[2] The sovereign is King Charles III, Canada's head of state, who is represented provincially in Quebec by the lieutenant governor, presently Manon Jeannotte.

While the powers of the Crown are vested in the monarch, they are exercised by the lieutenant governor, his personal representative, typically on the binding advice of the premier and Executive Council.

The premier acts as the head of government for the province, chairs and selects the membership of the Cabinet, and advises the Crown on the exercise of executive power and much of the royal prerogative.

Premiers hold office until resignation or removal by the lieutenant governor after either a motion of no confidence or defeat in a general election.

François Legault has served as Premier since October 18, 2018, after the Coalition Avenir Québec won a majority government following the 2018 election.