Head of state
From ArticleWorld
Heads of State are representatives of their country or state whose powers vary according to the country’s constitution. In some cases, they have the power to hire or fire governments and in others they have no actual power at all.
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Executive systems
There are four executive systems and in each the head of state plays a different role, though the systems are not always clearly differentiated.
Presidential
(Or Imperial, as the head of state may not actually be called ‘President’). In this case, the head of state is the chief executive and is independent of the legislative body of the government. The government answers to, and can be dismissed by, him or her. Most presidents are elected democratically, eg. North America, but this category also includes those in power due to a military dictatorship or coup d’etat
Semi-presidential
In this system, the government answers to the President (as head of the state) and the legislature. The head of state shares executive power with the head of the government. France is one example of a country with this system.
Parliamentary system
The head of state is the Chief Executive Officer of the state in name only. Power is usually exercised by the cabinet, which is presided over by the prime minister who in turn answers to the parliament. The U.K, with a visible monarch at it’s head, is a good example of this system.
Non-executive heads of state
As the name indicates, the head of state does not possess any executive power or play any role within the government. Their role is that of a figurehead, or diplomat for their country. This is the system in Ireland.
Roles of the head of state
There are many roles for the heads of state, so many at times that they need to delegate responsibilities. The majority of these tasks are ceremonial and they become so identifiable with their country that they become a national symbol, as unique as the flag or the national anthem.