rjang]] in 491, whose [[King Ngjon of Rjang|inchoative ruler]], repledged himself to the [[Treaty of Five Kings]] but sought to vassalize the other crowns.  In 497 – 505, war broke out and ended in favour of Rjang.  It mobilized troops on an unprecedented scale, some estimate over 100,000 over the period, creating logistical demands of similar proportions.  Changes in government structure occurred to meet the demands of warfare, most centrally the final consolidation of administration over the baronies in both the frontiers.  To reduce the number of grain shipments over land and water, baronial subjects were conscripted into agricultural labour by the central government while barons were appointed to military offices.  After the end of the war, the Rjang did not restore the barons' manorial powers and instead granted them increased incomes made possible by intensive agriculture; the Council's power over these lands was thus normalized in peacetime.
The Sungh gave way to the [[Rjang]] in 491, whose [[King Ngjon of Rjang|inchoative ruler]], repledged himself to the [[Treaty of Five Kings]] but sought to vassalize the other crowns.  In 497 – 505, war broke out and ended in favour of Rjang.  It mobilized troops on an unprecedented scale, some estimate over 100,000 over the period, creating logistical demands of similar proportions.  Changes in government structure occurred to meet the demands of warfare, most centrally the final consolidation of administration over the baronies in both the frontiers.  To reduce the number of grain shipments over land and water, baronial subjects were conscripted into agricultural labour by the central government while barons were appointed to military offices.  After the end of the war, the Rjang did not restore the barons' manorial powers and instead granted them increased incomes made possible by intensive agriculture; the Council's power over these lands was thus normalized in peacetime.
===Post-Settlement===
The role of the prime minister shifted dramatically at the appointment of the Baron of Gar-lang in 1801, representing the first occasion since the 17th century where the baronage, autonomously assembled in the Council, successfully demanded the crown appoint a chief administrator of its choosing.  However, the prime minister was very much bound to the administrative office in which the position is vested and could not govern without royal assent, which was rarely forthcoming without threats from either side.  This tense relationship subsided during the final decade of Emperor ′Ēi's reign in consequence of a new tension developing between the Emperor and the Crown Prince, of whom the former was suspicious.
The jurisdiction of the prime minister was not as complete during the Post-Settlement epoch as before or after, due to a persistent effort of the throne's to defend a private sphere of influence.  The size of this sphere emerged as a radix of dispute.  The official head of government was often the Chancellor, Vice-Chancellor, or the Exchequer-Chancellor, but the Chief Secretary of State also functioned as head of the royal court and with it the many departments and factories under its management.  In some characterizations, the Chief Secretary of State and Chancellor were co-heads of government, as co-operation between the two was more frequent than their opposition towards the mid-1810s.
This détente between differing philosophies and policy outlook deteriorated at the death of Emperor ′Ēi in 1821 and ascension of his successor, Emperor Kryāng.  The Baron of Qrīk became Chief Secretary, and his immediate task became the aggressive expansion of royal finance both to discharge debts to the state treasury.  Increases in prices of mineral ores and land rents angered many business investors that the previous sovereign had attracted onto his properties.  In response, the attitudes of the aristocracy also hardened, extending to extracting concessions from Qrīk serving as Chief Secretary and threatening to enact further sanctions on the royal exchequer.  This resistance in turn inspired resistance from Kryāng, who invested in foreign colonies despite the Chancellor's policy of non-interference with Casaterran colonists on the continent. 
===Modern era===
Kryāng's unexpected death in 1825 signalled the end for any serious hope for recapturing of the continent, but co-operation between the Chancellor and Chief Secretary continued.  In the earlier part of Emperor Ng′ars's reign, his Chief Secretary the Baron of Ran proved more competent than the aristocracy had expected, especially compared to the Baron of Tups, who was Chancellor.  Tups's line, the suppression of the royal estate and collection of debts from it, appeared old and tired against a more conciliatory approach by Ran, especially when the Crown's domestic business ventures had attracted a considerable deal of investment and was professionally managed.  As the Crown lost objectives countervailing to the aristocracy, the two offices began to merge.
In 1833, Ran, as Chief Secretary, was made Vice-Chancellor; without a full Chancellor over him, he was able to be involved in both spheres of government and retain the support of both the aristocracy and crown.  In this wise, Ran was viewed as the first "modern" prime minister "whose authority was more founded upon a mutual respect between the crown and aristocracy, rather than a will to check each other."  It was also at this time that the role of prime minister became more detached from administrative work.  These compromises made between several generations of aristocratic leaders and monarchs are, in the view of some authors, the underlying political realities that made the introduction of the Westminster system possible.
==Deputies==
The deputies of the President of Correspondence are the Minister of the Left (左僕射, ''dzar-bok-mljagh'') and Minister of the Right (右僕射, ''gwrje′-bok-mljagh''), in this order.  However, the Minister of the Left may be prime minister when the office of President is vacant, such as during the premiership of [[Lord Tl'jang-mjen]] (1872 – 78).  Tl'jang-mjen governed as Minister of the Left to avoid becoming a peer upon appointment, and he was consistently named as prime minister both in speech and writing, reflecting that the office of prime minister is not attached to that of President.  In this situation, the next most senior minister will usually not use the title of Minister of the Right, but the lower one of Secretary of State for Rites.


==Style of address==
==Style of address==
In reference, most Themiclesians use the word "president of correspondence", the formal title of the prime minister, before his personal name, for the first mention.  Where context is clear, normally only the title is used.  For example, the current prime minister would be referred to as "president of correspondence, Le" (尚書令貽) then as "president of correspondence" (尚書令).  In speech, the prime minister is typically called "prime minister lord" (相君), since prime ministers have usually been peers.  In writing, the prime minister uses the style ''ntenh-gra′'' (殿下), referring to the [[Palace hall (Themiclesia)|palace hall]] in the Chancery.  When translated, it is usually written as "Your Highness".   
In reference, most Themiclesians use the title "president of correspondence" before the prime minister's personal name, in the initial instance.  Where context is clear, normally only the title is used.  For example, the current prime minister would be referred to as "president of correspondence, Le" (尚書令貽) then as "president of correspondence" (尚書令).  In speech, the prime minister is typically called "my lord prime minister" (相君), since prime ministers had usually been peers.  In letter salutations, the prime minister is styled ''ntenh-g′ra′'' (殿下) or ''kap-g′ra′'' (閤下), referring to the [[Palace hall (Themiclesia)|palace]] in the Chancery and the small gates leading to private quarters in the same, respectivelyThese [[Forms of address in Themiclesia|styles]] are usually translated as "Your Highness" and "Your Excellency".  If an incumbent or former prime minister dies, the appropriate [[Shinasthana honorifics|honorific]] is ''m′eng'' (薨), meaning "have gone to the dreams".


In foreign languages, the prime minister is simply called "the Prime Minister".
The use of the style "Your Highness" relative to the prime minister is considered only appropriate in official writing where the addressee is identified as the Chancellor.  If the letter is bound for the prime minister personally, or when the prime minister is not the Chancellor, "Your Excellency" is considered socially correct.
 
In foreign languages, the prime minister is simply called "the Prime Minister".  Traditional media do not use the phrase "Mr. Prime Minister", but it is occasionally seen in the foreign press.


