My Government

My Government is a term sometimes used in Commonwealth Realms by the monarch or his/her representatives during the Throne Speech. While reading the speech, which is prepared by the government ministers of the day, the royal figure historically used the phrase "my government" when describing the agendas put forth. For example "my government will pursue a policy of ——." The intent of this was to make the connection between the monarch and government, and imply that the government was a possession of the monarch, working on his or her behalf. The idea of the monarch as the symbolic "owner" of the elected government has historically been one of the principles of constitutional monarchy.

In recent years, however, many Commonwealth Realms around the world have phased out the term "my government." In Canada and Australia, the vice-regal may substitute "my government" for phrases like "our government," "your government," or simply "the government" when reading the Throne Speech. In the United Kingdom and much of the Caribbean "my government" remains solely used.

United States President George W. Bush has also used the phrase "my government." On June 11, 2007, while on a trip to Bulgaria, Bush said under pressure to fire Attorney General Alberto Gonzales, "They can try to have their votes of no confidence, but it's not going to determine -- make the determination who serves in my government." [ [http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/06/11/AR2007061100384.html Washington Times Bush Vows to Revive Immigration Plan, Backs Gonzales] ]

ee also

Her Majesty's Government

References