Officials in the Government of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (Russian: Правительство СССР) were people who held office in the executive branch of government in the Soviet Union, and participated in the exercise of authority. They were led by the head of the government, in the West referred to as the Premier of the Soviet Union. The members of the Soviet Government—people's commissars, ministers, and heads of state committees—were recommended by the Premier and appointed by the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet. Described below are some examples of Soviet government officials.