==Peerage problem==
==Peerage problem==
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Since Go Mjanh-kje, peerages have been offered to prime ministers at resignation, instead of appointment; this is supported by both parties as the less politically-disruptive option, while still retaining an important and traditional dignity for a prime minister.  However, many prime ministers did not wish to take a peerage even at resignation, if they believe they would return to power in the Commons.  Since the Pan-Septentrion War, former prime ministers have generally been allowed to take up a peerage at request, which usually occurred at retirement instead of resignation.
Since Go Mjanh-kje, peerages have been offered to prime ministers at resignation, instead of appointment; this is supported by both parties as the less politically-disruptive option, while still retaining an important and traditional dignity for a prime minister.  However, many prime ministers did not wish to take a peerage even at resignation, if they believe they would return to power in the Commons.  Since the Pan-Septentrion War, former prime ministers have generally been allowed to take up a peerage at request, which usually occurred at retirement instead of resignation.
The issue of a peer serving as prime minister again arose in 1971.  The general election that year had given a plurality to the Conservatives, whose favourite was Ben Kro C.; however, Kro suffered a heart attack days before the formal resignation of the outgoing government leader, and in his place Conservative leaders selected the Baron of S.rong-sngrar, who had been the shadow minister for foreign affairs and was active in diplomatic service to Hallia and Anglia.  Equally importantly, S.rong-sngrar's seat in the House of Lords liberated him from the need to undergo {{wp|Ministerial by-election|by-election}} upon appointment.  While the peer was appointed without contestation, the parties in opposition generated much negative publicity surrounding the fact the prime minister never held elected office.  The Attorney-general and other prominent jurists defended S.rong-sngrar's appointment on legal grounds, though with no voice or apparent deputy in the lower house, his administration encountered many difficulties and was widely considered unsatisfactory even amongst Conservative circles.  The opposition united in 1972 and ousted S.rong-sngrar.
Two other peers, the Baronness of Prja and the Baron of Nu have been prime minister since 1972, and both led caretaker governments: Prja was in office for 22 days in 1977, and Nu, 15 days in 1989.


==List of positions==
==List of positions==
*'''Tsjinh and before''' (to 420): chancellor
*'''Tsins to late Mrangs''' (c. 290 to 710): Chancellor
*'''Early to mid-Sungh''' (420 – 465): vice chancellors
*'''Late Mrangs''' (710 752): First Vice-Chancellor and Second Vice-Chancellor
*'''Late Sungh''' (465 491): president of correspondence
*'''Dzi''' (752 1080): Chancellor
*'''Rjang''' (491 542): president of correspondence
*'''Dren''' (1080 1210): Chancellor
*'''Mrangh''' (542 752): president of correspondence
*'''Ngwets''' (1210 1410): President of Secretaries
*'''Early Dzi''' (752 945): president of protonotaries
*'''Republic''' (1410 1503): Elder ''cum'' Chancellor
*'''Late Dzi''' (945 1080): council of peers
*'''Ra''' (1503 1624): President of Secretaries
*'''Drjen''' (1080 – 1210): council of peers
*'''L′o''' (1624 1667): President of Secretaries
*'''Ngwrjedh''' (1210 1464): president of correspondence
*'''Modern period''' (from 1667): President of Secretaries
*'''Tsjinh''' (1464 1800): president of correspondence
*'''Modern period''' (1800 – now): president of correspondence


==List of holders==
==List of holders since 1800==
===Before 1800===
Legend:
*'''Lord of Nja-nem, Ghwjang Lu′''' (汝南侯王道), fl. 255? – 270, prime minister and [[Chancellor of Tsjinh|Chancellor]] of [[Tsjinh]]; negotiated the [[Treaty of Five Kings]] that nominally unified Themiclesia.
{| class="wikitable"
*'''Lord of Kaw-nêng, Tsaw Groh''' (高寧侯曹冓), fl. 430s, prime minister during the [[Sungh]] dynasty.
|-
| {{Operational| }} || Anti-royalist → [[Conservative Party (Themiclesia)|Conservative]]
|-
| {{No| }} || Imperialist → Reformist → [[Liberal Party (Themiclesia)|Liberal]]
|-
| {{yes|}} || Progressive Alliance → Progressive
|-
| {{beta|}} || National government
|-
|  || Independent or other
|}


