prérogative

Prérogative is a term used to describe a privilege, an exclusive right, or a discretionary power that belongs to an authority or office. The word derives from Latin praerogativus and entered French with the sense of a privilege that is preeminent or reserved for a particular office.

In constitutional and legal contexts, prerogative powers are the residual authorities of the executive that historically rested with the monarch. In many countries these powers have been narrowed or regulated by statute, constitutional provisions, or political conventions. Examples include the power to appoint and dismiss ministers, to negotiate or sign treaties, to declare war, or to grant pardons, though most of these are now exercised in practice on the advice of responsible ministers. In common law jurisdictions, prerogative writs such as habeas corpus, mandamus, certiorari, and quo warranto were historically issued in the name of the Crown to control public bodies and protect civil liberties; their use has since been integrated into ordinary administrative and judicial processes.

Beyond the state, prérogatives may refer to the exclusive privileges of a head of state, a governor, or a corporation, defined by law, constitution, or charter. The term is often associated with the discretionary powers or immune prerogatives that distinguish an office from ordinary rights granted to individuals.

In practice, the balance between prerogative powers and legal or democratic controls varies by jurisdiction, but the concept denotes authority that remains reserved to specific offices or authorities rather than conferred broadly to citizens.