Prime Minister
Definition
The head of government in a parliamentary system, responsible for leading the executive branch and setting government policy.
Explanation
The Prime Minister is the leader of the political party (or coalition) that holds a majority of seats in the lower house of parliament. In the UK, Canada, and Australia, the Prime Minister leads the government, chairs Cabinet meetings, and represents the country in international affairs. The PM is not directly elected to the role by the public but becomes PM by virtue of leading the majority party. The US does not have a Prime Minister; the President serves as both head of state and head of government.
Why this matters for your test
UK, Canadian, and Australian test takers should know the role of the Prime Minister and the current PM.
Frequently asked questions
What does Prime Minister mean?
The head of government in a parliamentary system, responsible for leading the executive branch and setting government policy. The Prime Minister is the leader of the political party (or coalition) that holds a majority of seats in the lower house of parliament. In the UK, Canada, and Australia, the Prime Minister leads the government, chairs Cabinet meetings, and represents the country in international affairs. The PM is not directly elected to the role by the public but becomes PM by virtue of leading the majority party. The US does not have a Prime Minister; the President serves as both head of state and head of government.
Why is Prime Minister important for the citizenship test?
UK, Canadian, and Australian test takers should know the role of the Prime Minister and the current PM.
How might Prime Minister appear on the test?
Expect a multiple-choice question that either asks for the definition of Prime Minister, or asks you to identify it from a short scenario. Practising real exam-style questions is the fastest way to lock the term in.
Source: General civics terminology