===Since 1800===
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
! Party !! Prime minister !! [[Shinasthana]] !! Appointed !! Dismissed !! Seat
! !! Prime minister !! [[Shinasthana]] !! Appointed !! Dismissed !! Seat !! Position
|-
| {{operational| }} || [[Lord of Gar-lang|Baron of Gar-lang]] || 河陽矦 || Oct. 2, 1800 || †Jan. 14, 1814 || rowspan="17"|N/A || Chancellor
|-
| || [[Lord Kjalh-djeng|Baron of Kars-ding]] || 建成矦 || Feb. 5, 1814 || Nov. 27, 1817 || Chancellor
|-
| {{operational| }} || [[Lord of Mjenh-lang|Baron of Mens-lang]] (1) || 文陽矦 || Dec. 1, 1817 || May 22, 1821 || Chancellor
|-
| {{No| }} || [[Lord Sghjang|Baron of Sghang]] || 庠矦 || May 22, 1821 || Jul. 29, 1823 || Vice-Chancellor
|-
| {{operational|C}} || [[Lord of Mjenh-lang|Baron of Mens-lang]] (2) || 文陽矦 || Jul. 31, 1823 || Oct. 12, 1825 || Vice-Chancellor
|-
| {{operational|C}} || Baron of Hrus || 孝矦 || Nov. 10, 1825 || †Apr. 2, 1826 || Vice-Chancellor
|-
| {{operational|C}} || Baron of Tubh (1) || 薱矦 || Apr. 21, 1826 || Sep. 30, 1833 || Chancellor
|-
| {{No| }} || [[Lord of Ran|Baron of P.ran]] (1)|| 闌矦 || Oct. 5, 1833 || Feb. 22, 1836 || Chief Secretary of State
|-
| {{operational|C}} || Baron of Tubh (2)|| 薱矦 || Feb. 22, 1836 || Sep. 30, 1836 || Vice-Chancellor
|-
| {{No| }} || [[Lord of Ran|Baron of P.ran]] (2)|| 闌矦 || Oct. 5, 1836 || Mar. 10, 1838  || Chief Secretary of State
|-
| {{operational|C}} || Chief Baron of Mrangs || 魯孟矦 || Mar. 10, 1838 || Dec. 5, 1838 || Chancellor
|-
|  || [[Lord of Stsrungh|Baron of S.tsrungs]] || 淙矦 || Dec. 5, 1838 || Nov. 1, 1839  ||Chancellor
|-
| {{No| }} || Baron of Ng′rar′-lang || 彥陽矦 || Nov. 1, 1839 || Apr. 2, 1840  || Vice-Chancellor
|-
| {{operational|C}} || Baron of K.r′egh-qrum (1) || 徠陰矦 || Apr. 2, 1840 || Jul. 12, 1841 || Chancellor
|-
| {{No| }} || [[Lord of Ran|Baron of P.ran]] (3)|| 闌矦 || Jul. 12, 1841 || Aug. 2, 1843  || Vice-Chancellor
|-
| {{Operational|C}} || Baron of K.r′egh-qrum (2)|| 徠陰矦 || Aug. 2, 1843 || Feb. 5, 1844 || Chancellor
|-
| {{No| }} || Baron of Lri || 遲矦 || Feb. 5, 1844 || Jun. 24, 1844 || Chief Secretary of State
|-
| {{No| }} || [[Lord of Rjai-lang|Baron of Rai-lang]] (1)|| 漓陽矦 || Jan. 15, 1844 || Jul. 22, 1847  || House of Lords || Chief Secretary of State
|-
|-
| {{operational|C}} || [[Lord of Gar-lang]] || 河陽侯 || Oct. 2, 1800 || Jan. 14, 1814 || rowspan="11"|Council of Peers
| {{operational|C}} || [[Lord of 'Rik-ljang|Baron of Qrik-lang]]|| 益陽矦 || Jul. 23, 1847 || Sep. 14, 1847  || House of Lords || Vice-Chancellor
|-
|-
|style="text-align: center;"| Ind. || [[Lord Kjalh-djeng|Lord Kjarh-djêng]] || 建成君 || Feb. 5, 1814 || Nov. 27, 1817
| {{No|L}} || [[Lord of Rjai-lang|Baron of Rai-lang]] (2) || 漓陽矦 || Sep. 14, 1847 || Jun. 10, 1858 || House of Lords  || Chief Secretary of State
|-
|-
| {{operational|C}} || [[Lord of Mjenh-lang]] || 文陽侯 || Dec. 1, 1817 || May 22, 1819
| {{operational|C}} || [[Lord of Ghor|Baron of Ghwar]] (1) || 桓矦 || Jun. 10, 1858 || Dec. 1, 1858 || House of Lords || Vice-Chancellor
|-
|-
|style="text-align: center;"| Imp. || [[Lord Sghjang]] || 庠君 || May 22, 1819 || Jul. 29, 1821
| {{No|L}} || [[Lord of Rjai-lang|Baron of Rai-lang]] (3) || 漓陽矦 || Dec. 1, 1858 || Jun. 10, 1859 || House of Lords || Chief Secretary of State
|-
|-
| {{operational|C}} || [[Lord of Mjenh-lang]] || 文陽侯 || Jul. 31, 1821 || Oct. 12, 1825
| {{operational|C}} || [[Lord of Ghor|Baron of Ghwar]] (2) || 桓矦 || Jun. 14, 1859 || Feb. 4, 1861 || House of Lords || Vice-Chancellor<br>Exchequer-Chancellor
|-
|-
| {{operational|C}} || Lord Hrus-mrjang || 孝明君 || Nov. 10, 1825 || Apr. 2, 1826 
| {{No|L}} || [[Lord of Sng'rja|Chief Baron of Sng′ra′]] (1)|| 楚矦 || Feb. 11, 1861 || Nov. 30, 1866 || House of Lords || Vice-Chancellor<br>Chief Secretary of State
|-
|-
| {{operational|C}} || Lord of Tubh || 薱侯 || Apr. 21, 1826 || Sep. 30, 1833 
| {{operational|C}} || [[Lord of Nja-'rjum|Baron of Nya′-qrum]] || 女陰矦 || Nov. 30, 1866 || Mar. 5, 1869 || House of Lords || Chief Secretary of State<br>Vice-Chancellor
|-
|-
|style="text-align: center;"| Ind. || [[Lord of Ran]] || 闌侯 || Oct. 5, 1833 || Feb. 22, 1838 
| {{No|L}} || [[Lord of Sng'rja|Chief Baron of Sng′ra′]] (2)|| 楚矦 || Mar. 7, 1869 || Dec. 1, 1873 || House of Lords || Chief Secretary of State
|-
|-
| {{operational|C}} || Lord Hrus-mjen || 孝文君 || Mar. 10, 1838 || Dec. 5, 1838
| {{No|L}} || [[Lord Tl'jang-mjen|Lord Tl′ang-men]] || 昌文君 || Dec. 1, 1873 || Mar. 22, 1878 || Kien-k'ang West || Chief Secretary of State
|-
|-
|style="text-align: center;"| Ind. || [[Lord of Stsrungh]] || 淙侯 || Dec. 5, 1838 || Nov. 1, 1839 
| {{operational|C}} || [[Lord of M'i|Baron of M′il]] (1)|| 迷矦 || May 15, 1878 || Jul. 21, 1880 || House of Lords || Chief Secretary of State
|-
|-
|style="text-align: center;"| Ind. || [[Lord of Ran]] || 闌侯 || Nov. 1, 1839 || Apr. 27, 1845 
| {{No|L}} || [[Lord L'ong-mjen|Lord L′wang-men]] (1)|| 通文君 || Jul. 22, 1880 || Nov. 25, 1886 || Sng'rja || Chief Secretary of State
|-
|-
!colspan="6"|After 1845, all ministers must have a seat in Parliament.
| {{operational|C}} || [[Lord of M'i|Baron of M′i]] (2)|| 迷矦 || Nov. 25, 1886 || Jan. 22, 1889 || House of Lords || Chief Secretary of State
|-
|-
| {{No|L}} || [[Lord of Rjai-lang]] || 漓陽侯 || Apr. 29, 1845 || Jun. 10, 1859 || House of Lords
| {{No|L}} || [[Lord L'ong-mjen|Lord L′wang-men]] (2)|| 通文君 || Jan. 27, 1889 || Feb. 4, 1891 || Sng'rja || Chief Secretary of State
|-
|-
| {{operational|C}} || [[Lord of Ghor]] || 桓侯 || Jun. 14, 1859 || Feb. 4, 1861 || House of Lords
| {{operational|C}} || Baron of S.nur-lang || 綏陽矦 || Feb. 4, 1891 || Oct. 5, 1894 || House of Lords || Chief Secretary of State
|-
|-
| {{No|L}} || [[Lord of Sng'rja]] || 楚侯 || Feb. 11, 1861 || Nov. 30, 1866 || House of Lords
| {{operational|C}} || [[Lord of Krungh|Baron of Krungs]] || 洚矦 || Oct. 6, 1894 || Apr. 3, 1897 || House of Lords || Chief Secretary of State
|-
|-
| {{operational|C}} || [[Lord of Nja-'rjum]] || 女陰侯 || Nov. 30, 1866 || Mar. 5, 1869 || House of Lords
| {{No|L}} || Baron of N′ars || 漢矦 || Apr. 3, 1897 || Jun. 2, 1900 || House of Lords || Chief Secretary of State
|-
|-
| {{No|L}} || [[Lord of Sng'rja]] || 楚侯 || Mar. 7, 1869 || Dec. 1, 1873 || House of Lords
| {{operational|C}} || [[Lord of Krungh|Baron of Krungs]] || 洚矦 || Jun. 5, 1900 || May 10, 1907 || House of Lords || Chief Secretary of State
|-
|-
| {{No|L}} || [[Lord Tl'jang-mjen]] || 昌文君 || Dec. 1, 1873 || Mar. 22, 1878 || Kien-k'ang West
| {{operational|C}} || Baron of Rem-′an || 臨安矦 || May 12, 1907 || Mar. 10, 1909 || House of Lords || Chief Secretary of State
|-
|-
| {{operational|C}} || [[Lord of M'i]] || 迷侯 || May 15, 1878 || Jul. 21, 1880 || House of Lords
| {{No|L}} || [[Lord of Mik|Baron of Mik]] (1)|| 邲矦 || Mar. 22, 1909 || Jan. 15, 1911 || House of Lords || Chief Secretary of State
|-
|-
| {{No|L}} || [[Lord L'ong-mjen]] || 通文君 || Jul. 22, 1880 || Nov. 25, 1886 || Sng'rja
| {{operational|C}} || [[Lord of Sloi|Baron of Slwai]] (1)|| 隨矦 || Jan. 15, 1911 || Nov. 22, 1915 || House of Lords || Chief Secretary of State
|-
|-
| {{operational|C}} || [[Lord of M'i]] || 迷侯 || Nov. 25, 1886 || Jan. 22, 1889 || House of Lords
| {{No|L}} || [[Goh Mjanh-kje]] (1)|| 冓萬基 || Nov. 22, 1915 || Apr. 30, 1916 || Ra-tong || Secretary of State for Finance
|-
|-
| {{No|L}} || [[Lord L'ong-mjen]] || 通文君 || Jan. 27, 1889 || Feb. 4, 1891 || Sng'rja
| {{No|L}} || [[Lord of Mik|Baron of Mik]] (2)|| 邲矦 || Apr. 30, 1916 || Jul. 13, 1918 || House of Lords  || Chief Secretary of State
|-
|-
| {{operational|C}} || Lord of Snur-ljang || 綏陽侯 || Feb. 4, 1891 || Oct. 5, 1894 || House of Lords
| {{No|L}} || [[Goh Mjanh-kje]] (2)|| 冓萬基 || Nov. 22, 1915 || Apr. 30, 1916 || Ra-tong || Secretary of State for Finance
|-
|-
| {{operational|C}} || [[Lord of Krungh]] || 洚侯 || Oct. 6, 1894 || May 10, 1907 || House of Lords
| {{operational|C}} || [[Lord of Sloi|Baron of Slwai]] (2)|| 隨矦 || Jul. 13, 1918 || Oct. 7, 1921 || House of Lords || Chief Secretary of State
|-
|-
| {{operational|C}} || Lord of Rjem-'an || 臨安侯 || May 12, 1907 || Mar. 10, 1909 || House of Lords
| {{No|L}} || [[Rjuk Mer]] || 陸敏 || Oct. 8, 1921 || Oct. 5, 1927 || Kien-k'ang Korh || Chief Secretary of State
|-
|-
| {{No|L}} || [[Lord of Mik]] || 邲侯 || Mar. 22, 1909 || Jan. 15, 1912 || House of Lords
| {{operational|C}} || [[Lord of Sloi|Baron of Slwai]] (3)|| 隨矦 || Oct. 5, 1927 || Mar. 22, 1930 || House of Lords || Chief Secretary of State
|-
|-
| {{No|L}} || [[Goh Mjanh-kje]] || 冓萬基 || Jan. 15, 1912 || Nov. 22, 1915 || Gwreng
| {{No|L}} || Poqs Gw′ei (1) || 付闈 || Mar. 29, 1930 || Nov. 10, 1933 || Hibh || Chief Secretary of State
|-
|-
| {{No|L}} || [[Lord of Mik]] || 邲侯 || Nov. 22, 1915 || Apr. 30, 1916 || House of Lords
| {{operational|C}} || [[Lord of Sloi|Baron of Slwai]] (4)|| 隨矦 || Nov. 11, 1933 || Apr. 10, 1935 || House of Lords || Chief Secretary of State
|-
|-
| {{No|L}} || [[Goh Mjanh-kje]] || 冓萬基 || Apr. 30, 1916 || Jul. 13, 1918 || Gwreng
| {{No|L}} || Pwaqs Gw′ei (2) || 付闈 || Apr. 10, 1935 || Sep. 24, 1935 || Hibh || Chief Secretary of State
|-
|-
| {{operational|C}} || [[Lord of Sloi]] || 隨侯 || Jul. 13, 1918 || Oct. 7, 1921 || House of Lords
| {{operational|C}} || Lram Lwang || 談通 || Sep. 24, 1935 || Mar. 1, 1936 || Brjih-an || Chief Secretary of State
|-
| {{beta|}} || Lram Lwang (national) || 談通 || Mar. 1, 1936 || Jun. 5, 1942 || Brjih-an || Chief Secretary of State
|-
| {{beta|}} || Pwaqs Gw′jei (national) || 付闈 || Jun. 5, 1942 || Oct. 2, 1947 || Hibh South || Chief Secretary of State
|-
| {{operational|C}} || Trung N.lem || 充滕 || Oct. 2, 1947 || May 30, 1950 || Kien-k'ang Gwreng || Chief Secretary of State
|}
|}


