Head of state

A head of state or chief of state is an individual who serves as the chief public representative of a nation-state, federation or commonwealth. His or her role generally includes personifying the continuity and legitimacy of the state and exercising the political powers, functions and duties granted to the head of state in the country's constitution.

Selection of heads of state

A heads of state may acquire their position in a number of ways:

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• The position of a monarch is usually hereditary. There are rare exceptions to this, such as the Pope.
• The head of state of a republic is usually elected, either:
• Directly: through popular election.
• Indirectly: by members of the legislature or of a special college of electors.
• A head of state who is an authoritarian ruler may seize power. Dictators often use democratic titles, though some proclaim themselves monarchs. Examples of the latter include Emperor Napoleon III of France and King Zog of Albania. Francisco Franco, who adopted the formal title Jefe del Estado, or Chief of State, and established himself as regent for a vacant monarchy. Idi Amin made himself President for Life, and Kim Jong-il of North Korea is styled "the Dear Leader."

Governors-general

In some cases, where one person is head of state of multiple countries, they may be represented by a governor-general. Examples are Canada, Australia and New Zealand, where the monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, resides in another of her kingdoms, the United Kingdom, and so is represented by a governor-general. The 16 member-states of the Commonwealth of Nations which have Queen Elizabeth II as Sovereign, including the United Kingdom, are known as Commonwealth Realms.

Related Topics:
Governor-general - Canada - Australia - New Zealand - Queen Elizabeth II - United Kingdom - Commonwealth of Nations - Queen Elizabeth II - Commonwealth Realms

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The Governor-General may fulfill many of the roles of a head of state, but is not legally the head of state, rather an appointed representative of the head of state that may act in her place in her absence from the state. Some governors-general are considered de facto heads of state because, though not the de jure (juridical or legal) head of state, they function ? i.e., in actuality ? like a head of state in most or all jurisdictions.

Related Topics:
''de facto'' heads of state - ''de jure'' (juridical or legal) - Jurisdiction

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In diplomatic situations, governors-general, if treated as de facto heads of state, are sometimes accorded a status akin to a head of state, but that is by tradition and on a case by case and person by person basis, not automatic. At state banquets, for example, toasts are made to the head of state, (eg, "Her Majesty the Queen of Australia"), never a governor-general, except in so far as a personal toast may be proposed subsequently to "Governor-General and Mrs Smith" as hosts of, or guests at, the banquet. Similarly, Letters of Credence contain the name of the head of state, not the governor-general, even if it is the latter who signs and receives them.

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Titles

Along with President, King, and Queen, a few Heads of State use different titles.

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Country

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Title

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Kuwait, Qatar

Related Topics:
Kuwait - Qatar

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Emir

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Japan

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Emperor

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Liechtenstein, Monaco

Related Topics:
Liechtenstein - Monaco

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Prince

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Luxembourg

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Grand Duke

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Vatican

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Pope

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San Marino

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Captain Regent

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Oman

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Sultan

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The Netherlands (historical)

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stadholder

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Spain (1939-1975), Singapore (1959-1965)

Related Topics:
Spain - Singapore

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"Head of State"

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There are also a few nations in which the exact title and definition of the office of Head of State is vague. These include Kim Jong-il in North Korea and Ali Khamenei of Iran (the Supreme Leader).

Related Topics:
Kim Jong-il - North Korea - Ali Khamenei - Iran - Supreme Leader

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The Emperor (Tennō) of Japan is defined as a symbol, not head, of state by the post-war constitution.

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Statistics

• World's longest serving current Head of State: King Rama IX of Thailand (since June 91946)
• World's longest serving current republican Head of State: President Omar Bongo of Gabon (since November 28 1967)
• Nations with multiple people as Head of State: Switzerland (seven-member Federal Council); San Marino (two "Captains-regent"); Andorra (president of France and bishop of Urgell, Spain, co-princes); Bosnia and Herzegovina (three member presidency, from three different nations).
• Person who serves as Head of State in the most nations: Queen Elizabeth II serves as Head of State in 16 different independent countries.