Head of government

The top or second-highest executive branch official of a sovereign state, federated state, or self-governing colony, autonomous territory, or other government, the head of government often presides over a cabinet consisting of ministers or secretaries who head executive departments. Although in many nations, such as the United States, the position of "head of government" and "head of state" refers to the same person, there is a diplomatic distinction between the two.

A president, chancellor, or prime minister's authority and the relationship between that position and other state institutions, such as the relation between the head of state and of the legislature, can vary widely from one sovereign state to the next. This is largely attributable to the particular system of government that has been chosen, won, or evolved.

The head of government is the de facto political leader of the government and answers to at least one house of the legislature in most parliamentary systems, including constitutional monarchies. Although there is often a formal reporting relationship to a head of state, the latter typically acts as a figurehead who may take the role of chief executive on limited occasions, such as upon receiving constitutional advice from the head of government or pursuant to specific provisions in a constitution.

The same person often holds the office of president and prime minister in presidential republics and the throne in absolute monarchies. However, depending on the constitution (or other fundamental rules) of the state, the relationship between that leader and the government may vary widely, from separation of powers to autocracy.

The constitution of each nation specifies whether or not the executive branch of government reports directly to the president or to both the president and the legislature. Currently, France is governed by a government that was first established in 1958 as the French Fifth Republic. The French president picks the prime minister to serve as head of government. For legislation to be passed in France, however, the president must choose a candidate who is not only capable of carrying out executive duties but also has the backing of the National Assembly. A country's head of state may be a member of one political party while lawmakers from a different party have the majority in parliament. The president is effectively constrained to choose a prime minister from the opposition party to maintain an efficient, functioning legislature due to the dominant party's superior control over state financing and key legislation. In a cohabiting presidency, the prime minister and cabinet direct domestic policy, while the president focuses on international issues.

The General Secretary of the Communist Party is the de facto leader of communist countries. The Premier of China is the legal head of government. While the President of China only has ceremonial power, since 1993 the General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party (the country's highest leader under a one-party system) has served as President.

With a directorial system, the role of the chief executive is divided among many officials. The Swiss Federal Council is a well-known example; each member of the council is the head of a different department, yet they all have a say in council recommendations.