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==See also==
==See also==
*[[Themiclesia]]
*[[Themiclesia]]
 
{{Navbox Themiclesian prime ministers}}
[[Category:Themiclesia]][[Category:Septentrion]]
[[Category:Themiclesia]][[Category:Septentrion]]

Latest revision as of 14:41, 10 October 2022

Prime Minister of Themiclesia
元辰旦相, mngwyan-ters-tanh-smangh
2000年李登輝卸任告別總統府.jpg
Incumbent
La Le (徐貽)
since 2016
Typehead of government
Member ofCabinet
Reports toThe Emperor
ResidenceNo. 3 East, Outer Protonotaries
Chancery Residence
SeatCourt Hall (Themiclesia)
AppointerThe Emperor
Term lengthNo statutory limit
Formation1810s
DeputyRight Minister, Left Minister

The Prime Minister of Themiclesia (元辰旦相, mngwyan-ters-tanh-smangh), as head of government, leads the Government of Themiclesia, which is collectively the chief executive of the national government. The Prime Minister is always a member of the Cabinet of Themiclesia and by default serves as its chairperson. The incumbent is La Le, who assumed office in 2016 after the retirement of St′ang Krugh.

Terminology

The term smangh (相; Old Menghean: *s- prefixed from 望 *mang-s) means "supervisor", often taken to mean a royal lieutenant or commissioner at the philological level. There were several different offices named smangh in Themiclesian history, including the Chancellor of Tsinh (晉相邦) and Chancellor of Accounts (計相). In practice the term was only used for officials of broad remits and thus signified an official of very senior standing before the throne, hence the translation of "chancellor" in Anglian. The word mngwyan means "head, chief". As a term it was first used as a calque for the Anglian "Prime Minister" to indicate the primum inter pares of the Themiclesian emperor's most senior minister, since there were already several "chancellors" in office.

In the politics of the 19th century, the function of a prime minister could be vested in various office-holders according to the political environment; the premiership was not bound to a specific office but a specific person, who could command both the trust of the Crown and Parliament. As such, the prime minister did not need (and usually did not) hold an office as one of the chancellors.

