Question

Thankfully, after lengthy discussions with your Secretary of State, you find a diplomatic solution to the conflict with additional leverage with US NATO allies. You now start planning your first official ceremonial dinner with some of our NATO allies to celebrate the resolution of the international crisis. Does this duty fall under the President being Head of State or Head of Government? How does the President’s role as Head of State and/or Head of Government differ with places like the United Kingdom?

Answer 1

The modern head of state is considered a living national symbol of the state and in hereditary monarchies this extends to the monarch being a symbol of the unbroken continuity of the state.

In this capacity, heads of state often greet important foreign visitors especially visiting heads of state and they asume a host role during a state visit.

Hence the official ceremonial dinner with the NATO allies falls under the President being the Head of State.

Under parliamentary systems such as the United Kingdom and India, the executive authority is exercised by the head of state, but in practice is done so on the advice of the cabinet of ministers.

However in a presidential republic such as the US, the executive Power is vested in the President, hence unlike in the UK the head of state is not only in theory but in practice chief executive.

Hence, roles such as appointment of senior officials are at the President's discretion, bills passed by the Congress and Senate are subject to the President's approval. and the President is also the commander-in-chief of the nation's armed forces.

However, in parliamentary systems such as the UK and India, the head of state cannot refuse to sign a bill, and, in granting a bill their assent, indicate that it was passed in accordance with the correct procedures.

In summary, the US President’s role as Head of State and/or Head of Government combine the ceremonial role of the monarch and the executive role of the Prime Minister in the UK.