Page "Prime Minister of the United Kingdom" Paragraph 10

Under this arrangement Britain might appear to have two executives: the Prime Minister and Sovereign.

The concept of " the Crown " resolves this paradox.

The Crown symbolises the state ’ s authority to govern: to make laws and execute them, impose taxes and collect them, declare war and make peace.

Before the " Glorious Revolution " of 1688 the Sovereign wore the Crown and exercised the powers it symbolises.

Afterwards Parliament gradually forced Sovereigns to assume a neutral political position.

Parliament placed the Crown in " commission ", entrusting its authority to responsible Ministers ( the Prime Minister and Cabinet ), accountable for their policies and actions to Parliament and the people.

Although the Sovereign still wears the Crown and her prerogative powers are still legally intact, Parliament has removed her from everyday governance, leaving her in practice with three constitutional rights: to be kept informed, to advise, and to warn.