Selection

According to a 19th-century political maxim, a government minister's "primary task is the procurement and prolongation of parliament's confidence for the administration that is charged to his authority"; according to some commentators, this characterization is still accurate and defines the office of prime minister as a political instead of administrative one, and there are no statutory qualifications or duties associated with the office. Given the partisan nature of Parliament, the prime minister will nearly always be the leader of the dominant party in Parliament; otherwise, that party can easily unseat any government minister by withholding funds. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, adequate support must be found in both chambers of Parliament; however, the House of Commons has become the primary determiner of a government's fate between 1920 and 1950.[1]

Every government since 1845 has included at least one member of parliament and one peer; this allows both chambers to hold the government to account by questioning members serving as ministers and the government formally to present its views to both chambers. Since it would be exceptionally difficult to lead parliamentary debates, such as prime ministers are expected to do, without a seat in either chamber, all have been parliamentarians in the modern era. Party leaders that do not have a seat are expected to demonstrate their power by immediately procuring an MP's resignation, which results in a by-election the leader must then win; if he could not procure and win a by-election, a different prime minister may be appointed. Modern convention holds that the party leader must procure a resignation before assuming office, being allowed to hold it as the by-election, always in a safe seat, occurs.

All prime ministers since 1931 have been members of the House of Commons, with the exception of the Baron of S.rong-sngrar between 1971 – 72. After the 1971 general election, the Conservative leader suddenly died, and the party believed that S.rong-sngrar, as a peer, had an automatic seat in Parliament and did not need a by-election; however, the issue of his legitimacy was exploited by the Liberals and Progressives in opposition and haunted the government, resulting in its early demise after only ten months. His inability to participate in the House of Commons was reckoned only to compound the inefficacy of his administration and weakened his control over Conservative MPs. In view of these difficulties, no peer has since been prime minister except in a caretaker capacity (where a change of government is imminent), this last occurring in 1989.

Term of office

The Themiclesian prime minister is an extralegal office that is always combined with one or more conventional offices to enable the holder to discharge his powers. The prime minister must always be a Secretary of State in order to meet other ministers and obtain access to bureaucratic papers, but otherwise the offices combined in the person of prime minister are variable. They are often the President of the Council and Chancellor of Themiclesia, but this is not necessarily the case.

The prime minister holds office until he or she resigns, is dismissed, impeached, or dies. In modern practice, prime ministers are rarely dismissed, and impeachment (禁錮), which deprives the right to hold office and potentially carries amercement of arbitrary magnitude, is considered drastic even in the most extreme instances of misbehaviour. The only prime minister to be dismissed recently was the Baron of Rem-′an in 1909, whose prolonged ill-health prevented him from formally tendering resignation. 

Prime ministerial resignations typically fall under two categories—when he or she resigns with the entire government or resigns alone. The former situation occurs when the government party or coalition loses a general election, or when the government loses parliamentary confidence through either a vote of confidence or a money bill. If parliamentary confidence is lost, the government may seek a new mandate through a general election. A prime minister is conventionally required to resign alone if the party or coalition that supported him no longer does so. The party or coalition may choose (and typically already has chosen) a new leader to replace the incumbent prime minister. The incumbent prime minister is not permitted to seek a general election in this case, as a government that holds parliamentary confidence still exists.

Roles

The Prime Minister of Themiclesia is the most senior member of the Cabinet, which is the highest committee of the Government of Themiclesia and is collectively accountable to Parliament. Convention and standing orders of the Cabinet, usually agreed upon its formation, grants the Prime Minister the power to chair Cabinet meetings and set its agenda. Additionally, the Prime Minister oversees the two Secretaries of the Cabinet who jointly lead the Cabinet Office and execute Cabinet resolutions relative to the preparation of reports, collection of information, and drafting of legislation that are not within the remit of any other government department. A number of minor departments, when not assigned to a specific portfolio, are considered within that of the Prime Minister.

As chief executive, the prime minister is expected to lead Cabinet discussions and to regulate its members' speeches to ensure that discussions are fully developed and business done promptly; however, the premier has no statutory authority over any minister, whose powers are granted by statute. According to some descriptions, the relationship between Cabinet ministers can be viewed as a continuation of that between prominent members of the parliamentary party. If a prime minister is authoritative within the party, he or she is more likely to be able to sway other ministers' actions in Cabinet, and vice versa; it has been commented that, due to differences in party organization, Liberal prime ministers are more likely to be authoritative than Conservative ones, though the prime ministerial power has fluctuated considerably even in recent decades.

There are very few laws that explicit empower the prime minister, and some argue legislators have deliberately deprived the premier of superior influence in order to maintain the tradition of collegiate government, which is ancient in Themiclesia. The prime minister has priority to commence discussion and formulate policies over any matter that statutes and portfolio divisions do not assign to other ministers, though any decision is ultimately taken by Cabinet as a whole. Most of the Cabinet's powers are, legally speaking, royal powers; they are defined by the phrase "submit information" danks-skning in many statutes, which prompts the crown then to decide on that basis. Yet such powers are entrusted to the Cabinet as part of the political relationship between the Crown and its ministers; they are not legally delegated to the Cabinet.

The Prime Minister is supported by the Prime Minister's Private Office, which consists of civil servants that take care of routine correspondence, both political and personal, and any individual the prime minister appoints to attend it. These advisors are not paid a public salary and, in modern practice, most frequently the prime minister's electoral agents, senior party figures, and thinktank staff; however, historically, they have also been cooks, butlers, secretaries, business agents, personal friends, and even family members. This greater latitude in granting access to political spaces is connected by many authors to the privilege of ministers before the 19th century to receive a residence in the palace for not only oneself, but also family, retainers, and servants.

Unlike certain other jurisdictions, most Themiclesian prime ministers did not have unilateral authority to nominate or dismiss members of his government. A government's composition, if coming in from opposition, is normally and secretly determined in the weeks ahead of a general election and then adjusted afterwards to account for any designates failing to win seats. A party leader attempts to form the broadest possible collective leadership that oversees the party's campaign and weathers rogue candidates (who run without the party's permission on the strenght of his or her own reputation); government posts are assigned at this point to ensure support from influential figures and a stable parliamentary party after the election. This process does not always present the most powerful figure in the party as prime minister, and it is still criticized for lack of transparency.

Privileges

Residence

If a prime minister is a serving member of parliament, such as nearly always in recent decades, he or she is entitled to an apartment in the Outer Protonotaries Court ex officio. While apartments have been provided for ministers since antiquity, MPs have come to outnumber the 37 apartments therein provided, so only senior members of the house were permitted this privilege in the 19th century. While prime ministers may, through his power in the chamber, choose any of the apartments, most have selected No. 3 on the east side, being the closest to the bridge that leads to the working premises of the House of Commons. Furniture and basic services like cleaning and catering in these apartments are provided at public expense. A number of smaller apartments were added after the Pan-Septentrion War under a consideration of fairness towards backbenchers, though no prime minister has resided in them.

If also Chancellor, the prime minister also has an apartment (相舍, smangs-l′ah) in the Chancery (相府, smangs-poq), which would have been heavily staffed before the modern era; however, austerity measures in the wake of the Maverican Wars and a series of peers in office, not needing residences, have rendered this apartment disused. Today, it is mostly used as an office space for the Prime Minister's Private Office (相私官), but a suite of rooms is still available in it.

Transport

As part of the Council of Correspondence, the prime minister enjoys a motorcade (駕) that may be summoned for any official business. The motorcade includes a limousine for the premier, a sedan for his secretaries or agents, and an optional car for family members. Prime ministers in ill health have generally received an additional vehicle for care personnel and medical equipment, in case of emergencies. The motorcade includes chauffeurs paid at public expense. Abuse of the motorcade is controversial in Themiclesia, for such purposes as going on personal vacations and chauffeuring individuals not entitled to it. Generally, the prime minister will also possess a personal car, which may be parked at the prime ministerial residence. While it was common for a prime minister to retain a private chauffeur for his vehicle, prime ministers have generally driven themselves since the 90s in at least some occasions.

