in many jurisdictions the head of state does not take part in the day-to-day governance of the jurisdiction and takes a largely ceremonial role. this is the case in many commonwealth nations where the head of state, usually a governor almost exclusively acts "on the advice" of the head of the executive (e.g. the prime minister, first minister or premier). the primary legal role of the head of state in these jurisdictions is to act as a check or balance against the executive, as the head of state has the rarely exercised power to dissolve the legislature, call elections and dismiss ministers.