Chancellor of Germany (1949–present) clear focus of power in Germany. Under the provisions of the Basic Law giving him the power to set guidelines for all fields of policy, Adenauer arrogated nearly all major decisions to himself. He often treated his ministers as mere extensions of his authority rather than colleagues. While his successors have tended to be less domineering, the chancellor has acquired enough ex officio authority (in addition to his/her constitutional powers) that Germany is often described by constitutional law experts as a "chancellor democracy". The chancellor determines the composition of the Federal Cabinet. The President formally appoints and dismisses cabinet ministers,
Richard West (Lord Chancellor of Ireland) Richard West (Lord Chancellor of Ireland) Richard West (c. 1691 – 3 December 1726) was an 18th-century barrister, judge, playwright and politician who sat in the House of Commons from 1721 to 1726. He was Lord Chancellor of Ireland from 1725 to 1726, succeeding Alan Brodrick, 1st Viscount Midleton. West was born in London, son of Richard West senior, a merchant (who outlived him). West was called to the Bar in 1714 and became one of its leaders in a remarkably short time; he was made King's Counsel and a Bencher of the Inner Temple in 1717. He was returned