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Revision as of 18:47, 14 September 2002 by Christian List (talk | contribs) (- self link)(diff) ← Previous revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)The head of state is the person who represents a country or state in diplomatic protocol. This person is responsible for receiving and sending ambassadors.
In a monarchy this person is generally the King or Queen. In many former British colonies, the powers of the head of state have been delegated to a governor-general. In a republic, the head of state is often called the President.
The actual power of the head of state varies considerably from state to state. In many states, the head of state is a powerless figurehead who is separate from the head of government. In presidential systems the head of state may be the same person as the head of government.
In states where the head of state and the head of government are separate, the head of government is usually formally appointed by the head of state although the head of state's actions are often constrained by convention or law.