lds meetings at least as frequently as once a week for
the discussion of matters of common administrative interest, the
drafting of laws or of constitutional amendments, the supervision of
local administration, and, in emergencies, the promulgation of
ordinances which have the force of law until the ensuing session of
the Landtag. There are certain acts, as the proclaiming of a state of
siege, which may be performed only with the sanction of this body. The
fact remains, none the less, that, normally, the work of the several
departments is carried on independently and that the ministry exhibits
less cohesion than any other in a state of Prussia's size and
importance. It is to be observed that there is likewise a Staatsrath,
or Council of State (dating originally from 1604 and revived in (p. 256)
1817), composed of princes, high officials of state, ministers,
judges, and other persons of influence designated by the crown. It may
be consulted on legislative proposals, disputes as to the spheres of
the various ministries, and other important matters. In barrenness of
function, however, as in structure, it bears a close resemblance
to-day to the British Privy Council.[379]

[Footnote 377: The office of Chancellor was
discontinued with the death of Hardenberg and that
of Minister-President substituted. The Chancellor
possessed substantial authority over his
colleagues. Since 1871, the Minister-President has
been a Chancellor, but of the Empire, not of
Prussia.]

[Footnote 378: The Staats-Ministerium was called
into being, to replace the old Council of State, by
an ordinance of October 27, 1810. Its functions
were further elaborated in cabinet orders of June
3, 1814, and November 3, 1817. The constitution of
1850 preserved it and assigned it some new duties.]

[Footnote 379: On the organization and functions of
the Prussian ministry see Dupriez, Les Ministres,
I., 345-462; von Seydel, Preussisches Staatsrecht,
91-104; von Roenne, Das Staatsrecht der preussischen
Monarchie, 4th ed., III.; Schulze, Das preussische
Staatsrecht, II.]

*273. Subsidiary Executive Bodies.*