The prime minister, along with Cabinet and junior ministers, enjoys first-class service ex officio on any route operated by the National Railways, or the highest level of service on routes where first class is not available. Traditionally, prime ministers have refrained from sitting on saloon carriage on trains, since this is typical of royalty. Domestic cruise lines and ferries typically offer free passage, also at the highest class of service, to government ministers; however, some prime ministers have preferred to pay for all fares on private vessels. If the prime minister is travelling in a military vehicle, vessel, or aircraft, that transport is named "Commandeer B" (乙御事), since the "A" transport is symbolically reserved for the prime minister's herald. The word "commandeer" refers to the authority of the crown and the royal ministry, which outranks military officers and may commandeer military resources at will.[2]

Security

Until recently, prime ministers have generally relied on household retainers (舍人) for protection of his person, residence, and property.   Retainers followed the prime minister almost everywhere he goes, except for the inner court of the palaces, where the sovereign (at least symbolically) lives. There was a customary limit on the number of armed retainers, 20 for Cabinet ministers and 8 for junior ministers, though most ministers found them unnecessary for urban activity. Cabinet ministers are also permitted to fanfare on the streets of the capital city, in order to drive away other roadusers and clear congestion; this privilege has been deprecated in recent times. It is properly the privilege of peers to arm retainers, but in the 19th century the crown assigned its own retainers, the Gentlemen of the Household, to prime ministers that were not peers. A retainer expected grants of land or opportunities in return for service, which was nominally unpaid.

Into the 20th century, commoners serving as prime ministers became the rule rather than exception, while the number of retainers rapidly dwindled in even major houses. After royal retainers were strained to foil a series of attempts on Emperor S.kênt's life, it also became questioned if they, receiving no formal training, were reliable in this duty around the head of government and other dignitaries. Diplomatic security personnel began protecting ministers in 1940, for their discretion and experience around sensitive information and situations. Today, the Kien-k'ang Metropolitan Police stations patrols around the prime minister's official residences and private city home, while the Foreign Office's agents monitor the prime minister's person. Both are present when the motorcade is in use.

History

Pre-modern prime ministers

During the late Hexarchy, the Tsins state disestablished many of its inner domains (內諸侯, nubh-tja-go) to enlarge the demesne land (寰官, gwren-kwar), directly controlled and taxed by the ruler; this enlarged the power of the Chancellor of Tsjinh, the head of the bureaucracy. Following the Treaty of Five Kings, the Tsjinh monarch acquired primacy over the other four states. The chancellor thus sometimes became suspect, since he could be very well-regarded and able but have connections to other states. Additionally, the Tsjinh monarch actively encouraged the vassals of the other barons to defect (外諸侯, ngwadh-tja-go), sometimes permitting them autonomy beyond the chancellor's jurisdiction. Titles were offered to courtiers for their prolonged support, if a hostile court offered competitive terms. What had been a relatively unitray state in the 2nd century became pluralistic by the early 5th. The jurisdiction of the chancellor fragmented, and monarchs dealt with many autonomous leaders.

In 420, the Tsjinh was overthrown by King Mjen of Sungh. Having himself been chancellor, Mjen left the office vacant in case a usurper imitated his rise to power. In its stead, the two Right and Left Vice Chancellors (丞相, djeng-smjangh) became collegiate ministers.[3] The Right Vice Chancellor was regarded as the more senior, but the two were co-equals in power and access to the monarch. Only during very brief periods was a full chancellor appointed over them. The Sungh monarchs' desire to increase royal power prevented the consolidation of baronial land under the Vice Chancellors. During the final decades of the Sungh dynasty, the Council of Correspondence emerged as a keystone department to administer the many types of resource towards warfare, working in the name of the king. While this was only done during warfare initially, the Council's power grew in the absence of an active monarch.

The Council of Correspondence, an old office of secretaries that managed royal correspondences, grew in power and came to eclipse the Chancellor of Tsjinh as the monarch's first minister.[4] To the crown, the Council had important advantage over the Chancery: it was outside of the ordinary bureaucracy, a collegiate office, and oversaw state papers without regard for internal boundaries. Contra the Chancery, which only oversaw the demesne land. In the late Tsjinh, its aristocracy had gained control over the bureaucracy through the civic election system, whose rigid rules of appointment and promotions reduced both royal power and social mobility. But as the Council was made up of secretaries without formal authority, the crown appointed allies without threat of ceding power, since the secretaries' decisions the crown must ultimately validate.

The Sungh gave way to the Rjang in 491, whose inchoative ruler, repledged himself to the Treaty of Five Kings but sought to vassalize the other crowns. In 497 – 505, war broke out and ended in favour of Rjang. It mobilized troops on an unprecedented scale, some estimate over 100,000 over the period, creating logistical demands of similar proportions. Changes in government structure occurred to meet the demands of warfare, most centrally the final consolidation of administration over the baronies in both the frontiers. To reduce the number of grain shipments over land and water, baronial subjects were conscripted into agricultural labour by the central government while barons were appointed to military offices. After the end of the war, the Rjang did not restore the barons' manorial powers and instead granted them increased incomes made possible by intensive agriculture; the Council's power over these lands was thus normalized in peacetime.

Post-Settlement

The role of the prime minister shifted dramatically at the appointment of the Baron of Gar-lang in 1801, representing the first occasion since the 17th century where the baronage, autonomously assembled in the Council, successfully demanded the crown appoint a chief administrator of its choosing. However, the prime minister was very much bound to the administrative office in which the position is vested and could not govern without royal assent, which was rarely forthcoming without threats from either side. This tense relationship subsided during the final decade of Emperor ′Ēi's reign in consequence of a new tension developing between the Emperor and the Crown Prince, of whom the former was suspicious.

The jurisdiction of the prime minister was not as complete during the Post-Settlement epoch as before or after, due to a persistent effort of the throne's to defend a private sphere of influence. The size of this sphere emerged as a radix of dispute. The official head of government was often the Chancellor, Vice-Chancellor, or the Exchequer-Chancellor, but the Chief Secretary of State also functioned as head of the royal court and with it the many departments and factories under its management. In some characterizations, the Chief Secretary of State and Chancellor were co-heads of government, as co-operation between the two was more frequent than their opposition towards the mid-1810s.

This détente between differing philosophies and policy outlook deteriorated at the death of Emperor ′Ēi in 1821 and ascension of his successor, Emperor Kryāng. The Baron of Qrīk became Chief Secretary, and his immediate task became the aggressive expansion of royal finance both to discharge debts to the state treasury. Increases in prices of mineral ores and land rents angered many business investors that the previous sovereign had attracted onto his properties. In response, the attitudes of the aristocracy also hardened, extending to extracting concessions from Qrīk serving as Chief Secretary and threatening to enact further sanctions on the royal exchequer. This resistance in turn inspired resistance from Kryāng, who invested in foreign colonies despite the Chancellor's policy of non-interference with Casaterran colonists on the continent.

Modern era

Kryāng's unexpected death in 1825 signalled the end for any serious hope for recapturing of the continent, but co-operation between the Chancellor and Chief Secretary continued. In the earlier part of Emperor Ng′ars's reign, his Chief Secretary the Baron of Ran proved more competent than the aristocracy had expected, especially compared to the Baron of Tups, who was Chancellor. Tups's line, the suppression of the royal estate and collection of debts from it, appeared old and tired against a more conciliatory approach by Ran, especially when the Crown's domestic business ventures had attracted a considerable deal of investment and was professionally managed. As the Crown lost objectives countervailing to the aristocracy, the two offices began to merge.

In 1833, Ran, as Chief Secretary, was made Vice-Chancellor; without a full Chancellor over him, he was able to be involved in both spheres of government and retain the support of both the aristocracy and crown. In this wise, Ran was viewed as the first "modern" prime minister "whose authority was more founded upon a mutual respect between the crown and aristocracy, rather than a will to check each other." It was also at this time that the role of prime minister became more detached from administrative work. These compromises made between several generations of aristocratic leaders and monarchs are, in the view of some authors, the underlying political realities that made the introduction of the Westminster system possible.

Deputies

The deputies of the President of Correspondence are the Minister of the Left (左僕射, dzar-bok-mljagh) and Minister of the Right (右僕射, gwrje′-bok-mljagh), in this order. However, the Minister of the Left may be prime minister when the office of President is vacant, such as during the premiership of Lord Tl'jang-mjen (1872 – 78). Tl'jang-mjen governed as Minister of the Left to avoid becoming a peer upon appointment, and he was consistently named as prime minister both in speech and writing, reflecting that the office of prime minister is not attached to that of President. In this situation, the next most senior minister will usually not use the title of Minister of the Right, but the lower one of Secretary of State for Rites.

Style of address

In reference, most Themiclesians use the title "president of correspondence" before the prime minister's personal name, in the initial instance. Where context is clear, normally only the title is used. For example, the current prime minister would be referred to as "president of correspondence, Le" (尚書令貽) then as "president of correspondence" (尚書令). In speech, the prime minister is typically called "my lord prime minister" (相君), since prime ministers had usually been peers.  In letter salutations, the prime minister is styled ntenh-g′ra′ (殿下) or kap-g′ra′ (閤下), referring to the palace in the Chancery and the small gates leading to private quarters in the same, respectively. These styles are usually translated as "Your Highness" and "Your Excellency". If an incumbent or former prime minister dies, the appropriate honorific is m′eng (薨), meaning "have gone to the dreams".

The use of the style "Your Highness" relative to the prime minister is considered only appropriate in official writing where the addressee is identified as the Chancellor. If the letter is bound for the prime minister personally, or when the prime minister is not the Chancellor, "Your Excellency" is considered socially correct.

In foreign languages, the prime minister is simply called "the Prime Minister". Traditional media do not use the phrase "Mr. Prime Minister", but it is occasionally seen in the foreign press.

Peerage problem

It was customary for many centuries for the prime minister to be a peer. Peers were frequently from generations of counsellors to the monarchy and therefore enjoyed preferrment to the crown. While peers do not always form a political party, the monarch usually strived to maintain a working relationship with them, if for nothing more than a check on the civil service. If the throne was strong, prime ministers could be promoted from administrators and be made peers; if not, the prime minister was usually selected from the ranks of the peers. The wider court agreed with this arrangement, as peers were a conservative influence, whereas bureaucrats could be eager for achievement. The benefit of stability was also conferred by having a peer in charge, since other peers effectively formed his council; drastic policies were made less likely.

Following the Great Settlement, the peers behaved as a dovish political party and gained an upper hand at court against the hawkish civil service. The crown attempted without success to wrest power from the peers on several occasions; as a response, the peers made it a legal requirement that the President of Correspondence be a peer. In the previous century's continuous warfare, many commoners have distinguished themselves and become the emperor's prime minister, while peers were weary that the balance of power was shifting to the bureaucrats supported military activity. While the military has become a tool of social mobility to some extent, ministers were still chosen from bureaucrats with a long family history of public service.

After 1820, it was once again the rule that all prime ministers be made peers upon appointment, not broken until 1872 when Lord Tl'jang-mjen refused a peerage, as his power base was in the House of Commons. In 1875, rising Conservative politician Lord Gwrjang-goi, became the Lord of Krungh at his father's death and was thereby set back in his career for more than two decades, losing his rapport in the House of Commons and having to compete with the Lord of M'i for primacy in the upper house. In the 1900s, some prime ministers have used, amidst criticism, the peerage as weapons to unseat party rivals or to end a perdecessor's political career, since governing as a peer became difficult since the resignation of the Lord of Sloi in 1931. Following similar laws in Anglia and Lerchernt, it was made possible to refuse or resign a peerage in 1957.

Since Go Mjanh-kje, peerages have been offered to prime ministers at resignation, instead of appointment; this is supported by both parties as the less politically-disruptive option, while still retaining an important and traditional dignity for a prime minister. However, many prime ministers did not wish to take a peerage even at resignation, if they believe they would return to power in the Commons. Since the Pan-Septentrion War, former prime ministers have generally been allowed to take up a peerage at request, which usually occurred at retirement instead of resignation.

The issue of a peer serving as prime minister again arose in 1971. The general election that year had given a plurality to the Conservatives, whose favourite was Ben Kro C.; however, Kro suffered a heart attack days before the formal resignation of the outgoing government leader, and in his place Conservative leaders selected the Baron of S.rong-sngrar, who had been the shadow minister for foreign affairs and was active in diplomatic service to Hallia and Anglia. Equally importantly, S.rong-sngrar's seat in the House of Lords liberated him from the need to undergo by-election upon appointment. While the peer was appointed without contestation, the parties in opposition generated much negative publicity surrounding the fact the prime minister never held elected office. The Attorney-general and other prominent jurists defended S.rong-sngrar's appointment on legal grounds, though with no voice or apparent deputy in the lower house, his administration encountered many difficulties and was widely considered unsatisfactory even amongst Conservative circles. The opposition united in 1972 and ousted S.rong-sngrar.

Two other peers, the Baronness of Prja and the Baron of Nu have been prime minister since 1972, and both led caretaker governments: Prja was in office for 22 days in 1977, and Nu, 15 days in 1989.

List of positions

  • Tsins to late Mrangs (c. 290 to 710): Chancellor
  • Late Mrangs (710 – 752): First Vice-Chancellor and Second Vice-Chancellor
  • Dzi (752 – 1080): Chancellor
  • Dren (1080 – 1210): Chancellor
  • Ngwets (1210 – 1410): President of Secretaries
  • Republic (1410 – 1503): Elder cum Chancellor
  • Ra (1503 – 1624): President of Secretaries
  • L′o (1624 – 1667): President of Secretaries
  • Modern period (from 1667): President of Secretaries

List of holders since 1800

Legend:

