Premier facts for kids

Premier is sometimes used instead of Prime Minister. But it is also the title of the leader of the government in some territories.

British Colonies

When a colony is first allowed to elect its own government the head of the government is called the Chief Minister. As the colony gets more able to rule itself it is given more powers and the title of the Chief Minister is changed to Premier. When the colony becomes independent the Premier becomes a Prime Minister, and British government ministers lose any authority to rule the new country.

Australia and Canada

The leader of the federal governments in Australia and Canada is called the prime minister, but the leader of the governments in Australian States and Canadian Provinces is called the Premier. This is because the states and provinces are not independent.

See also

In Spanish: Premier para niños