Prerogative refers to the discretionary power of the executive to act outside the law, especially in times of emergency. Prior to Locke's formulation, it had referred to exclusive powers, privileges, and immunities that monarchs enjoyed under the English constitution. Royal prerogatives were used to dismiss parliament, establish monopolies, suspend the law, and carry out other controversial practices in both ordinary and extraordinary circumstances. Following Locke's redefinition, the term “prerogative” has generally been limited to the exercise of extra-legal power by the executive in extraordinary circumstances.
