VPRS 4023 Copies Of Letters Patent

As originally the Lieutenant Governor (1851-1855) and under the 1855 Victorian Constitution the ultimate executive power in the State is vested in the Governor as the representative of the Crown. Under the Constitution, this executive power is exercised through and with the advice of the elected Government and its Ministers, although prior to 1855, the Lieutenant-Governor had full executive authority. The Governor presides over meetings of the Executive Council (VA 2903) through which executive authority is exercised.This series consists of copies of commissions issued to certain officers such as the Premier and the Commanding Officer of Victorias military forces to preside at meetings of the Executive Council during the absence of the Governor.