  Anti-royalist → Conservative
  Imperialist → Reformist → Liberal
Progressive Alliance → Progressive
National government
Independent or other
Prime minister Shinasthana Appointed Dismissed Seat Position
  Baron of Gar-lang 河陽矦 Oct. 2, 1800 †Jan. 14, 1814 N/A Chancellor
Baron of Kars-ding 建成矦 Feb. 5, 1814 Nov. 27, 1817 Chancellor
  Baron of Mens-lang (1) 文陽矦 Dec. 1, 1817 May 22, 1821 Chancellor
  Baron of Sghang 庠矦 May 22, 1821 Jul. 29, 1823 Vice-Chancellor
C Baron of Mens-lang (2) 文陽矦 Jul. 31, 1823 Oct. 12, 1825 Vice-Chancellor
C Baron of Hrus 孝矦 Nov. 10, 1825 †Apr. 2, 1826 Vice-Chancellor
C Baron of Tubh (1) 薱矦 Apr. 21, 1826 Sep. 30, 1833 Chancellor
Baron of P.ran (1) 闌矦 Oct. 5, 1833 Feb. 22, 1836 Chief Secretary of State
C Baron of Tubh (2) 薱矦 Feb. 22, 1836 Sep. 30, 1836 Vice-Chancellor
Baron of P.ran (2) 闌矦 Oct. 5, 1836 Mar. 10, 1838 Chief Secretary of State
C Chief Baron of Mrangs 魯孟矦 Mar. 10, 1838 Dec. 5, 1838 Chancellor
Baron of S.tsrungs 淙矦 Dec. 5, 1838 Nov. 1, 1839 Chancellor
Baron of Ng′rar′-lang 彥陽矦 Nov. 1, 1839 Apr. 2, 1840 Vice-Chancellor
C Baron of K.r′egh-qrum (1) 徠陰矦 Apr. 2, 1840 Jul. 12, 1841 Chancellor
Baron of P.ran (3) 闌矦 Jul. 12, 1841 Aug. 2, 1843 Vice-Chancellor
C Baron of K.r′egh-qrum (2) 徠陰矦 Aug. 2, 1843 Feb. 5, 1844 Chancellor
Baron of Lri 遲矦 Feb. 5, 1844 Jun. 24, 1844 Chief Secretary of State
Baron of Rai-lang (1) 漓陽矦 Jan. 15, 1844 Jul. 22, 1847 House of Lords Chief Secretary of State
C Baron of Qrik-lang 益陽矦 Jul. 23, 1847 Sep. 14, 1847 House of Lords Vice-Chancellor
L Baron of Rai-lang (2) 漓陽矦 Sep. 14, 1847 Jun. 10, 1858 House of Lords Chief Secretary of State
C Baron of Ghwar (1) 桓矦 Jun. 10, 1858 Dec. 1, 1858 House of Lords Vice-Chancellor
L Baron of Rai-lang (3) 漓陽矦 Dec. 1, 1858 Jun. 10, 1859 House of Lords Chief Secretary of State
C Baron of Ghwar (2) 桓矦 Jun. 14, 1859 Feb. 4, 1861 House of Lords Vice-Chancellor
Exchequer-Chancellor
L Chief Baron of Sng′ra′ (1) 楚矦 Feb. 11, 1861 Nov. 30, 1866 House of Lords Vice-Chancellor
Chief Secretary of State
C Baron of Nya′-qrum 女陰矦 Nov. 30, 1866 Mar. 5, 1869 House of Lords Chief Secretary of State
Vice-Chancellor
L Chief Baron of Sng′ra′ (2) 楚矦 Mar. 7, 1869 Dec. 1, 1873 House of Lords Chief Secretary of State
L Lord Tl′ang-men 昌文君 Dec. 1, 1873 Mar. 22, 1878 Kien-k'ang West Chief Secretary of State
C Baron of M′il (1) 迷矦 May 15, 1878 Jul. 21, 1880 House of Lords Chief Secretary of State
L Lord L′wang-men (1) 通文君 Jul. 22, 1880 Nov. 25, 1886 Sng'rja Chief Secretary of State
C Baron of M′i (2) 迷矦 Nov. 25, 1886 Jan. 22, 1889 House of Lords Chief Secretary of State
L Lord L′wang-men (2) 通文君 Jan. 27, 1889 Feb. 4, 1891 Sng'rja Chief Secretary of State
C Baron of S.nur-lang 綏陽矦 Feb. 4, 1891 Oct. 5, 1894 House of Lords Chief Secretary of State
C Baron of Krungs 洚矦 Oct. 6, 1894 Apr. 3, 1897 House of Lords Chief Secretary of State
L Baron of N′ars 漢矦 Apr. 3, 1897 Jun. 2, 1900 House of Lords Chief Secretary of State
C Baron of Krungs 洚矦 Jun. 5, 1900 May 10, 1907 House of Lords Chief Secretary of State
C Baron of Rem-′an 臨安矦 May 12, 1907 Mar. 10, 1909 House of Lords Chief Secretary of State
L Baron of Mik (1) 邲矦 Mar. 22, 1909 Jan. 15, 1911 House of Lords Chief Secretary of State
C Baron of Slwai (1) 隨矦 Jan. 15, 1911 Nov. 22, 1915 House of Lords Chief Secretary of State
L Goh Mjanh-kje (1) 冓萬基 Nov. 22, 1915 Apr. 30, 1916 Ra-tong Secretary of State for Finance
L Baron of Mik (2) 邲矦 Apr. 30, 1916 Jul. 13, 1918 House of Lords Chief Secretary of State
L Goh Mjanh-kje (2) 冓萬基 Nov. 22, 1915 Apr. 30, 1916 Ra-tong Secretary of State for Finance
C Baron of Slwai (2) 隨矦 Jul. 13, 1918 Oct. 7, 1921 House of Lords Chief Secretary of State
L Rjuk Mer 陸敏 Oct. 8, 1921 Oct. 5, 1927 Kien-k'ang Korh Chief Secretary of State
C Baron of Slwai (3) 隨矦 Oct. 5, 1927 Mar. 22, 1930 House of Lords Chief Secretary of State
L Poqs Gw′ei (1) 付闈 Mar. 29, 1930 Nov. 10, 1933 Hibh Chief Secretary of State
C Baron of Slwai (4) 隨矦 Nov. 11, 1933 Apr. 10, 1935 House of Lords Chief Secretary of State
L Pwaqs Gw′ei (2) 付闈 Apr. 10, 1935 Sep. 24, 1935 Hibh Chief Secretary of State
C Lram Lwang 談通 Sep. 24, 1935 Mar. 1, 1936 Brjih-an Chief Secretary of State
Lram Lwang (national) 談通 Mar. 1, 1936 Jun. 5, 1942 Brjih-an Chief Secretary of State
Pwaqs Gw′jei (national) 付闈 Jun. 5, 1942 Oct. 2, 1947 Hibh South Chief Secretary of State
C Trung N.lem 充滕 Oct. 2, 1947 May 30, 1950 Kien-k'ang Gwreng Chief Secretary of State

Notes

  1. According to some, this outcome is inevitable after the franchise has been made universal in 1907. By that point, the House of Lords can no longer claim to represent the interests, however obliquely, of classes excluded from the franchise: the House of Commons now represented the interests of virtually all Themiclesians. This argument was once the upper house's standard defence, that they represented the interests of their tenants and even the entire agrarian economy.
  2. If the Cabinet Secretaries are following the Prime Minister, their transports would be called "Accompanitant A" (甲副) and "Accompanitant B" (乙副), respectively.
  3. In situations where two similar things require differentiation, opposite descriptors were frequently used; the words "right" and "left" have no physical relevance, except to provide a contrast.
  4. The other royal houses of Themiclesia did not recognize the name change from Tsjinh to Sungh.

See also