Claim: G20's summits have had people.

Head of government is a generic term used for either the highest or second highest official in the executive branch of a sovereign state , a federated state , or a self-governing colony , -LRB- commonly referred to as countries , nations or nation-states -RRB- who often presides over a cabinet , a group of ministers or secretaries who lead executive departments . The term `` head of government '' is often differentiated from the term `` head of state '' , -LRB- e.g. as in article 7 of the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties , article 1 of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of Crimes against Internationally Protected Persons , including Diplomatic Agents and the United Nations protocol list -RRB- , as they may be separate positions , individuals , and/or roles depending on the country .   The authority of a head of government , such as a president , or prime minister and the relationship between that position and other state institutions , such as the relation between the head of state and of the legislature , varies greatly among sovereign states , depending largely on the particular makeup of the government that has been chosen , won , or evolved over time .   In parliamentary systems , including constitutional monarchies , the head of government is the de facto political leader of the government , and is answerable to one chamber or the entire legislature . Although there is often a formal reporting relationship to a head of state , the latter usually acts as a figurehead who may take the role of chief executive on limited occasions , either when receiving constitutional advice from the head of government or under specific provisions in a constitution . For example , in the United Kingdom , the prime minister `` advises '' the Queen on the appointment of the cabinet , advice she is required to accept . On the other hand , the Queen 's long service as the head of state enables her to provide the prime minister with information and insight into many matters to better run the government . However , because the United Kingdom is a constitutional monarchy , the Prime Minister uses his or her own discretion regarding whether or not to follow the Queen 's advice . The Queen also is entitled to appoint a new Prime Minister .   In presidential republics or in absolute monarchies , the head of state is also usually the head of government . The relationship between that leader and the government , however , can vary greatly , ranging from separation of powers to autocracy , according to the constitution -LRB- or other basic laws -RRB- of the particular state .   In semi-presidential systems , the head of government may answer to both the head of state and the legislature , with the specifics provided by each country 's constitution . A modern example is the present French government , which originated as the French Fifth Republic in 1958 . In France , the president , the head of state , appoints the prime minister , who is the head of government . However , the president must choose someone who can act effectively as an executive , but who also enjoys the support of the France 's legislature , the National Assembly , in order to be able to pass legislation . In some cases , the head of state may represent one political party but the majority in the National Assembly is of a different party . Given that the majority party has greater control over state funding and primary legislation , the president is in effect forced to choose a prime minister from the opposition party in order to ensure an effective , functioning legislature . In this case , known as cohabitation , the prime minister , along with the cabinet , controls domestic policy , with the president 's influence is largely restricted to foreign affairs .   In directorial systems , the executive responsibilities of the head of government are spread among a group of people . A prominent example is the Swiss Federal Council , where each member of the council heads a department and also votes on proposals relating to all departments .