<P> 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 , ( commonly referred to as countries , nations or nation - states ) 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 '' , ( 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 ) , as they may be separate positions , individuals , or roles depending on the country . </P>
holds the name of the person or department at the head of the organization
head of government