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📜intro to political science review

Head of Government

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025

Definition

The head of government is the highest-ranking official in the executive branch of a country's government, responsible for leading the administration and implementing policies. This term is particularly relevant in the context of understanding the differences between parliamentary and presidential systems, as well as the role of the executive in various democratic regimes.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. In a parliamentary system, the head of government is typically the prime minister, who is the leader of the majority party or coalition in the legislature.
  2. In a presidential system, the head of government is the president, who is directly elected by the people and serves as the chief executive.
  3. The head of government is responsible for forming and leading the cabinet, which is the group of ministers or secretaries who oversee the various government departments and agencies.
  4. The head of government has the power to appoint and dismiss cabinet members, as well as to set the policy agenda and legislative priorities for the government.
  5. The relationship between the head of government and the head of state (e.g., a monarch or president) can vary depending on the political system, with the head of government often having more day-to-day power and authority.

Review Questions

  • Explain the key differences in the role of the head of government in parliamentary and presidential systems.
    • In a parliamentary system, the head of government is typically the prime minister, who is the leader of the majority party or coalition in the legislature. The prime minister is accountable to the legislature and can be removed through a vote of no confidence. In a presidential system, the head of government is the president, who is directly elected by the people and serves as the chief executive. The president has a fixed term in office and is not dependent on the support of the legislature to remain in power.
  • Describe the relationship between the head of government and the head of state in different democratic regimes.
    • The relationship between the head of government and the head of state can vary depending on the political system. In a parliamentary system, the head of state (e.g., a monarch or president) typically has a more ceremonial role, while the head of government (the prime minister) holds the real power and authority. In a presidential system, the head of state (the president) is also the head of government and has a more active role in policymaking and executive decision-making. In a semi-presidential system, there is both a president and a prime minister, with the division of power and responsibilities between the two often being more complex.
  • Analyze the role of the executive in parliamentary regimes, with a focus on the powers and responsibilities of the head of government.
    • In a parliamentary regime, the head of government, typically the prime minister, plays a central role in the executive branch. The prime minister is responsible for forming and leading the cabinet, which is the group of ministers or secretaries who oversee the various government departments and agencies. The prime minister has the power to appoint and dismiss cabinet members, as well as to set the policy agenda and legislative priorities for the government. The prime minister is also accountable to the legislature, as they can be removed through a vote of no confidence. This close relationship between the executive and legislative branches is a defining feature of parliamentary systems.