A caretaker government is an interim administration that holds power until a new government is formed. In parliamentary systems, a caretaker government is typically appointed when an election has been called or when a government has lost a vote of confidence. Synonyms for the term include interim government, provisional government, transitional government, and caretaker administration. These terms all describe a temporary governing body that is responsible for managing the affairs of state until a new government can be formed. While the terminology may vary, the functions and responsibilities of a caretaker government tend to remain relatively consistent across different countries and political contexts.