Prime Minister

Prime Minister or Premier, in government, the highest ranking minister and in practice often the chief executive, even though a nation's constitution might provide for a king (monarchy) or a president (republic) as head of state. In most instances the prime minister is the chief formulator of governmental policy. The office of prime minister is particularly associated with the parliamentary system of government, and it is commonly held by the leader of the majority party or of a coalition of political parties. He or she is assisted by a Cabinet and is responsible to the legislature. The legislature either elects or approves the prime minister and, when a majority of its members oppose government policies, may force him or her out of office.