Centralregeringen

Centralregeringen refers to the national executive authority in a country, typically headed by a prime minister or president and supported by a cabinet. It is responsible for nationwide policy, foreign affairs, defense, macroeconomic management, and the administration of laws that apply across the entire country. The central government operates within a constitutional framework and is distinct from subnational authorities such as regional or local governments.

The central government generally comprises an executive branch and an administrative apparatus, including ministries or departments. It proposes legislation, implements policy, and executes the budget. It also coordinates national strategies on security, diplomacy, economy, social welfare, and education, and may exercise emergency powers during crises. In many countries the central government is elected, either directly or through a parliamentary system, and is subject to checks and balances by a legislature and an independent judiciary.

Relationship to subnational authorities: In unitary states the central government holds primary authority, with subnational bodies carrying out delegated tasks. In federal states power is constitutionally divided, with national authorities handling certain areas while states or provinces retain others. The central government often uses fiscal transfers, standards, and nationwide regulations to align regional policies with national goals.

Terminology: The term central government or national government is used in many languages; in Scandinavian languages centralregeringen denotes the national executive as opposed to regional administrations. The precise powers and structure vary by constitution and political system.