Originally Posted by jem

Indeed, in theory at least the Queen can dismiss the individual members of the governement (they are after all members of Her Majesty's Government) and literally appoint anyone she likes in their place. She can also disolve Parliament. But the crucial matter is that Parliament; by law; controls the finances of the country and only Parliament in conjunction with the Monarchy can make or change laws. So no Parliament, no taxes, no taxes, no money to run the country

So although the Queen can choose whoever she wants to be the govenment, unless they can command a majority in Parliament, which effectively means the Commons - directly elected by the people, in practice the Monarch's ability to interfere with the running of the country is severely limited.