In 1837, Queen Victoria begins her long reign over the United Kingdom, a country split between Liberals and Conservatives. Liberals strive for social progress, including repeal of the Corn Laws to help feed the working classes, expansion of the electorate to create a real democracy, and Home Rule for Ireland. Conservatives want to slow the pace of change, while advancing their own agenda to maintain order, protect traditional values, and secure the Empire. Her Majesty occasionally interferes in politics, but it’s the Prime Minister who really governs the country and sets the political agenda.
"I think that the principle of the Conservative Party is jealousy of liberty and of the people, only qualified by fear; but I think the principle of the Liberal Party is trust in the people, only qualified by prudence." - W.E. Gladstone, Prime Minister (Liberal Party), 1868-1874, 1880-1885, 1886, 1892-1894
“My objection to Liberalism is this—that it is the introduction into the practical business of life of the highest kind—namely, politics—of philosophical ideas instead of political principles." - Benjamin Disraeli, Prime Minister (Conservative Party), 1868, 1874-1880
Ten different Prime Ministers served during Victoria’s reign, with varying degrees of success. Now it’s your turn to experience Victorian political life, taking on the role of a historical politician. Will you make your mark as a Backbencher? Stir up trouble as a wily Opposition Leader? Or successfully govern the world's greatest empire as Prime Minister?
Gameplay Overview
In Prime Minister, 1 to 4 players vie for power and prestige in Victorian-era Britain.
At the beginning of the game, each player draws a Politician Card representing a historical Prime Minister from Queen Victoria's reign. Each card features unique abilities that you'll retain throughout the game.
You’ll also have one of three exchangeable player mats for your Politician’s current role: Prime Minister, Opposition Leader, or Backbencher.
While keeping one eye on the next election, players select and debate bills, pursue official appointments, recruit influential Victorians represented by "Supporter Cards", garner favor with the Queen, and, when the time is right, challenge other players for their leadership roles.
Leadership roles and party control of government shift throughout the game, and you’ll rack up victory points as you secure personal and political achievements. Gameplay is partly cooperative, but only one player can win by holding the Prime Minister's seat at the game's end.
Play Time, Scenarios, & Solitaire System
A standard multiplayer game of Prime Minister plays in about 2 to 3 hours. Prime Minister also features 12 different scenarios with varying playtimes and player counts, plus an automated “Clockwork System” that enables solitaire play against your choice of ten different “Clockwork Politicians”.
Contents:
- 200+ Poker-sized Cards
- 10 Tarot-sized Clockwork Politician Cards
- 6 Player Aids
- 5 Player Mats
- 1 Mounted Game Board
- 1 Game Box
- 54 Wooden Markers
- 1 Multiplayer Rulebook
- 1 Solitaire Rulebook
