From discussion to decision: the development of the decision-making process in Prussia and its underlying assumptions

Almost from its very conception in the early modern period, the Prussian political system was characterised by an emphasis on decision. In institutional terms this found expression in the creation of the Geheimer Rat (Privy Council) in 1604, which was a direct response to severe foreign-political pressure upon the state. It signalled a move away from simple, untrammelled princely self-government to a more formal decision-making process which coupled the sovereign's will to an advisory body. The Geheimer Rat was thus the first example of the constant Prussian search to harness the information, advice and expertise of many to the decisiveness of one man. For the ultimate power of decision rested always with the prince who, though he did not always attend the meetings of the Rat, had complete power to determine its agenda and had the last say in all matters. Towards the end of the century the Great Elector summed up the reasoning behind the Rat in the following advice to his successor: