prefect
Quick Summary
In ancient Rome, a prefect was a high-ranking official with various responsibilities. Initially, a prefect of the city (praefectus urbi) acted in the consuls' absence. Later, under Emperor Augustus, the role evolved, with prefects overseeing the city's law and order, commanding the Praetorian Guard, managing the fire brigade, and overseeing the grain supply. The Praetorian Prefect, in particular, gained significant power, often acting as a prime minister to the emperor. By 300 AD, prefects were central to civil administration, handling judicial powers, tax levies, and supervising governors.1
In France, a prefect is a high government official, created by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1800. Prefects administer départements, ensuring public order and the central government's policies are executed. While their powers have shifted over time, they remain responsible for public order, good government, and promoting social policies.2
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ChinaThe rise of monarchyThe prefecture system developed in both Jin and Chu was one innovation. In Jin there were several dozen prefects across the state, each having limited authority and tenure. The Jin prefect was no more than a functionary, in contrast to the feudal practice. Similar local administrative…
Read MoreThe prefecture system developed in both Jin and Chu was one innovation. In Jin there were several dozen prefects across the state, each having limited authority and tenure. The Jin prefect was no more than a functionary, in contrast to the feudal practice. Similar local administrative…
Read More- ChinaUnification
These included prefects, whose positions were divided into several grades according to an area’s size and importance. Below the prefects there were district magistrates (subprefects) in charge of areas corresponding roughly in size to counties. The duties of these subprefects were catholic, for they were supposed to…
Read MoreThese included prefects, whose positions were divided into several grades according to an area’s size and importance. Below the prefects there were district magistrates (subprefects) in charge of areas corresponding roughly in size to counties. The duties of these subprefects were catholic, for they were supposed to…
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ItalyRegional and local government…performed by the region; the prefect, resident in each province, who is responsible for enforcing the orders of the central government and has powers of control over the organs of the province and communes; and the questore, who is the provincial chief of the state-run police.
Read More…performed by the region; the prefect, resident in each province, who is responsible for enforcing the orders of the central government and has powers of control over the organs of the province and communes; and the questore, who is the provincial chief of the state-run police.
Read More- ItalyPolitics and the political system, 1870–87
…strongly influenced by the provincial prefect, a government appointee. The prefect frequently dissolved councils for alleged financial or legal abuses and replaced them with a government “commissioner” until new elections were held, but these dissolutions often occurred when council leaders opposed government candidates at parliamentary elections. However, government attempts to…
Read More…strongly influenced by the provincial prefect, a government appointee. The prefect frequently dissolved councils for alleged financial or legal abuses and replaced them with a government “commissioner” until new elections were held, but these dissolutions often occurred when council leaders opposed government candidates at parliamentary elections. However, government attempts to…
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