I think in some languages the word for "government" is used to refer to the executive branch or its head more directly, whereas in English it's often used to refer to its multiple branches.
Actually, in English the word "government" is used to refer to the executive branch in places that have the Westminster tradition. For instance, whereas an American might say "the administration condemned those who eat cheese with a fork", an Australian would say "the government has condemned those who eat cheese with a fork". (I think Americans are more careful about distinguishing the state and federal administrations compared to an Australian, who is generally pretty lax about such technicalities in between elections.)
