Describe the ways in which Parliament may control the exercise of the Royal Prerogative and opine as to their vigour.


  • Because the Royal Prerogative does not enable ministers to change statute law or common law, ministers must exercise prerogative powers in a way which is consistent both with the common law as laid down by the courts and with statutes as enacted by Parliament.
  • The Prerogative is exercised by the Prime Minister, who would presumably consult the Crown before taking a decision. When such a Prerogative power is exercised there is no constitutional requirement for Parliament to be consulted, let alone decide the matter itself by a vote.
  • Parliament can override and supersede the prerogative powers by statute.
  • Parliament would control the exercise of the prerogative power by its control of supply.

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